Running higher grade fuel.

TDCRacing · 08-11-2008

Ethanol is mixed in the gas. It is not straight ethanol to my knowledge. And it's a small percent in there at that. I dont know of any cars that are specificly approved for that either. I can't imagine that it could hurt your car. I'm sure GM just had not tested it or found no need to and they put that disclaimer in there to cover them selfs.

**Reptile** · 08-11-2008

Here's the lowdown on Ethanol fuel.

Older vehicles can't tolerate the stuff...period. Ethanol is corrosive in general to the plastics and seals by nature. It also tends to draw moisture, which in turn is corrosive in itself because unless the internals of the pump and the valves etc in the engine are stainless...they are going to corrode. Most of the new vehicles from the car manufactures can tolerate ethanol because they have started using the materials that tolerate it.

Ethanol in gasoline is basically a joke IMO, because while you're paying 10 cents/gal less, your fuel mileage goes down considerably. All my cars lose about 3-5 mpg's because of the 10% blended gas that's becoming harder and harder to avoid in Missouri.

**Scimmia** · 08-11-2008

Originally Posted by Ralphie

I checked out my owner's manual, ('04 GP GT), and it said not to use ethanol because the car wasn't designed for it. I think my local convenience store carries gas with a small amount of ethanol in it. I have been gassing up there about half the time, with no apparent ill effects.

How serious is this warning?

-Ralphie

The warning is to not run E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline). A 10% ethanol mixture is what you'll find at most pumps, and that has been approved by all major auto makers to work in their engines.

**Sabrewings** · 08-11-2008

The on base stations are now advertising absolutely no ethanol. I know where I'm buying my gas, as they're 5 cents cheaper than the off base 10% ethanol stations.

**grand prix newb** · 08-11-2008

Originally Posted by BADAZGTP

I would watch using that gas, usually a low grade fuel when they can have their price that much cheaper than others. I'd stick with the gas you know.

Yea it didn't bother my 89 olds quad 4,(or maybe it did and thats why it is not running right now(?)), But I don't think I am gonna try it on the 97 Grand Ptix. Thanks bud.

**Dohner** · 08-12-2008

Man Ralphie i have to say your awsome. I love that movie and for you to have it as your avitar you rock.

**johnnyj773** · 08-13-2008

getting a reprogrammed pcm is said to require 91.so is this a good idea for a gt?

TDCRacing · 08-13-2008

They say that because the timing is increased compared to the stock timing tables. A tuner is a good idea for your car. Pre-programed pcm's arent.

**Ralphie** · 08-15-2008

Thanks for all the info on the Ethanol, guys.

I'm really enjoying this forum, and I'm still trying to figure out all the abbreviations!

And thanks, Dohner, it's one of my favorite movies, too.

-Ralphie

**BADAZGTP** · 08-15-2008

Originally Posted by Ralphie

Thanks for all the info on the Ethanol, guys.

I'm really enjoying this forum, and I'm still trying to figure out all the abbreviations!

And thanks, Dohner, it's one of my favorite movies, too.

-Ralphie

This might help you out a little:
http://www.grandprixforums.net/f14/c...onyms-682.html

**Ralphie** · 08-16-2008

Thank you!

-Ralphie

**BADAZGTP** · 08-16-2008

No problem. Just be careful or you'll shoot your eye out.lol!!!

**justwhisen** · 08-16-2008

I have to say. I thought no one would see the diff with ethonol. we have been running it in race cars around here for years. and we use almost double what we would if we were using 108. but we also have to have all the seals replaced in the carbs and fuel pumps that we use. on the bright side it has allowed us to use more comppression and run a really cheap fuel. ethonol=2.00 gal 108=7.00

**Pontiacman** · 08-22-2008

I always thought that running a higher octain in your car meant less carbon build up because it has more detergents to clean up the engine.

**offroadfury6** · 08-23-2008

lol did u just say that fuel had detergents in it ? lol...

**Sabrewings** · 08-23-2008

Originally Posted by Pontiacman

I always thought that running a higher octain in your car meant less carbon build up because it has more detergents to clean up the engine.

Octane has nothing to do with detergents.

**WhiteDevil** · 08-23-2008

Wont hurt, just a waste of money. My mino ran low 12's on nuts with 87, ran high 12's on 100

**offroadfury6** · 08-24-2008

wow makes no sense

**chrisb** · 08-24-2008

Originally Posted by TDCRacing

They say that because the timing is increased compared to the stock timing tables. A tuner is a good idea for your car. Pre-programed pcm's arent.

i didnt think they increased timing tables at all, i kno intense doesnt. if ya dont have the means to tune for the higher octane it makes it almost pointless to run depending on your timing tables. the newer cars have higher timing tables in em i believe

TDCRacing · 08-24-2008

Originally Posted by chrisb

i didnt think they increased timing tables at all

Why would they say that you have to run 93 then?

And yes the 04+ have way more aggressive timing tables than 03 down. The 04+ low octane table is more than the 03 and down's high octane table lol. Plus the 04+ stock is commanding 46* of timing in some cells.