Super Unleaded Gas

epcotpalms · 07-16-2008, 10:57 PM

Hello Everyone,

I just bought my new Saturn Sky and my dealer told me regular gas was fine for the vehicle but after reading the owners manual it recommends super! Will using regular hurt the car?

cerberus · 07-16-2008, 11:27 PM

Welcome to the forum!

Regular gas won't hurt the car at all, but the car will pull back and you should notice a difference in power. The ECM will adjust just fine. Let the discussions regarding the price difference between grades vs performance begin.

SKY 07 · 07-16-2008, 11:35 PM

I use regular gas, but I don't have a turbo either. I thought if you have a turbo you have to use super?

T.

cerberus · 07-16-2008, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKY 07

I use regular gas, but I don't have a turbo either. I thought if you have a turbo you have to use super?

T.

Nope. It's a pretty smart machine. The tuners love it.

gadget · 07-17-2008, 06:53 AM

Mine runs ok on regular gas but it's quite a bit more sluggish. I just always use premium. To me it's worth the extra $.
Now I'm putting in a tuned ECM. I'll have to use premium.

SteveSky67 · 07-17-2008, 06:59 AM

I only use premium in my Redline

GetAboutRL · 07-17-2008, 07:23 AM

I use 93 octane and get my gas at a Non- etholine gasoline service station. Same price as 10% etholine but more power.
More power means I do not have to push the peddle as hard to get up to speed or maintain that turnpike speed either. My friends ... that means better mpg ... which makes me

Bogie · 07-17-2008, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epcotpalms

Will using regular hurt the car?

Regular will not hurt the car, but it will hurt performance.

The engine management system is designed to detect and mitigate knock due to lower octane fuel, but in so doing you will not get the full horsepower the engine is designed to deliver.

SKY 07 · 07-17-2008, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cerberus

Nope. It's a pretty smart machine. The tuners love it.

Gadget.... What the heck is a tuned ECM. I thought it had to do with the radio.? Oh dear.

Tuners????? T.

ParrotHeadNation · 07-17-2008, 09:08 AM

anyone ever try a mix? i guess that would make it mid grade

but the way I figure is what its like 6-7 more every time u fill up, so i skip going to Panera for lunch and bring the same crap they sell and there we go, extra money in my pocket for 93

Mickey · 07-17-2008, 09:28 AM

93 Shell V-power is all I use. I get better gas mileage and performance. and with shifting at around 2000rpm I've gotten 26mpg in the city, and that includes a little fun once in a while.

TulsaSky · 07-17-2008, 10:13 AM

First off I think that top tier gas is a joke, it all comes out of the same pipeline from the refinery in Louisiana right to Glenpool, OK then they add the additive for whatever brand is buying the fuel. I have never seen 93 in my state of Oklahoma the highest octane posted on the pumps by the cooperation commission is 91. State law requires all the gas stations to use 10% oxygenator in the fuel, most are using ethanol, the stations like Sinclair that advertise NO ethanol do not post what oxygenator they use is it Methanol?
I use Wal-Mart gas super unleaded in my redline, knowing that Murphy's the distributer does not buy its oil from Saudi or any terrorist country is a perk, most of their oil is from Arkansas and Oklahoma. But then back to them buying the gas or Murphy's gas tanker getting the gas out of that pipleine in Glenpool.

The DIC this last fill up is saying 28 MPG for the average, and yes the gas has up to 10% enthanol and yes ask anyone that has seen or rode in my Sky knows I drive it like I stole it. At 16,000 miles I have never had it throw a code from bad gas or a fuel problem.

TulsaSky

**Celt03** · 07-17-2008, 11:06 AM

Premium only in my RL.

**Texas Red Line** · 07-17-2008, 11:40 AM

I use the middle these days, 89 octane, on my Redline @ 21,000 miles. I have had no codes and no noticeable power loss since I stepped down from 93. I do take advantage of the Turbo while I am driving.

DragonSky · 07-17-2008, 02:15 PM

I just went thru this last week when I picked up Midnight. I decided to just pay a little extra and use premium, and Midnight seems to really like it!

fr0stb1t3 · 07-17-2008, 03:13 PM

It is MAYBE $3 a fill up. Why even worry about it?

TINOONIT · 07-17-2008, 03:44 PM

only 93 Premium in my redline.....

JRinKY · 07-17-2008, 06:27 PM

For me, there is no measurable difference between regular and premium.

Driving a consistent drive cycle, I get the same mileage with either.

Using my G-Tech, and testing under comparable conditions, I measure the same developed power with either.

Your results may vary, but for me there is absolutely no functional difference between the two, and the difference in cost is about 670 free miles a year using regular.

**Texas Red Line** · 07-18-2008, 02:14 PM

Just to throw a little politics into this thread.

Here are the three grades of no.

ASKY · 07-18-2008, 04:04 PM

I paid extra for the RL/turbo, not going cut corners to save $3 a tank...

JRinKY · 07-18-2008, 04:20 PM

Quote:

ASKY : I paid extra for the RL/turbo, not going cut corners to save $3 a tank...

If I had a turbo I would almost certainly agree, since there is almost certainly a performance loss with regular gas.

gadget · 07-18-2008, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKY 07

Gadget.... What the heck is a tuned ECM. I thought it had to do with the radio.? Oh dear.

Tuners????? T.

The ECM is the Engine Control Module ie: the computer that runs the engine.
I just bought a new module with a performance tune from Vector motorsports
but I haven't had the oportunity to install it yet.

07-16-2008, 10:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
epcotpalms Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 11 My Photos: (0)	Super Unleaded Gas Hello Everyone, I just bought my new Saturn Sky and my dealer told me regular gas was fine for the vehicle but after reading the owners manual it recommends super! Will using regular hurt the car?

07-16-2008, 11:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
cerberus Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,232 My Photos: (19)	Welcome to the forum! Regular gas won't hurt the car at all, but the car will pull back and you should notice a difference in power. The ECM will adjust just fine. Let the discussions regarding the price difference between grades vs performance begin. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pontiac builds excitement... Saturn has rethought it's image... The time has come for the enthusiasts... NASSOA Officially Recognized by GM More Info ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

07-16-2008, 11:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
SKY 07 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: CT Posts: 1,100 My Photos: (2)	I use regular gas, but I don't have a turbo either. I thought if you have a turbo you have to use super? T. __________________ 07 White/Delivered 6/28/06 Leather Seats Chrome Rims Monsoon 6 Disc Rear Spoiler Dual Exhaust/CAI Custom WindRestictor/Custom Pinstriping and who knows what else.... Life Is Good

07-17-2008, 06:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
gadget Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Westminster,Colorado Posts: 476 My Photos: (0)	Mine runs ok on regular gas but it's quite a bit more sluggish. I just always use premium. To me it's worth the extra $. Now I'm putting in a tuned ECM. I'll have to use premium. __________________ '07 2.4 Liter Polar White With Tan Trim L.S. Differential B&G Springs and Dampers,Eibach Stabilizers Dual Filter Fugita CAI SMS BBTB, Vector tune Monsoon Stereo,Six disk changer PDA and 350GB hardrive space for audio

07-17-2008, 07:23 AM	#7 (permalink)
GetAboutRL First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Capital District of New York Posts: 1,480 My Photos: (0)	I use 93 octane and get my gas at a Non- etholine gasoline service station. Same price as 10% etholine but more power. More power means I do not have to push the peddle as hard to get up to speed or maintain that turnpike speed either. My friends ... that means better mpg ... which makes me __________________ "Lucifer" is my name! Deposit:4-11-06 & Titled:11-28-06 SKY "Red Line" Silver Pearl, Black Wings on it's back, Bloody Red interior, Dejon intercooler/Solo Exhaust, Robert's screen. If you suddenly feel warm, it is just me passing through grinning!

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07-17-2008, 09:08 AM	#10 (permalink)
ParrotHeadNation Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 458 My Photos: (0)	anyone ever try a mix? i guess that would make it mid grade but the way I figure is what its like 6-7 more every time u fill up, so i skip going to Panera for lunch and bring the same crap they sell and there we go, extra money in my pocket for 93 __________________ Now: 1994 Chevy S10 Extended Cab 1990 Bronco Eddie Bauer - 31s, 351 Windsor,Top Removed Next: Ordering 09 Black Onyx Saturn SKY Base or RL- Feb 2009

07-17-2008, 09:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
Mickey Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Dover, Delaware Posts: 79 My Photos: (0)	93 Shell V-power is all I use. I get better gas mileage and performance. and with shifting at around 2000rpm I've gotten 26mpg in the city, and that includes a little fun once in a while. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pontiac builds excitement... Saturn has rethought it's image... The time has come for the enthusiasts... NASSOA Founding Member ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ #1922 12/03/05 N/A Classic Solstice Mysterious MODS:GM CAI & CATBack

07-17-2008, 10:13 AM	#12 (permalink)
TulsaSky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Skiatook, OK Posts: 948 My Photos: (2)	Super Unleaded First off I think that top tier gas is a joke, it all comes out of the same pipeline from the refinery in Louisiana right to Glenpool, OK then they add the additive for whatever brand is buying the fuel. I have never seen 93 in my state of Oklahoma the highest octane posted on the pumps by the cooperation commission is 91. State law requires all the gas stations to use 10% oxygenator in the fuel, most are using ethanol, the stations like Sinclair that advertise NO ethanol do not post what oxygenator they use is it Methanol? I use Wal-Mart gas super unleaded in my redline, knowing that Murphy's the distributer does not buy its oil from Saudi or any terrorist country is a perk, most of their oil is from Arkansas and Oklahoma. But then back to them buying the gas or Murphy's gas tanker getting the gas out of that pipleine in Glenpool. The DIC this last fill up is saying 28 MPG for the average, and yes the gas has up to 10% enthanol and yes ask anyone that has seen or rode in my Sky knows I drive it like I stole it. At 16,000 miles I have never had it throw a code from bad gas or a fuel problem. TulsaSky

07-17-2008, 11:06 AM	#13 (permalink)
Celt03 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Washington State Posts: 1,423 My Photos: (6)	Premium only in my RL. __________________ "Saffyre" 2008 Midnight Blue RL/Black/Black Leather / 5-spd w/Spoiler Magnaflow 3" Quad tip / Chrome Wheels / On Star / 6 CD XM Monsoon / Splash Guards / GT Antenna / WindRestrictor V2 www.imsaturn.com/profile/Celt

07-17-2008, 11:40 AM	#14 (permalink)
Texas Red Line First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Canyon Lake, Tx Posts: 805 My Photos: (9)	I use the middle these days, 89 octane, on my Redline @ 21,000 miles. I have had no codes and no noticeable power loss since I stepped down from 93. I do take advantage of the Turbo while I am driving. __________________ Saturn Sky Red Line Chili Pepper Red Exterior Black Leather Trim Automatic 1 CD disc Chrome Wheels Windrestictor-Custom Laser Garmen 350 GPS Custom Horn Visor sticky covers

07-17-2008, 02:15 PM	#15 (permalink)
DragonSky Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gainesville, GA Posts: 64 My Photos: (0)	I just went thru this last week when I picked up Midnight. I decided to just pay a little extra and use premium, and Midnight seems to really like it! __________________ DragonSky 2008 Sky Roadster "Midnight" Built 03/2008 Delivered 07/10/2008 Black Onyx w/Black Leather / 5-Speed / Rear Spoiler / Monsoon Audio / Black shorty antenna(1st mod!)

07-17-2008, 03:13 PM	#16 (permalink)
fr0stb1t3 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Highland Park, Texas Posts: 299 My Photos: (0)	It is MAYBE $3 a fill up. Why even worry about it?

07-17-2008, 03:44 PM	#17 (permalink)
TINOONIT Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 117 My Photos: (0)	only 93 Premium in my redline..... __________________ 2008 Sky Redline Polar White-Tan top with Bl/Tan Leather 6 Disk Monsoon System Spoiler

07-17-2008, 06:27 PM	#18 (permalink)
JRinKY Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 1,393 My Photos: (0)	For me, there is no measurable difference between regular and premium. Driving a consistent drive cycle, I get the same mileage with either. Using my G-Tech, and testing under comparable conditions, I measure the same developed power with either. Your results may vary, but for me there is absolutely no functional difference between the two, and the difference in cost is about 670 free miles a year using regular. __________________ John Lexington, KY VIN 00252 2.4 Manual Midnight Blue

07-18-2008, 02:14 PM	#19 (permalink)
Texas Red Line First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Canyon Lake, Tx Posts: 805 My Photos: (9)	Just to throw a little politics into this thread. Here are the three grades of no. __________________ Saturn Sky Red Line Chili Pepper Red Exterior Black Leather Trim Automatic 1 CD disc Chrome Wheels Windrestictor-Custom Laser Garmen 350 GPS Custom Horn Visor sticky covers

07-18-2008, 04:04 PM	#20 (permalink)
ASKY Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 49 My Photos: (3)	I paid extra for the RL/turbo, not going cut corners to save $3 a tank... __________________ ASKY Red Line it is. 2008 Techo Grey Monsoonnnnn Rims and Spoiler Twisty in SD