Are You Running the Right Gas in Your C7 Corvette?
Are You Running the Right Gas in Your C7 Corvette?
Corvette sales rep reveals a significant change in C7’s owner’s manual that may go unnoticed to the masses.
Chevy made a significant change in the owner’s manual between the start of C7 production circa 2015, and the final 2019 revision, and it could be seriously detrimental to some owners.
In a recent video on his Youtube channel, Corvette sales representative Rick Conti sheds some light on the octane rating requirements Chevrolet states for the C7 Corvette. (See above.) “It’s amazing what you find when you read the owner’s manual. GM has changed the verbiage and requirements of the gasoline in your C7 Corvette,” says Conti
2015 Owner’s Manual
Conti first reads directly from the 2015 Corvette owner’s manual (above). “Regular gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher can be used, but acceleration and fuel economy will be reduced, and an audible knocking noise may be heard. If this occurs, use gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher as soon as possible,” reads Conti
We like to believe that most Corvette owners run higher octane gasoline regardless. Conti even recommends it to his customers. “If you took delivery from me here in a Stingray or Grand Sport, what did I tell you? Yes, use high test gas. You just spend a bunch of money. You’re looking to save a couple of bucks?” says Conti
2019 Owner’s Manual
The most recent C7 manual, though, states that the LT1 engine found in Stingrays or Grand Sports requires 93 octane or higher. This could create a lot of issues for Corvette owners in the western half the United States, as a handful of states have a max available octane rating of 91. Furthermore, they recommend 100 octane or higher for the LT4 and LT5 engines found in the Z06 and ZR1 models if you are running them on a race track.
“They’re not even talking about able to use lower grade gas. Not 91, it’s 93 octane that is required. Not even recommended, it’s required,” says Conti.
Overall, we agree with Conti. It’s best advised to put premium gasoline in whatever trim Corvette you are running. If you only have 91 available, it’s best to go with that. We can’t imagine Chevy will hassle you too much if you have issues if it’s the only option you have. Just remember to pay attention to the noises your engine makes! It could save you a lot of time and money.
