First of all... I am really glad to see a so cal third gen club, I've been looking for awhile and have talked to a couple of good guys on this board like kevin91Z and his dad Don via email. I would like to get together as well at a club meeting, Im in OC so any info passed along would be greatly appreciated

Here is my question. I am looking at putting in an LT1 into my 1988 Camaro Convertible SC, my worry is that Chevy lists minimum octane numbers at 92, but the smog ****'s here in our beautiful state have gotten the octane down to 91 octane. I know where i can get racing fuel in Santa Ana and cerritors, but think that would be overkill, too expensive and WAY out of my way any way that you cut it. Will I be able to mod the engine? I was thinking 383. This will be a daily driver so mileage is a minor concern (I work from home, so no real commute) What are you guys with modded TPI's doing? Is 91 ok? Would I have to always have some racing fuel around to give it a boost? What compression can 91 octane handle? Thanks guys in advance and i look forward to getting to know some of you better.

James

 

I wouldnt worry about it, 1 point is too little to even think about.
Kevin is using octane boost, but I'm not I have a car running 10:1 with iron heads, it will run on 87 ok, and I have another with 10.3:1 that will run on 87 but doesnt like it, the 91/92 works better.

 

I'm not running the octane boost anymore, that stuff turned my engine orange. I use VP 103 octane at the track, and 91 on the street. My aluminum head engine is about 10.3:1 compression, same as a stock LT1. An LT1 can run just fine on 87 octane if you want, so dont worry about it.

 

Thanks guys I was a bit worried. Kevin as you know I want to do that 383 build (PS let me know when your dad would be free to maybe look into this project as I know he is real busy right now) so I was worried that it would be a problem. It will be a daily driven vehicle, though like I said not a commuter vehicle, so just want to have all basis covered.

James

 

LT1s don't like anything below 89 (even that is iffy). My 1994 LT1 would ping like an alarm clock with anything above half throttle. Luckily it was just $5 worth of gas. It was quickly replaced by 91.

 

Was that before or after mods, George? I was referring to stock. They deliberately put in programming to compensate for crappy gas, because they know there are some cheap idiots out there who wont follow their recommendation to use premium.

 

It matters what the inside of the engine looks like color wise?
Thats cool.

 

Before my mods, the car had a K&N FIPK already on it.