Gasoline Grade

[dale55]

Just got a new to me 2004 Nomad 1500 FI. The manual says to use at least 90 octane, which means premium. I was wondering what everyone else is using?

I do have a hypercharger, power commander, and v&h baggers if that makes a difference.

Dale

[lonewolf]

Before i put my cobra processor in my 07 pinged like crazy, even with 90+ octane. since the cobra install ive been able to run 87 octane with no ping. since you have a power commander you can try goin to a lower grade, and see if you get the ping.

[paul]

Dale, welcome! With the power comander, pipes, and intake you should be able to burn 87 octane with no problem.. I have a 2000 1500 fi and very similar mods and even in the heat of south/central Texas have no problem with regular gas. And my experience is not unique. If you are from an area of the country that doesn't get really hot, you'll be able to maintain a "moderate" tune and even get pretty good milage. I turn up the fuel just a tad during the hottest times here, otherwise I run a "tune" that allows me 40mpg and no ping or other issues on 87 octane.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I used to run premium on one fill up and then the next I would use the mid grade. That way I always had at least 90 octane in the tank. After gas prices increased so much I pretty much just use 87 octane now with no problems. I do have the Cobra FI2000R installed. You will need a fuel processor in order to run 87 octane. Hope we have helped you with your questions.

[billmac]

I have run 87 octane all fall, winter, and this spring. If I get a ping this summer, I will moved to mid grade gas. I have an open intake on the right side, TFI, and V&H on my 2006 Nomad..

[ringadingh]

You should be able to get by on 87 octane, but youll have to try it out and see. Each bike is a bit different as is the fuel in your area. Last summer while in Vermont my pal and I both filled up and our bikes ran like crap for the entire tank of fuel. I doubt it was water in the fuel it was just lousy gas.

[schoeney]

I only ride about 6,000 miles per season. At .24 difference between 87 and 92 octane that is only $36 per year. So I just fill it up with the good stuff and don't worry about pinging.

I have never had it ping even once......knocking on wood. 40+ MPG completely stock except debaffle.

[landman]

87octane with cobre fuel processor.

[oldbikers]

I have always run regular 87 octane in my 05 with and with out the fuel processor.

[sodbuster]

I have a stock '03 1500, I run 87 octane all the time with no issues. I have had to fill with 85 octane a time or two and it does ping a little then. if I top off the tank with something higher when I have the chance she runs fine.

[caddman11]

07, pipes, 1/2 caddmann intake, Cobra FI2000R installed--I run the lowest grade with no pings whether 2 up, 100 degrees +, or loaded to travel. I do occasionally get a smell of unburnt hydrocarbons at stops.

[jims]

I was using 87 or 89 in my bikes, thumpers to Road King but on a KLR thread last year I read about the mandatory ethanol being added to all gas and how it was affecting engines. When the station I use finally went to 10% ethanol I've been using premium as a precaution - don't know if it is truly needed or not. Any chemists or engineers on the forum that would know?