I am looking for a 2007-2011 2500 Silverado 4x4 with gas engine but do not know which gas engines require gas other than 87 octane. I want to stay away from motors requiring hi-test. What are my options?

 

As far as I know all 2007 and up only require 87 octane in any standard non tuned or super charged configuration(s)...
I am ( was maybe) a big proponent for 87 octane believing that anything else was a gimmick, however after doing some test drives and seeing what 73shark noted about 93 octane I may change my thinking...
pure gas ( no alcohol) and often times 93 octane contain no alcohol get better MPG! and decent throttle response... often times the 87 has up to 10% alcohol and this can impact MPG and performance...alcohol is not as efficient as gasoline so even the 10% can affect your vehicle...

 

Hi-Test? Wow, gramps! I thought I was the only one who used that term anymore - and I am pushing 50.


Most any Silverado was designed to run on 87 Octane fuel, with few exceptions such as the Silverado SS. Over time, deposits may build up on the engine's internals and the truck MIGHT need a bit more octane. The E-10 fuel required here on the East Coast certainly doesn't help, either, as ethanol has fewer BTUs than pure gasoline.


My 2004 runs well on 87, but will "ping" a bit when going up a hill under moderate to heavy acceleration. I tend to use mid-grade (89) fuel every third time I top off the tank, and that generally keeps 'er quiet. Using higher octane fuel doesn't help my fuel economy, but it performs slightly better. The 5.3L V8 has plenty of power, though, so the truck is never anemic by any stretch.

I do find that using Shell or Exxon gives me 1 to 1.5 miles per gallon over 'bargain brands' of fuel. I always thought this was an old urban legend, but it has proven true with BOTH of my vehicles (the Silverado and a 2002 Nissan Sentra). Not sure if the additives are different or what, but I have found this to be true - even when traveling in other states.


Keep your truck properly tuned and she'll be good to go on 87 most of the time. Just try to avoid using ethanol-blended fuel IF YOU CAN. Sadly, we don't have a choice in this area. The nearest non-ethanol fuel is almost 100 miles away.

 

Thanks for information. 10% alcolhol really does a JOB on fuel lines and collecting crap in carbs and TB and TANK. Trust me!!!!! I have a large boat that sits 6 month out of the year in back yard and experienced nightmares after 1st boat restoration. It was down almost a year and previous owner didn't add anything to fuel. I had to cycle fuel through large marine canister filters. I learned that fuel additives work. Great for lawn mower, chainsaw ,and weed eaters too. The alcohol "eats" the vynil fuel lines in small engines like leaf blowers.

 

Only run GOOD gas from stations like shell or other major companys that own the gas. Better milage and preformance. Check your throttle body and clean it. The trash they are putting in gas now is Criminal, POOR ENGINES!!!

 

what is the octane rating of shell premium (v-power I think they call it)? My supercharged car feels like it has 20 more hp vs other brands of premium.

 

The octane rating of 'premium' fuel will run anywhere between 91 and 93, depending upon the state in which you purchase the fuel and the altitude of area. (High-altitude places such as Denver use a lower octane number because of the thinner air.)


Shell is a top-tier gasoline - for that that is worth. I think the 'V-Power' is a marketing gimmick like Cheveron's "Techron" or BP/Amoco with their "Ultimate" premium gasoline.