Which is better for the motor? I have always run ethanol, even in my old SHO, and I never had any problems. Just wanted some input, on what to run in my 03 Lightning.

 

With lower than recommended octane (premium) you may be running into detonation, even if you can't hear it. An SHO and a Lightning are worlds apart.

 

If I run a higher octane will I be able to tell a difference in performance? Next time I fill up, I will get higher octane. I will look for a 94 or better if I can find it.

 

HellsBells, I dont know where you live, but if it's in indiana look for a McClure station they have 95 octane. SOme speedway stations have 93 or 94... Sunoco also has a 94.

 

Its not a matter of power (that's the tune and the boost level), its a matter of preventing engine ping by using a high enough octane. Most cars/trucks have computers that don't take advantage of higher octane... whereas the Lightning/Harley require it.

 

I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I found a station believe it or not that has racing fuel. They say it is for off road use only but it is 104 octane. As for my current situation most places have the minimum that the manual recommends, and that is 91. So for right now, I purchased a can of NOS octane booster, and I will fill the remainder of my tank with 91. My L just seems a little slugish on this tank of gas, and I do not want to screw anything up, so I am going to stick with the higher octane. Too bad though I do like supporting our farmers buy purchasing the ethonal blend. When I lived in Davenport, there was a station that sold 94 octane, but it was an ethonal blend. I wish I could find that here in CR.

Also, if you can explain to me about detonation. If I can not hear it, what are the signes? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Also just priced out a K&N cold air inductions system for the L. I am pretty interested in tuning her up a bit.