What type of gas does a Camaro use?

A Camaro runs on gasoline. Most models require regular unleaded gasoline, while a subset of Camaros are flex-fuel capable and can use E85 (an 85% ethanol blend) when properly equipped.

The exact fuel requirements depend on the engine and model year. Always verify with the fuel door label and the owner's manual for octane requirements and fuel compatibility, especially for high-performance variants that typically benefit from premium fuel.

Fuel options in the Camaro lineup

Here is a concise guide to the main fuel options you may encounter in Camaros.

• Gasoline is the standard fuel for most Camaros.


• Flex-fuel capable models can run E85 (85% ethanol) blends when the system is configured for it and E85 is available at stations.


• Octane requirements vary by engine: base engines may run on regular 87 octane, while high-performance engines often require premium (higher octane) fuel for maximum output. Always check the door label and owner's manual for the exact requirement.

In practice, the fuel choice affects both performance and efficiency. Always use the fuel type and octane level recommended for your specific Camaro configuration.

Engine-specific fuel guidance

Four-cylinder turbo and V6 models

These engines typically operate on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) as a baseline, but Chevrolet often recommends premium for peak performance or sustained high-load driving. Confirm the exact requirement in the owner's manual and on the fuel-filler label.

V8 high-performance models

High-performance Camaro variants with a 6.2L V8 generally require premium gasoline to achieve the advertised power and acceleration. Some trims may tolerate regular fuel with reduced output, but for best performance, use premium as specified in the manual.

Fuel economy, E85, and regional considerations

Using E85 can reduce overall fuel economy due to ethanol content and may require more frequent refueling. Only use E85 if your Camaro is flex-fuel capable and you are fueling at a station that offers E85. If your vehicle is not flex-fuel capable, do not attempt to use E85.

Summary

Camaro fuel is primarily gasoline, with flex-fuel capability available on certain models for E85 blends. The required octane level and fuel options depend on the engine and year, so always consult the owner’s manual and the fuel door label to ensure you use the correct fuel for your specific Camaro configuration.

What type of gas does a Camaro take?

A Camaro takes either regular unleaded gasoline (87-octane) or premium unleaded gasoline (91-octane or higher), depending on the engine. Models with the 6.2L V-8 or supercharged 6.2L V-8 engines require premium fuel, while Camaros with smaller engines, such as the 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder, can use regular unleaded. 
For premium fuel

• Engines: 6.2L V-8 or supercharged 6.2L V-8 
• Recommendation: Use 91-octane or higher for optimal performance 
• Note: The engine's computer can adjust for lower octane, but it may result in reduced performance and potential engine knocking 

For regular fuel

• Engines: 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder
• Recommendation: Use 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline 

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 happens if I put 87 instead of 91?

If you put 87 octane instead of 91 in a car that requires it, your modern engine's computer will likely adjust timing to prevent damage, but you may experience reduced performance and fuel efficiency. For a one-time mistake, drive gently and fill up with 91 octane the next time to dilute the fuel. However, consistently using lower-octane fuel in a high-compression or performance engine can lead to engine knocking and potential damage. 
What to expect in the short term

• Reduced performance: You may notice less acceleration and overall power. 
• Engine knocking or pinging: This is a rattling noise that can occur when the fuel pre-ignites in the cylinder. 
• Decreased fuel economy: Your car may use more fuel to go the same distance. 

How to mitigate the effects

• Avoid hard acceleration: Drive gently, especially at high speeds or when climbing hills, to minimize the risk of engine knocking. 
• Fill up with 91 octane: When your fuel tank is low, fill it up with 91 octane to mix with the remaining 87 octane fuel. This will dilute the lower-octane fuel and raise the overall rating. 
• Check your owner's manual: The manual will specify if 91 octane is a requirement or simply a recommendation. 
• Be cautious with performance vehicles: Cars with turbochargers or high-compression engines are more susceptible to damage from lower-octane fuel, so it is especially important to avoid aggressive driving. 

Should I put 87 or 89 in my car?

No, 89 octane gas is not inherently better than 87, but it can be necessary for certain vehicles. For most cars, using 89 octane instead of 87 will not provide benefits like increased power or efficiency and is simply a more expensive choice. However, some engines are designed to require a higher octane level (like 89 or 91) to prevent knocking and damage, especially if they have a turbocharger or higher compression ratio. You should always use the octane level recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual. 
When 89 octane may be needed

• Your car's manufacturer recommends it in the owner's manual.
• Your engine has a turbocharger or supercharger.
• Your engine has a high compression ratio.
• You hear your engine "knocking" or "pinging" when using 87 octane gas. 

When 89 octane is not necessary 

• Your car is designed for 87 octane fuel and doesn't have a high-performance engine.
• Using 89 octane won't make your car faster or more efficient than the recommended 87.
• You will simply be paying more for no added benefit.