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What kind of gas does a Chevy SS take?

Premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 93 AKI (or higher) is recommended for the Chevy SS to deliver its best performance. The car is tuned for high-octane fuel and can run on lower-octane gas, but performance and efficiency will suffer.


The Chevy SS, produced from 2014 to 2017, uses a 6.2-liter V8 and is designed around GM’s high-performance fuel requirements. For optimal power, throttle response, and longevity, refer to the owner's manual and the fuel-filler door label for the exact octane specification for your year and market.


Fuel requirements and octane guidelines


Here are the core guidelines you'll encounter when fueling your Chevy SS:



  • Premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 93 AKI (or higher) is recommended for best performance and power delivery.

  • Lower-octane fuels (such as 87 AKI) are not recommended for regular use, as they can reduce engine performance and efficiency.

  • Always verify octane requirements on the fuel-filler door label or in the owner's manual for your specific model year and market.


Following these guidelines helps maintain optimal engine performance and longevity for the Chevy SS.


Practical fueling tips


When planning refuels, consider locating stations that reliably stock premium 93-octane gasoline, and keep a quick reference of your model year’s exact requirement handy for trips where premium fuel isn’t readily available.


Summary


The Chevy SS requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 93 AKI or higher to achieve peak performance. Regular octane is not recommended for daily use, and always check the vehicle’s label or manual for your specific model year guidance. For best results, fuel with premium gasoline and follow official guidance to maintain engine performance and longevity.

What happens if I put 87 in my Camaro SS?


Putting 87 octane in a Camaro SS is not ideal and will likely lead to reduced performance, but it's unlikely to cause immediate damage due to the engine's knock sensors. The engine control unit (ECU) will automatically adjust the timing to prevent detonation, but this results in a decrease in power and fuel economy. For the best performance, premium fuel (91 octane or higher) is recommended for SS models with the 6.2L V8 engine.
 
What you may experience

  • Decreased performance: You will likely notice a reduction in acceleration and power. 
  • Lower fuel economy: The engine will use more fuel to perform at the adjusted, less optimal timing. 
  • Engine knock: You may hear a "pinging" or "rattling" sound, especially under heavy acceleration, as the knock sensors work to prevent pre-ignition. 

What to do
  1. Avoid hard acceleration: Drive gently until the tank is nearly empty. 
  2. Refuel with premium gas: When you refuel, fill the tank with 91 octane or higher to dilute the lower-octane fuel. 
  3. Check the fuel door: Many modern cars have a sticker inside the fuel door that specifies the recommended or required octane level. 
  4. Consider a fuel trim fuse pull (advanced): Some owners recommend pulling the fuel trim fuse after refilling with the correct octane to force the computer to relearn its optimal settings, as described in this Facebook post. 

Important considerations
  • Check the manual: The owner's manual is the definitive source for your specific vehicle's fuel requirements. 
  • Short-term vs. long-term: While short-term use is unlikely to cause catastrophic damage in a modern car with knock sensors, repeated or prolonged use of 87 octane in an engine designed for premium fuel can lead to long-term issues and potentially void your warranty. 



What type of gas does a Chevy SS take?


In general, most Chevy vehicles can use regular unleaded gasoline. However, if you drive a Chevy sports car or a model with an upgraded engine, you may need to use premium fuel. Here are the models that require it for better performance and efficiency.



Should I use 87 or 89 gas?


Your car will run just fine. All modern cars can run 87,89,91,93. It's suggested that for maximum power that you use 93. If you're not at a track day event and just daily commuting 87 will serve you well. All modern cars are equipped with knock sensors to prevent engine damage from running lower octane fuel.



Do you need premium gas for a 6.2 Chevy?


However, if you upgrade the engine to the 6.2L, you might be wondering if the Chevy 6.2 needs premium gas. Yes, the Chevy 6.2L engine has a higher compression ratio, and 93-octane gas is recommended.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.