I am thinking about buying a new 2003 SSEi, but the only think holding me back is the premium gas. I was wondering, has anyone out there tried the supercharged engine without using premium gas. I asked the dealer about it and they told me that it was not absolutely necessary to use it. So, if anyone has any insight on this please leave a comment.

Cowbox,

I have a '95 SE with a factory SC (as my user name indicates). I have been running premium since I bought it back in 2001. You will get used to it.

Now, as for your question: the owner'* manual says that premium is recommended, but 89 and 87 may be used. I have tried this twice and noticed that my fuel efficiency went way down (no significant change in driving pattern) and the power was robbed due to the CPU retarding the ignition. In short my car ran very poorly. In my opinion, the supercharged engine is well worth the extra $. You will never have the plastic intake failure (since it is aluminum) and you will have power for fun, emergency, or even just casual passing. Just be careful when passing, it doesn't take much to go from 50 to 80 while zipping around a car.

I reiderate that I have been using premium all along, and even during the recent price hikes, I still managed to put premium in my tank with a clear concience.

Go for it. You won't regret your decision.

Driving the supercharged cars with out premium can cause detonation and engine damage. I hope the dealer is not implying that you can put 87 Octane in the car for extended periods of time. It is really only to be used in emergencies.

You can put 87 and 89 in your engine IF AND ONLY IF you keep your boost levels down which means you can never really "get on it". Trust me...don't ever put anything less than premium in your car...you WILL get pre detonation and the car will run poory and you will cause damage to your engine.

If you really don't want to swallow the cost of the premium gas, wait until early next year. In the beginning of 2004, the new Bonneville will come out...and it will contain a v8 that is non-aspirated...meaning non supercharged..you can use regular gas. It will cost about the same but put out about 285 horsepower. It'* up to you.

Just my two cents.

hope it helps,
Jason

The computer compensates for the lower octane--but at the cost of fuel efficiency and power. It will also run hotter as the car is ignition is being retarded to prevent detonation (Pinging). It will not damage your car, but there is no point in buying a supercharged Bonneville unless you are puting the premium 91+ octane fuel.

95,

I get to differ man. Pre detonation is BAD for the engine...running hotter than it should is bad for the engine...so yes, it will cause damage to the engine. Don't PUT ANYTHING LESS THAN 91 Octane in UNLESS you keep the boost down.

Jason

Jason,

Your computer will prevent pre-detonation, but you are correct, IF it does pre-detonate, you are risking a hole in your piston tops. And yes, heat does damage your engine over time. But once in a while is not going to hurt. I agree that 91 or higher is the way to go. If I may clerify my "it will not damage your car..." statement, one tank of 89 or 87 octane fuel will not present imminent danger to your engine. However, over time it will shorten the life of your car.

My bad for making the statement as I did. I opologize.

I again reiterate, I do not encourage anyone to run 89 or 87 octane fuel unless that is all you can get (traveling to the Dakota'* last fall I encountered some gas stations that didn't have premium. Fortunately (or unfortunately) I was driving my wife'* mom-mobile, which drinks 87 octane.

Non-aspirated? It doesn't use any air? Cool.

(Sorry I'm in sort of a smart-*** mood. No harm intended. )

Even though mine isn't SC'd, I still use ONLY PREMIMUM GASOLINE in her!

95,

My post seemed harsh...but you are correct...over time it'll cause damage but once in a while, mid-grade won't hurt it. Personally though Cowboy, just wait for the 04s to come out....they'll be out in less than a year. If you're ready to buy now, just save up the money between now and then and put a nice down payment on a new 04...you won't regret it

Jason