Fuel Additive

Hurtin97GPSE · 02-21-2008, 12:43 AM

Hello All!!

Recently I moved from Canada to the US and of course the GP isn't taking the transition so well with the gas.

It's almost choking on it. Canada refines the fuel differently than the US of course and I think they put an additive in the gas, not 100% sure though.

So my question of course will be: What would be a good fuel additive for the GPSE? Currently I'm using BP Gasoline. It's about the only "Big Name" brand here. Citgo got bought out and Cheveron doesn't exist here. I never trusted Shell gas. As far as additive's are concerned I've seen at least 4 different kinds on the shelves, STP being the most prominent.

Open to any and all suggestions =)

G.A.S. · 02-21-2008, 01:59 AM

Blow that idea off.
You dont want to be adding an additive to your fuel every fill up.
Or at all for that matter on that regular of a basis.
I dont believe this is a fuel issue at all, blend wise that is. there are millions of people that travel both ways from there to the usa and I cant believe that you cross the border and you have fuel that will screw up everyones cars.
I would have to say that there is an altitude issue with your emissions or it is just a coincedence and you have another problem.
Sure you dont have a cataletic converter pluging up?
Make sure your air filter is not pluged and when was the last tune up?

richtazz · 02-21-2008, 05:42 AM

The only differences in your Canadian car and it's US counterparts is that your guages are calibrated to Metric, and you may have the cold weather package that includes a factory block heater and such. I live in Flint, MI (you pass me on your way down I-69) and even in this cold weather, my GT is averaging 19 MPG city. I use Marathon regular 87 octane and have no issues. Which engine does your SE have in it?

BNaylor · 02-21-2008, 07:12 AM

Most name brand gasoline is detergent based so running a fuel additive to a tankful of gas every time is a waste of money and not necessary. GM and other big auto manufacturers like Toyota, etc. recommend using approved top tier gasoline only. See link below.

http://www.toptiergas.com/index.html

Here is the list of top tier approved companies. Note that BP is not on the list and Shell is. I've never had problems using Shell as an alternative but use Chevron with Techron only.

http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

Hurtin97GPSE · 02-21-2008, 08:21 AM

Thanks for that list, I've never seen that before. I know Cheveron was always a good gasoline and used it religiously when I was living in BC. I think we might have 76's here. Can't remember if they are 76's or 66's, Shells I know are here but very few. BP is the most prominent one in the Quad Cities.

I have a V6 3.8 in the car, as far as a tune up though I haven't had one done since we got the car but I'm sure it's due for one very soon. We've put at least another 75000km since it's purchase. Getting pretty close to 200k.

As far as regulations are concerned, I cannot legally import the car until I get the brain fixed in the car. My wife surprisingly knows more about that than I do. GM will not give us the compliance letter for the US to legally import it until it's reprogrammed. I'll add more info on that later tonight when I talk to her again.

richtazz · 02-21-2008, 12:41 PM

I've been pretty happy with Marathon here. We have no Chevron stations in Flint, and Shell's are scarce. Marathon now claims that their fuel is treated with STP right from the pump. I've had no fuel related issues in forever, so it must be ok. I do take the scenic route to Shell with my Harley, as it seems to run much better and get better mileage on Shell Premium vs any other brand Premium. I see no difference in either running 87 octane in my GT (Marathon vs Shell).

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