2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE engine

Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of
the proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance,
we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification
Number (VIN) on page 5-101.
Gasoline Octane
If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN Code W),
use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 or higher. You can also use regular unleaded
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but the vehicle’s
acceleration could be slightly reduced, and you might
notice a slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred
to as spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you might
notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. Otherwise, you could damage the
engine. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN Code R) or
the 7.0L V8 engine (VIN Code E), use premium unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher.
For best performance, use premium unleaded gasoline
with a posted octane rating of 93. In an emergency, you
can use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of 87 or higher. If 87 octane fuel is used, do not perform
any aggressive driving maneuvers such as wide open
throttle applications. You might also hear audible spark
knock during acceleration. Rell the tank with premium
fuel as soon as possible to avoid damaging the engine.
If you are using gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher and
you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specication
D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in
Canada. Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the use of
gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives on page 5-7
for additional information.
5-6

California Fuel
If the vehicle is certied to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specications, but
emission control system performance might be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-42. If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined
that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing
the emission control system to work properly. In most
cases, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors
and intake valves clean, or if the vehicle experiences
problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
For customers who do not use TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel System
Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel tank at every engine
oil change, can help clean deposits from fuel injectors
and intake valves. GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS
is the only gasoline additive recommended by General
Motors.
Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
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Filling the Tank
{CAUTION:
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel re can
cause bad injuries. To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow all the instructions on
the pump island. Turn off the engine when you are
refueling. Do not smoke if you are near fuel or
refueling the vehicle. Do not use cellular phones.
Keep sparks, ames, and smoking materials away
from fuel. Do not leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling the vehicle. This is against the law
in some places. Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel. Keep children away from the fuel
pump; never let children pump fuel.The tethered fuel cap is located behind a hinged fuel
door on the driver side of the vehicle.
5-9

Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ll a portable fuel container while it is in
the vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can be
badly burned and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:
Dispense fuel only into approved containers.
Do not ll a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the ll nozzle in contact with the inside
of the ll opening before operating the nozzle.
Contact should be maintained until the lling
is complete.
Do not smoke while pumping fuel.
Do not use a cellular phone while
pumping fuel.
Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a re. These include liquids like fuel, oil,
coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and other
uids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could
be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things
that will burn onto a hot engine.
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Engine Compartment Overview
If your vehicle has the 6.2L LS3 V8 engine and you are facing the front, when you open the hood, here is what you
will see:
5-14

A. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped).
SeeHydraulic Clutch on page 5-31.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-43.
C. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-44.
D. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-34.
E.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-28.F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-42.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-20.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-20.
I.Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-106.
J. Passenger Compartment Air Filter (Out of View).
SeePassenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-30.
K.Battery on page 5-50.
5-15

If your vehicle has the 6.2L LS9 Supercharged V8 engine and you are facing the front, when you open the hood, here
is what you will see:
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A. Intercooler. SeeCooling System (Engine) on
page 5-32orCooling System (Intercooler) on
page 5-33.
B.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-28.
C. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir and Cap.
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-42.
D. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-34.
E. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-43.
F. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped).
SeeHydraulic Clutch on page 5-31.G. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-44.
H. Passenger Compartment Air Filter (Out of View).
SeePassenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-30.
I. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-20.
J. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-20.
K. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Out of View).
SeeJump Starting on page 5-51.
L.Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-106.
5-17