which grade of fuel to use?

[swc5150]

87 octane is fine, it's the ethanol in nearly 100% of 87 grade fuel at gas stations. I run premium in my boat for the sole reason that my local station's premium is also 100% gasoline. Plus, gasoline provides a greater fuel efficiency than ethanol, so the extra cost at the pump is partially mitigated by the fuel economy.

[Red57Bird]

I have the exact boat and motor and I run regular grade fuel. I believe that others on the forum will confirm that anything higher than standard grade fuel is a complete waste of money. The PCM owner's manual also specifies on page 21 that 87 octane fuel should be used, even with the ZR6 motor. It also mentions that use of higher octane fuel can cause a temporary reduction in performance. I'm assuming this is because the timing on these engines are managed by a computer, which is set up assuming 87 octane fuel. Using higher octane likely causes the engine management computer to adjust timing, affecting performance.

I'm sure others on the board, who are much more engine knowledgeable than I, will chime in to confirm or correct me. Enjoy your SAN - I know we have.

[NautiqueJeff]

From the 2003 PCM Owner's Manual.......

[rabbit]

I just purchased a 03 SAN 210 it has the 330 HP motor. It also has Low Emmision stickers on the motor and hull. I used Super for the first tank, should I stick with super or will any grade be fine? I feel strange using lesser grades, since I am used to running super in my cars.

Thanks