by jr1 on Sat Nov 22, 2008 2:18 am
Forget "opinions" - even dealer mechanics. Ask the dealer service manager for the Saturn service bulletin on high pressure injector noise. (While you are at it ask for a copy of ALL service bulletins on your model - just good sense peiodically for any vehicle)
The noise is due to the high pressure fuel injectors used in the direct fuel injection system. It's not valves. Ih this (RedLine only) engine the gas is injected directly into the cylinder, much like a diesel engine does, 'cept it's gas with sparks. Use Top Tier gas and throw in a can of Techron or other injector cleaner every 10 tanks or so. Also if you take her for a long trip on the freeway (100+ miles) - give her a nice blow out - you will notice it goes away for a while.
BTW: Ya don't need premium grade gas. Nothing gained there - trust me, there is a dyno shop next door to where I work...... That's a compression ratio/preignition thing only. This engine does not need it. It runs just fine on regular. If it ain't knocking/pinging ya don't need high octane gas. Save ya money for something useful or pretty - plenty of nice accessories out there.