1998 Chevrolet Camaro Owner's Manual - Page 262

At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet specifications ASTM D4814 in the United States and CGSB 3.5-M93 in Canada. Improvedgasoline specifications have been developed by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) for better vehicle performance andengine protection. Gasolines meetingthe AAMA specification could provide improveddriveability and emissioncontrol system protection compared other gasolines. to Be sure the posted octane for premium is at least 91 (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 badenough, it can damage your engine. If you're usingfuel rated at the recommended octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don't worry if you heara little pinging noise when you're accelerating or driving up a hill. That's normal, and you don't havebuy a higher to octane fuel to get ridof pinging. It's the heavy, constant knock that means youhave a problem. If your vehicleis certified to meet California Emission Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California specifications. If such fuels are not available in states adoptingCalifornia emissions standards, your vehicle willoperate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications,but emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return to your authorized Chevrolet dealer for diagnosis to determine the cause of failure. In the event itis determined that the cause the condition is the typeof of fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty. Some gasolines thatare not reformulatedfor low emissions containan octane-enhancing additivecalled methylcyclopentadienyl manganesetricarbonyl (MMT); ask yourservice station operator whetheror not his fuel contains MMT. General Motorsdoes not recommendthe use of such gasolines. fuels containing MMT are used, If spark plug life may be reduced and your emission control system performance may affected. The be malfunction indicatorlamp on your instrument panel may turn on. Ifthis occurs, return to your authorized Chevrolet dealer for service. ' 6-4