Car stays in low octane map all the time, why?
I still have 20 DTC check engine codes for all the stuff that isnt used anymore on my swap. But what can cause it to stay in this low timing setup?
mode is persistent knock detects. These, from
either real (tuning needed) or false (sensors
too sensitive, engine internal or external
mechanical noise) knock.
I would start with reading and checking off the
20 codes and see if any of them pertain to knock
sensors being out. Then, some basic check of
mixture and trims. If these look proper then I'd
try chasing false knock which, given a full
mechanical swap, could come in from hard motor
mounts, exhaust banging, who knows?
Making the low octane timing table the same as high octane removes the ability of PCM to pull back timing to stop piston slap and causing long term damage, esp with a SC.
I have seen at least 6 C5s with trashed engines with SC and all had knock turned off

Real knock has to be dealt with and then any false knock be tuned out, not just removing the ablilty for PCM to react to real knock



