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I have gas

TJ1978

TJ1978

I have MANY questions
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I run premium in both of my trucks. Both 350's neither really a "performance" engine. One is stockish the other mild cam upgrade to a an "RV"..

What gas to you guys run? I see that premium is probably best regardless but I've been reading about "top tier" gas. That gas being more $$ and their premium being more... premium but I venture probably geared towards injections and not carburetors.

Ideal gas?
Gas stations to stay away from?

Thoughts?

www.consumerreports.org

Top Tier Gasoline Is Worth the Extra Price, Study Shows - Consumer Reports

Top Tier gas is worth the extra cost, per a study by AAA. CR lists car brands that recommend Top Tier gasoline and gas stations where you can buy Top Tier gas.
www.consumerreports.org www.consumerreports.org

124E0DCC-D616-4350-939F-27E974CA7353.jpeg
 
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Running higher octane than is required is a waste of money and gives you nothing in return for the extra cost. Since your engines are designed for regular gas, you should just run it. Premium is refined to a higher octane but offers no extra additives to aid in performance or protection for your engine than the regular grade sold next to it. You will only start to benefit from the higher octane with higher compression on a performance built motor.
 
kennyw said:
Running higher octane than is required is a waste of money and gives you nothing in return for the extra cost. Since your engines are designed for regular gas, you should just run it. Premium is refined to a higher octane but offers no extra additives to aid in performance or protection for your engine than the regular grade sold next to it. You will only start to benefit from the higher octane with higher compression on a performance built motor.
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That's what I'm after. I filled up my c10 with the "good" stuff today m and it sparked me to think, why? Why wouldn't my regular stock 350 run just fine on 87 do I really need 91? My blazer I may run the same but.. we'll see
 
I spreadsheet each vehicle across 5 tanks, and figure the fuel cost per mile. Let the car tell you what it likes. Note which station you buy from.

You’re more likely to find that certain stations fuel under performs vs another at the same cost



My LT1 does better on 91, has fewer knock counts in the computer. It’s 10.25:1 compression. Using an ECM is another way to see what the fuel rating is doing
 
Bent77 said:
I spreadsheet each vehicle across 5 tanks, and figure the fuel cost per mile. Let the car tell you what it likes. Note which station you buy from.

You’re more likely to find that certain stations fuel under performs vs another at the same cost



My LT1 does better on 91, has fewer knock counts in the computer. It’s 10.25:1 compression. Using an ECM is another way to see what the fuel rating is doing
Click to expand...
I was going to mention, if it’s an original engine from the 60-70’s, it may need the higher octane. Didn’t the stations use to have 92, 95 and 100? I know sonoco had 100
 
Up here at 7200ft we run 85 octane. The only things that get premium 91 ethanol free are my snowmobiles and the chain saw.
 
Fastereddie said:
I was going to mention, if it’s an original engine from the 60-70’s, it may need the higher octane. Didn’t the stations use to have 92, 95 and 100? I know sonoco had 100
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These engines are older one is a rebuilt 70's block RV cam. The c10 has a hencho en Mexico 350
Both use carburetors
 
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TJ1978 said:
I

I know people don't like that term but that's what the build sheet says, i think.
I use it to clarify that's it's not a stock cam, which may or may not be correct.

I don't know the exact cam other than what the man said it was when he built the engine.

Cam hi lighted

Apologies.

View attachment 427787
Click to expand...

Engine Pro Performance Camshafts MC1730-1 Specifications​

  • Mech (Mechanical)/Hyd (Hydraulic): Hyd
  • Stage: 2
  • Dur @ .050" Int Exh: 204 214
  • Adv. Dur. Int Exh: 278 288
  • Valve Lift Int Exh: .420 .433
  • Lobe Sep Int Exh: 107 117
  • Power Range: 1500-4000
  • Idle: Smooth
  • Lifter Part#: 817
  • Notes: N/A
  • Comments: Strong Torque And Good Mileage For 327 To 400 C.I. Likes High Axle Ratios.
  • Sold in Set of 1
 
Very close to the Edelbrock Performer cam
 
Bent77 said:
Very close to the Edelbrock Performer cam
Click to expand...
Seems like there is 1730-1 or the 1730(rv)
www.amsracing.net

Engine Pro MC1730 HP RV Torque Cam Flat Tappet Camshaft & Lifters Kit for Small Block Chevy

Engine Pro Stage 2 camshaft and lifters kit. Fits all small block chevy engines equipped with flat tappet camshafts. May not be computer compatible. Please message us with questions. STRONG TORQUE AND GOOD MILEAGE FOR 327 TO 400 C.I. LIKES HIGH AXLE RATIOS. Dur @ .050 204 214 | Lift .420 .433...
www.amsracing.net www.amsracing.net
 
So, basically run what I can afford but shoot for premium if possible but not it's necessary. If the truck sits for a bit don't fill it up all the way.
 
Your truck probably won’t gain anything as explained by Kenny. My caveat is I test it anyway. Cuz nerd
 
I run the cheapest swill I can find from whatever station is convenient in my old and modern vehicles. New engine will get premium but it’s also close or at 10:1. Dirt bikes, quad, lawn mower get ethanol free because they sit a while. Small engines get Tru-Fuel pre mix.
 
I try to run ethanol free gas in the Blazer (which is 89 at the store close to me) but in our other stuff I usually run 87 since most later model stuff is designed to run / survive on whatever.
 
If an 8.5:1 (and some are less than that!) SBC with no boost pings on 87 octane, there's probably something wrong. Higher octane doesn't keep the engine cleaner or anything like that, just reduces knock (i.e. if there is no knock, you're wasting money).

Now ethanol free is a whole 'nother thing. That gas has more energy per gallon (regardless of octane) than ethanol-thinned gas and won't dirty up your carb as bad. With EFI, you should get better MPG without ethanol (especially if you use the same gas for a long time to settle the fuel trims). With a carb, maybe not, as it meters just off airflow. You're just running richer on all-gas then E-gas, so the question is what you're tuned for.
 
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