1985 Other Oldsmobile Models ping

could be fixed wiht premium, but if it just started pinging out of the blue there must be somethign wrong with the vehicle that should be fixed instead of coating over with premium.

i woudl start by checking plugs and wires, and the ignition timing. does it do it under heavy acceleration, slow, uphill driving? cruising?

Check if you're overheating and also open up the EGR valve clean it, also investigate the knock sensor might not be retarding the ignition timing when needed.