Hi, I am to these forums and I am looking to buy a 1998 Firebird Formula, I have wanted one of these cars since the day I saw one but now that I am looking at all the numbers I want to make sure I can afford it!

So far I think I am ok but I talked to a friend of mine that owns a 95 Firehawk and he says I would have to use premium gasoline! While I wasnt that surprised it is something I havent considered. Is premium gas absoloutely necessary or can I get away with using regular unleaded without wrecking my car??

Thanks alot guys!

-Steve

 

I have run 87, 89 and 91:

87 - Car runs fine, but engine makes more noise, not as smooth on acceleration.

89 - Better than 87, noise virtually disappears, but still not as smooth when hitting the gas pedal.

91 - This is the gas my car loves. Smooth acceleration, low engine noise.

As far as actually hurting the car, I'm sure someone will chime in with the dangers of running too low of octane to the motor, if there are any. I can tell you the owners manual recommends a minimum of 91.

 

if you cant afford the gas, then dont buy the car.

 

Man I wish you could be more direct

 

Its not that I cant afford it, its that I dont WANT to afford it!

 

well then you dont WANT a high performance vehicle. sure you can get by with a tank or two of 87 but the PCM will revert to the low octain table (to prevent damage), you'll be making less power, and the car will feel sluggish.

and when the mods start, and they will, i wouldnt even think about running 87.

 

true that. ive also heard of fouling plugs running 87. not sure if its true but, when it says run 93, i run 93.

 

I would NEVER run low grade through my car. If I couldn't afford the gas I would rather catch a ride w/ someone.

 

I think I can deal with less power I have been driving a 88 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera even a little less power from the Trans Am is still alot more than I'm used to

 

your missing the point, so you go on ahead and run the 87 and tell us how your cars doing 6 - 12 months from now.

 

Then get a V6 Camaro, Same body style, but cheaper on gas and insurance. I'm not sure about the octane reuirements of a 3.8, but the 3.4 recommends 87 and actually says there is no performance to gain by using super unleaded in the actual owners manual.

 

Sorry, just re-read the original post and say taht it was a firebird, not a camaro. There may be more body diffrences between the two than witht he Camaros.

Also, gas prices arent that much difference. I mean twenty cents is about the difference int he two. at 16 gallons (if you fill her up everytime) you're only talking $3.20 difference. I used to laugh at the guys that would drive to the next town or even farther cuz the gas is four cents cheaper. So he saves 68 cents (if completely empty and filling that tank full), but probably sepnds more than that in gas and wear& tear driving back and fourth.

 

That is a good point, I guess I never realized that its not really that big of a price difference by the time you are done filling up. I should be more worried about comprehensive insurance for an 18 yr old male....

 

I wouldnt use anything less than 91, i get 93 when i can, i know a guy here that runs 87 in his 97 ta, and its not a good idea, you have to pay to play!

 

I figure that premium is about .20 more a gallon and the car has a 16 gallon fuel tank so if you fill up with premium its only like 3 dollars more. I fill up like once a week. So I spend 12 dollars more a month than buying 87 octane. It isn't that big of a difference.

just my .02. And the numbers arent exact science just guesstimates.

 

Ill pay the extra 3 dollars a tank no question. I have never even considered going for anything other than 93 in either of my Z28's.

 

the owner's manual on my '97 says premium is recommended but you'll be fine with 87, just may affect acceleration. It said definately don't use below 87.

I just put 87 in mine (just got the car) and I can notice a little difference, and within the first tank the SES light came on, doh, think I'll be going back to premium on next fill up

 

yeah i wouldnt recommend using lower than 91 either but if all else fails u could always try that octane booster stuff and see if that helps any

 

That car deserves better than you. I am dying to have a car that requires premium. Soon.......soon......

 

yeah man you gotta run high octane. the LS1 is a high performance machine that requires high octane fuel. i wouldnt run the 87 ever.

Brad