this is kind of a bone-head question.. I was curious what Octane should I use in my 77 Dodge Tradesman200 v8 (360 ci I think?.. i'll have to check out the ID plate)?
My ex used to have a 66 mustang 289 and she would use 92/super. I'm wondering if I need to do the same w/ my older v8? I know octane goes up w/ higher compression rates.
Dodgevanman
03-27-2008, 02:39 PM
I use good old 87 in my '72 Dodge and it runs fine...no knocks or pings.
I had a '69 Dodge van with a 318 and I had to use Sunoco Ultra 94 or it would knock.
alloro
03-27-2008, 04:57 PM
Use the lowest you can without any pinging. Anything higher and you're just wasting money.
stev
03-27-2008, 06:28 PM
Use the lowest you can without any pinging. Anything higher and you're just wasting money.
Exactly. :cool:
B-300
03-27-2008, 06:37 PM
That's the answer.
A '69 318 had higher compression than the '72, also true for your ex mustang, 2bbl 9 to 1, 4bbl 9.8 to 1.
Higher octane fuel not only costs more, it also has slightly less energy per gallon.
method5150
03-28-2008, 11:08 AM
thanks alot dudes! next chance I get i'll fill her up. Next step is registration (184$ due to fees) then smog (that should be fun!) I think this year might be the last time I need to smog it.
B-300
03-28-2008, 12:17 PM
I think the rolling 30 year exemption in Ca. was halted a few years ago... I could be wrong.
method5150
03-28-2008, 01:13 PM
when I bought my 66 RV on a chevy van chassi i had to smog it before registration but that was the only time I had to do it. so i wasn't sure why.. since it was a 66 and i bought it about 16 months ago. on DMV website it states:
Smog Information
Currently, smog inspections are required for all vehicles except diesel powered vehicles, electric, natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, hybrids, motorcycles, trailers, or vehicles 1975 and older.
..... so yeah, not sure either! lol
my next truck will be a diesel and will convert to use WVO (waste vegi oil).
nalu van
03-28-2008, 01:23 PM
B-300 is correct, California changed the "rolling smog exemption" law around 2003 or '04. If your van is a 1976 or newer, you will be subject to the smog test every 2 yrs.. I got F'd when the law changed - bought a '76 B-200 a few yrs prior to the change intending to build up the motor once I was no longer subject to smog tests; now I'm stuck with the stock set up. Still love the van though. Hope all goes well w/ your smog check.
