bama tuning what happens if i dont run the correct octane
06-25-2012, 02:39 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New Brunswick
Posts: 9
bama tuning what happens if i dont run the correct octane
i have a 2012 v6 with the 87 street and performance tune and the 91 octane race tune. im wondering what happens if i run the 87 octane tunes while i have 91 octane in my tank.
06-25-2012, 02:50 PM
#2
4th Gear Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Temple, TX
Posts: 1,277
If you had asked if you did the opposite (higher program with lower octane gas) and I think this can be summed up by a single statement for you to understand the gravity of the issue... it's like dividing by zero...
If you ran a better than programmed octane, nothing bad happens... just a waste of money...
If you ever do the opposite, then just don't drive with a heavy foot and load the lowest octane tune when you get home... otherwise, you might have some detonation which could lead to damage. That's why I have my tuner in the trunk... incase something like this happens.
Don
If you ran a better than programmed octane, nothing bad happens... just a waste of money...
If you ever do the opposite, then just don't drive with a heavy foot and load the lowest octane tune when you get home... otherwise, you might have some detonation which could lead to damage. That's why I have my tuner in the trunk... incase something like this happens.
Don
06-25-2012, 03:00 PM
#3
Just don't do it. If you're tuned for 91, put 91 in the car. I run a 93 Race tune. I stick to 93. Nothing less. Should be okay to go higher. Around me nothing is higher than 93 at the pump. Then again everything around me has 93 too... so I don't have to worry.
06-25-2012, 03:09 PM
#4
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
What some people have done either by mistake or just plain ignorance is have a lower octane in the tank versus what the tune calls for. THAT at the very least will cause pinging, knocking, and possible engine damage. At the worst, it WILL cause engine damage. In some cases, severe enough to create a situation where you will need to rebuild your engine.
06-25-2012, 06:29 PM
#7
6th Gear Member
You can always run a tune on that tunes' octane or higher. An 87 tune on 91 octane is fine but you won't gain anymore with the 91 octane on that 87 tune then you would with 87 octane. But don't run a tune on a lower octane than what the tune calls for unless it's an absolute necessity, in which case drive as easy as possible to limit the amount of detonation.
06-25-2012, 07:33 PM
#8
You can always run a tune on that tunes' octane or higher. An 87 tune on 91 octane is fine but you won't gain anymore with the 91 octane on that 87 tune then you would with 87 octane. But don't run a tune on a lower octane than what the tune calls for unless it's an absolute necessity, in which case drive as easy as possible to limit the amount of detonation.
Talked to BAMA on the phone and they ok'd higher octane fuel on low octane tunes.
06-25-2012, 07:56 PM
#9
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Henry County, Georgia
Posts: 1,636
Octane just provides a measure for resistance against knock/detonation. Running a higher octane than needed isnt bad in any way other then on the wallet. In fact, if you plan on tuning to 91 or 93 soon, id switch to the higher octane now and get a tank or two run through to get rid of the 87
06-26-2012, 08:25 AM
#10
snukers,
It looks like you have got the correct information here from all these guys. You can always run more octane then the tune requires but never lower. So if you want to run some 91 on your 87 street tune go ahead, but we don't recommend running 87 on your 91 tune!
I hope this helps, if you need to speak to anyone for further assistance Our Bama Performance tuning specialists are here in the building Monday-Friday from 9AM-5:30PM EST and Saturday 10AM-3PM EST. You can hit them up directly at 888.226.9764 and they'll get you squared away!
- Dan