shepuz2

iTrader: (2)

I'm looking at buying an '02 Firebird Formula (V-8) tomorrow, but didn't realize it may take Premium Unleaded.......Is this true and if so, is Premium an absolute necessity for this engine? Thanks for any help.

taintedmeat

iTrader: (1)

It's necessary if you want to make rated power, same thing with most "performance" imports.

c0ncEpT

iTrader: (4)

It will knock like hell if you dont use premium

taintedmeat

iTrader: (1)

And then it'll retard the timing.

Lithium

iTrader: (47)

Yeah dont bullshit it, use 91 plus octane.

unit213

If your concern is the type of gas the car takes, I wouldn't suggest buying one.

Sgt. Spuds

iTrader: (1)

These cars ( any sports cars for that mater ) are not economical in any way... They take a special kinda guy to own. One that doesn't care about insurance, gas, (and the occasional ticket )

racer88

Depends on your tune, I can run and race 89 Octane with no issues at all. Like I said, it's all in how your car is tuned and running.

Stock LS1's can ping from time to time. Mine did until I removed all the retrictive exhaust from the factory. Once the cats were gone etc.etc. and it was tuned, it runs awesome.

If the car is bone stock, then I'd be filling it with 93 or 91 whatever the highest octane is for your State.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Not sure what prices are like in your area, but around Chicago 93 octane is about $0.20 more per gallon than 87 on average. So figure if you need 13 gallons when you fill up that's $2.60 more for the tank of 93 vs a tank of 87. Then, say you buy 13 gallons per week. So that's $2.60 x 52 = $135.20 extra per year to run 93. Personally, an extra $135/year isn't even worth my time to worry about.

99ws6m6

WOW you must be RICH

dynocar

I've got a friend that uses that logic for everything, but he's POOR.

When not spiritly driving, we use 89 Oct in our 01 Vette so possibly someday we can afford a new one.

y2k_ta

iTrader: (80)

Most of us here bought and then immediately began to modify our cars. If you plan on future performance modifications, then you'll more than likely be forced to run premium no matter what. With my car and its current tune, I have to run premium but that doesn't bother me. If the price of gas is a major factor in whether or not you purchase the 'bird, then I'd say skip it and continue searching for a more economical vehicle.

I tried 89 octane in my 'bird back when it was still basically stock. I got occassional spark knock and the timing was obviously retarded. Luckily, I was traveling on vacation and quickly burned up the tank of gas.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

LOL, not rich, just realistic. $135/year is about $0.36 per day, and all that is assuming you actually use 13 gallons of gas per week. If $0.36 per day is gonna break the bank, or for anyone that considers $0.36/day as an amount to be concerned with, then I'd say follow the advice of y2k_ta and unit213..... look for something more economical than an F-body.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

If you honestly think that using 89 octane vs. 93 will make it easier for you to afford a new Vette one day, then go right ahead. It's your cash man. But seriously, it'll probably take you well over 10 years to even save a grand using 89 over 93. I'd rather get full timing advance and less/no KR for that money over a 10 year period. If it was just a regular family sedan (like my Bonneville) then it'd be different; but I bought my LS1 for fun, not to be pratical....so I plan to have all the fun I can every time I drive it.

delinquent543

amen!

yeah, the ls1 is a 5.7 liter v8 gas guzzling monster (and thats stock!), the intended market for these bad boys isnt a person too concerned with gas and prices. Realistically, if ur concerned about gas (not to be an *****) go another route, there are other cars out there that will give you some nice performance and be better daily drivers. I mean, if ur the kinda person worried about gas prices, u would probably be worried about ride comfort and such too.. something these cars aernt meant for

'Trust'

iTrader: (24)

Not really, whats the stock rating like 18/28 or something? Compare that to an 01 M3 15/33 and a S2000 20/28 we're doin pretty good if motors way smaller than us are getting the same amount.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

This is very true. Stock rating on my '98 A4 car is 17/25. Those numbers are pretty much dead on for my car. The 6-speeds are like 18/28 I think, and from what my M6 friends have told me, sometimes they get as good as 30mpg on the highway. Considering these are V8s with about 300rwhp stock, I think those numbers are pretty damn good.

BigDaddyBry

iTrader: (15)

Exactly. Another way to look at it would be: smoke one less pack of cigarettes per week, drink one less beer at the bar per week, one less Carls Jr. hamburger per week, etc.

Doing any of this will allow you to afford the fuel your car needs. It will also help you to start saving for a new Vette!

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Great points.

In addition to providing more gas money and saving for other cars, doing less of all those things will also help to improve the quality of your health and prolong your lifespan. So you'll get even more years of enjoyment out of your F/Y-body.

Swang

iTrader: (3)

yeah, really if thats a concern, id reconsider buying one. thats half of eating a fast food meal per week. really not that much at all.