1996 Chevrolet Camaro Owner's Manual - Page 254

The 8th digit your vehicle identificationnumber of (VIN) shows the codeletter for your engine.You will find the VIN at the top left of your instrument panel. (See "Vehicle Identification Number" in the Index.) If you don't have the5.7L CodeP engine, use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. If you have the 5.7L Code P engine, use premium unleaded gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher for best performance. You may use middle grade or regular unleaded gasolines, but your vehicle may not accelerate as well. At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet specifications ASTM D4814 in the United States and CGSB 3.5-M93 in Canada. Improved gasoline specifications have been developed by American the Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) for better vehicle performanceand engine protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification could provide improved driveability and emission control system protection compared other gasolines. to Be sure theposted octane for premium at least 91 is (at least 89 for middle grade and 87 for regular).If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it's bad enough, it can damage your engine. If you're using fuel rated at the recommended octane or higher and you still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don't worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you're accelerating or driving up a hill. That's normal, and you don't have to buy a higher octane fuel toget rid of pinging. It's the heavy, constant knock that means you have aproblem. If your vehicleis certified to meet California Emission Standards (indicatedon the underhood tune-up label), it is designed to operate on fuelsthat meet California specifications. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lampon your instrument panelmay turn on and/or your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return to your authorized Chevrolet dealer for diagnosis determine to the cause of failure. In the event itis determined that the cause of the condition is the type fuels used, repairs of may not be covered by your warranty. 6-3