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Can you feel the difference between the octanes? I ran regular for half a tank and feel the diffeence. No power, hybrids are passing me off the line. It was my first and last time.

Few things you should be aware of before you experiment further. I have a preignition issue on mine when I run 86 octane, which is our 'regular'.

Willwren lost a piston on his Series 1 when 87 octane was put in his modified series 1, instead of 91.

Why is the engine down on power? Preignition. The air/fuel mixture explodes before the spark ignites it. How is this bad? Explosion coming down, piston coming up, the 2 hit, stuff gets broken.

NEVER RUN AN L67 ON ANYTHING LESS THAN PREMIUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

youll blow up your engine.....

I've never run more than 3 gallons of regular through my SSEi's (Almost out of gas in a town w/ no prem) and I was babying it so I could get to a town w/ premium.

Let's put it this way: If you run regular and drive it above half throttle, you're putting yourself at a HIGH risk of engine failure. Knock Retard doesn't protect your engine, it's reactive, not pro-active...

That's very bad news. Don't make a habit of that except in an emergency. You lost so much timing, your fuel mileage tanked. It's cheaper to run premium due to the higher mileage, and you won't damage your motor.

I only did it once because thats all the place had at the time. I was in the middle of nowwhere and needed gas. All they had was 87 and 91 but the 91 was out of order. I thought to use a little less than half a tank because I it was all highway back to the house but when I got into town I felt a difference. I filled up with 91 and everything is fine.

I had to fill up my PAU in NJ once. The guy at the pump was not at all happy about me watching him like a hawk, and then snapping at him when he selected regular after I told him premium. I talked him through it like a kindergartener. By the time the tank was full, I think he wanted to punch me.

Interesting and scary....I have rarely put anything other than 87 octane in my SSEI in the three years that I've had it.

Well then it's time to change your habits NOW, before it's too late. You must not drive your car very hard...

keir wrote:Interesting and scary....I have rarely put anything other than 87 octane in my SSEI in the three years that I've had it.

It says premium only.

I guess I'd better start using the premium then.

You've already started damaging the motor. How bad is the question. Your rings and ring grooves in the pistons are already eroding. Your main and rod bearings have probably also suffered.

Well,I do live in the city and there is either a light or a stop sign at every corner so I don't really push it in those areas.I do get onto the interstate and turnpike from time to time and succomb to the temptation to open her up.So,with this possibe damage that has beem mentioned,besides switching the gas, what else do you guys suggest that I do?

keir wrote:Well,I do live in the city and there is either a light or a stop sign at every corner so I don't really push it in those areas.I do get onto the interstate and turnpike from time to time and succomb to the temptation to open her up.So,with this possibe damage that has beem mentioned,besides switching the gas, what else do you guys suggest that I do?

Pray. That's about all you can do.

I'll do that then because I'm not ready to get another car just yet.....Like I said, there have been no problems thus far but this makes me rethink some of the things I had been contemplating doing to the car.

I don't know of any gasoline powered vehicle that is super-charged that will run properly on anything lower than 91 octane. You're extremely fortunate that you didn't have to get out the broom and dustpan to sweep up you engine out of the street. and might have to do it anyway, let's hope not. - BC

If you're not a 'spirited' driver, you might get away with it. Keep in mind your car was capable of far better fuel mileage all along. It would have been cheaper to run the premium from the start.

willwren wrote:If you're not a 'spirited' driver, you might get away with it. Keep in mind your car was capable of far better fuel mileage all along. It would have been cheaper to run the premium from the start.

I agree 100%. I get better gas mileage with premium and it`s ALOT peppier. It might cost more on a daily/weekly basis compared to one time high cost repair due to the use of low octane.

I've been very lucky then.I bought the car at a used car lot and the dealer likely gets his cars from an auction.I don't know if the previous owners have even used the proper octane but I will sure start with my next fill up.

The kid that I bought the car from ran cheap gas. After 2 fill ups of premium I felt and seen the difference.