fuel type for 6.2

[tboat]

Just took delivery on a 2021 Sierra Denali with the 6.2.  Flipping through the owners manual I found it's recommended to use the 93 octane premium fuel.  What's everybody using and have you noticed any mileage drop or pinging using lower octane fuel?

[OnTheReel]

I don’t run hard or tow in the winter and have a lot of idle time, so I usually use 88 E15 to putt around and it’s just fine. BUT I do not cheap out with fuel in the other 3 seasons because I paid for the 6.2 performance and want to use it. These engines pull timing like crazy on regular. Even the 5.3 does. 

[JimCost2014]

Have had 3 K2's with the 6.2, 92 (best I can find in Washington) in each one, each fill up.

 

[blckblt]

When I had my 6.2 I tried to run 93 if not then 91.  I did notice slightly better performance and higher MPG.

[Snakes709]

87 unless im towing/hauling or off roading, then its 94. Truck runs fine on 87 and in Edmonton, AB its about $25-$30 difference between 87 and 94 per tank. 94 only saves you at most 1.5L/100kms fuel economy, not worth it to continuously run 94. 

[Robby James]

I have done mileage checks with both and actually have gotten better gas mileage EVERY time with 87 over 92 which is the highest available in Wa state.

However if I plan to race around or tow anything I run 92 so I don't suffer pre-ignition and possible engine damage.

No idea why the mileage comes out that way.

Thanks to Joe I will run more 87 than I had planned for awhile.

[Black02Silverado]

93 every tank.  I got the 6..2 for the performance.  It pulls timing back to keep from detonation and so you loose performance and economy.  Sure it will run on 87 but with the timing retarded you will not get the full benefit of power out of the 6.2.

[AlaskaErik]

GM recommends premium, so I run premium.  I'm not skimping out just to save a few pennies.

[mrtizzom]

93 since the day I took delivery...for the extra money I spent to get the 6.2, running 93 isn't that big of an issue.

[Amcguy1970]

The mpg difference is pretty minimal, less than 1 mpg. The HP difference is maybe around 10-15 tops on an NA engine, so nothing you will actually notice outside of a placebo effect. We run regular in our Denali most of the time unless it will be towing or a 100 degree week in Texas. The 5.3 you will see even less of a difference and at 20-30 cents difference a gallon that is the cost of a starbucks coffee, so up to you. There has been countless studies done showing the differences and on vehicles that are designed for regular there is no difference regardless of what the premium fanboys says (not sure why they still argue it saying power down, timing pulled and mpg up). Do what you feel is best, either fuel won't hurt it and will be just fine. And those saying it is for performance, the truck isn't fast, a Honda Accord will run door to door with it and that extra 15hp isn't changing the outcome...

 

This was a good test comparing multiple types of vehicles with different fuel requirements and what the fuel did to their mpg, performance and dyno.

 

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a28565486/honda-cr-v-vs-bmw-m5-ford-f-150-dodge-charger/

 

Tyler

[oldmann]

I run midgrade (89) it still spark knocks when getting in the throttle, but it works.  

[OnTheReel]

Performance is the only reason people buy the 6.2. Whether it be for towing, or for stoplight acceleration, the engine exists solely because it makes more power. Sure, “fast” is a relative term, but 0-60 in 5.4s is much quicker than most vehicles you’ll encounter on the road, including an Accord. I certainly have fun with my truck and want every ounce I can squeeze from it.
 

If you spend $2500 extra on an engine option in a $60,000 truck, but then worry about 20 cents a gallon, your priorities are a little screwy anyway. Like the people who eat a triple Baconator for lunch but feel good for getting a Diet Coke with it. 

[JimCost2014]

Like the people who eat a triple Baconator for lunch but feel good for getting a Diet Coke with it. 

 

But, I like Diet Coke

Edited June 15, 2021 by JimCost2014

[Rob Mugs]

I always run 93 but has anyone tried going further than that?  Wonder if the tune will allow more timing if you were to add say, 100 or 110?

 

Ran a 14.0 flat in the 1/4 mile last year and kept hitting the 97 mph speed limiter so each pass was 14 @97.  Took the speed limiter out and 'thinking' I should hit 13.9.  Another 10th wouldn't be bad

 

 

[Chevyguy273]

What technique did you use at the line? 4wd h? How high did you bring the revs up to before launching? I’m going to the drag strip this summer. And. Being as old as I am. I would love to leave the dragstrip with a sub 14 second pass at my advanced age.