how can i tell if my car is detonating

 

If you're detonating, you'll probably hear audible pinging.

Another way is to hook up AutoTap and monitor the Knock Retard

 

It'll sound like can full of BBs rattling around in your engine ...

 

How do you fix it? I have an essentially stock LS1 (2002) with a K&N FIPK and a cat-back exhaust and it pings a lot at higher RPM's, especially in warm weather. How do you get rid of or lessen the pinging? MAFT? Thanks, sorry for posting this question in someone elses thread.. it just reminded me of the quetion.

 

Use higer octane gas. Even though the manual says you can use 87 or 89, it recomends you use a minimum of 91 ocatane, and there is good reason for this. The higher compresion you go, the higher the octane you need. LS1's are 10.1:1, which is high for a street engine. For states like California its hard to find anything higher than 91. I use 91 and have no pinging. When I've used 89 i get it under load.

 

Living on the east coast you probably have access to 93 octane, so try moving up a grade of fuel and seeing if it dissapears.

 

Is there any other way to fix it short of getting the PCM reprogrammed? I already use 91 octane (in Cali) and I can't get any higher around here.

 

I would take it in. If your already using 91 and still experiencing pinging, then there could be a serious problem with your motor. Take it to a dealer that you trust and have them check it out.

 

Also, don't buy from Arco, Rotten Robbie, etc.... The gas they sell is very poor quality. Its manufactured very poorly, and thats why it can be sold for so little. I bought a gas powered lawn trimmer once and there was a tag on the gas cap saying specifically not to by from Arco because the gas was so bad it could damamge the engine.......this was on a lawn trimmer.....I will NEVER buy gas from there because of that tag.

 

I get some audible knocking in upper RPMS on 91 too. I also live here in Cali, Bay Area. Luckily, there is a 76 station in my area that sells 100 octane. I put in about 3 gallons or so plus the 13.8 of 91 and I have no detenation. It just hauls!!!

jp