Do Dodge Chargers take 87 gas?
Yes. In most cases, a Dodge Charger can run on regular 87-octane gasoline. But the exact octane requirement depends on the engine and trim level. Base setups commonly tolerate 87, while higher-performance variants demand higher-octane fuel to deliver full power and prevent knocking.
Understanding the specifics is important because the Charger lineup includes a range of engines with different compression and boost levels. The following sections break down which engines typically require regular 87, and which models need premium 91–93 octane (or higher) for optimal performance.
Engine-octane requirements by Charger model
3.6L Pentastar V6 (base engine)
The 3.6L Pentastar is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. In most configurations, 87 octane is the minimum recommended fuel. Premium fuels are not required for normal driving, though some drivers may choose higher-octane fuel for specific conditions or perceived performance in certain situations.
5.7L Hemi V8
6.4L Hemi (Scat Pack)
6.2L Supercharged Hemi (Hellcat family)
What happens if you use lower octane on high-performance Chargers
Using the wrong octane level in higher-performance Chargers can reduce performance and trigger protective measures. Consider the following:
- Reduced engine power and slower acceleration due to knock management.
- In some cases, the engine may pull timing to prevent knocking, which lowers peak horsepower.
- Chronic use of lower octane in high-boost engines could, over time, contribute to unwanted engine stress.
To avoid these issues, follow the octane guidance in your owner’s manual and use the recommended fuel for your specific engine and tuning.
How to verify the correct octane for your Charger
If you’re unsure which fuel to use, these steps help you confirm the appropriate octane rating for your car:
- Check your owner’s manual for the recommended octane rating by engine.
- Look at the fuel-filler door sticker or inner door jamb label for the exact specification for your VIN.
- Consult your local Dodge/RAM dealer or a trusted mechanic with your vehicle’s trim and engine code.
- When in doubt, err on the side of higher octane if you drive a high-performance model or engage in aggressive driving.
Always follow the official guidance for your specific Charger configuration to maintain performance and reliability.
Summary
Most Chargers with the base 3.6L V6 can run on regular 87-octane gasoline, but higher-performance variants—especially the 6.4L Scat Pack and the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat—require higher-octane fuel (91–93 octane, with 93 often recommended). Always check your owner’s manual or the fuel door sticker for the exact requirements of your vehicle, and use the octane recommended for your engine to ensure optimal performance and protection.
Can you run 87 octane with a supercharger?
Answer to the question. No, due to the calibration of the vehicle, it is not advised to drive a ROUSH supercharged vehicle with gas below 91 octane. If fuel with an octane rating less than 91 is used, potentially unwarrantable internal engine damage could occur.
Can you put 87 in a Dodge Charger?
Dodge Charger and Challenger: Standard models typically require 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline, providing adequate daily driving performance.
What happens if I use 87 octane instead of 91?
If your car requires 91 octane, using 87 can lead to engine knocking, reduced performance, and lower fuel efficiency, as modern engines try to compensate for the lower octane fuel. While a single use is unlikely to cause permanent damage, persistent use of lower octane fuel can lead to engine component damage and potentially void your warranty. If you accidentally put in 87, it's best to fill up with the recommended 91 on your next fill-up to correct the issue.
What happens if you use 87 in a premium-required vehicle
- Engine knocking: The engine may produce a knocking or pinging sound because the lower-octane fuel can autoignite under pressure and heat before the spark plug ignites it.
- Reduced performance: You may experience a loss of power and decreased fuel economy.
- Engine's self-correction: Modern engines have sensors that detect knocking and will adjust engine timing to prevent damage. However, this correction results in reduced efficiency and performance.
- Potential for damage: In the long term, consistently using the wrong octane can lead to more significant engine damage.
- Voided warranty: In some cases, using the wrong fuel can void your vehicle's warranty.
What to do if you accidentally use 87 octane
- Use it up and switch back: The easiest option is to simply use up the fuel in your tank. On your next visit to the gas station, fill up with the recommended 91 octane.
- Consult your owner's manual: The manual will provide specific guidance for your vehicle.
- Consider an octane booster (with caution): Some people use an octane booster to increase the octane level, but always follow the product's instructions carefully.
- Note for modern engines: Modern cars with knock sensors are more likely to be able to handle a single tank of lower-octane fuel without immediate damage compared to older vehicles, notes Quora users.
Is a Dodge Charger regular gas?
Here's a quick reference for what fuel a Dodge Charger uses by engine: 3.6L V6: Regular 87 octane. 5.7L V8: 89–91 octane recommended. 6.4L V8: Premium 91–93 octane.
