pikuoff

I've done some searching around here and haven't really found the same issue that I'm having. At least not the way I would word it. I have a 2001 GT that is pretty much stock. Exhaust is stock, no tunes done, at least not yet. I've only done cosmetic stuff so far.

My problem: when I am merging onto the highway (car is at full operating temp), and I get on it in 3rd gear, I hear a pinging or ticking type sound when the RPMs get around 4500-5000. If I am in 5th gear cruising and I drop it into 3rd or 4th and get on it WOT, I hear the same thing. I don't really hear it in 1st or 2nd WOT. If I'm in 5th (hypotheitcally going 55 so flooring it would strain it) and I floor it to get up to speed without changing gears, I kinda hear it then too. I'm not really sure what's going on with it, but it doesn't sound good at all. Does this make any sense?

Any suggestions or comments for this newbie to the Forum? Thanks in advance.

Chad99gt

sounds like you need to step up the octane rating.. Are you running 93?

pikuoff

I am running 87 from usually Exxon or Texaco. It's been doing this for a couple months now and I've put several tanks in during that time. Shouldn't I be using 87 on a stock GT?

Chad99gt

I'd definitly run 93 to see if the ping goes away.. Thats usually the problem, 93 octane wont hurt it....

pikuoff

I'll try that at my next fill up this weekend. What do you think would cause this? It might not hurt the car running93 but it may hurt the wallet...

svt99redcobra

Shell V-Power is all that goes in my beauty. IMO thats the only gas i will use.

trance565

is it coming from the motor or tranny? might wanna pop the hood, and rev it, and see if the ticking starts, if it does, it could be a rocker arm or something.

pikuoff

It definitely sounds like it comes from in front of me and not below me. I haven't been able to get it to tick/ping unless it's under strain and usually on the highway.

pikuoff

If the higher octane gets rid of the problem, what should I do to be able to run 87 again?

dakota5021

i use to run 93 octane in my mustang all the time and had no problems. but lately ive been puttinng 87 in and i am hearing a slight ticking/pinging noise. but mine does it while driving or just reving it.