Unleaded vs. Premium gas, does it make a differnce?

BarabooBob wrote:
I also drive a 3.5 EB and when we are in low octane states, I will always pay for at least 87 octane. I do it because the owners manual says to run at least 87. At high elevation most regular gas is 85 octane because a not turbo engine can't use the higher octane. My turbo does not care is I am at sea level or 11,000 ft, it always thinks it is at sea level because the engine just kicks up the boost to make up the difference. That is why my little 3.5 turbo can run comfortably going up the steep grades at high elevation. And contrary to popular opinion, I do not have to wind the engine up. It makes full HP and torque from about 1800 rpms unlike some engines that have to be run at 4000 plus roms to get power and torque.

Actually it makes maximum horsepower at 5,000 RPM.

I also drive a 3.5 EB and when we are in low octane states, I will always pay for at least 87 octane. I do it because the owners manual says to run at least 87. At high elevation most regular gas is 85 octane because a not turbo engine can't use the higher octane. My turbo does not care is I am at sea level or 11,000 ft, it always thinks it is at sea level because the engine just kicks up the boost to make up the difference. That is why my little 3.5 turbo can run comfortably going up the steep grades at high elevation. And contrary to popular opinion, I do not have to wind the engine up. It makes full HP and torque from about 1800 rpms unlike some engines that have to be run at 4000 plus roms to get power and torque.

Straight from my 2013 F150 owners manual.... As I said originally, it seems to depend on your vehicle's engine...

Octane recommendations:

3.7L V6/5.0L V8/6.2L V8 engines:

“Regular” unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some stations offer fuels posted as “Regular” with an
octane rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. Fuels with
octane levels below 87 are not recommended.

3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine:

“Regular” unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some stations offer fuels posted as “Regular” with an
octane rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. Fuels with
octane levels below 87 are not recommended. Premium fuel will provide
improved performance and is recommended for severe duty usage such
as trailer tow

Mitch

Around here regular is only 85.

My owners manual says 87 or higher.

I get better mileage using mid grade, I get the best mileage using ethanol free 88 octane.

Gary

A higher percentage of ethanol will increase octane and reduce mileage, when comparing fuels be sure you take that into account.

I follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Only place I notice any difference in the MH with running premium fuel os the pocketbook. Don't think the 1999 computer is smart enough to adjust the timing. In the 2106 Edge Ecoboost, however, there is a marked difference between running on 87 and 93 octane. On 93 I can four wheel drift my favorite corner on my favorite Alabama backroad. With 87 octane it just won't break the 4 Pirellis loose no matter what I try. According to Ford, I am getting about 30 or so more horsepower with the premium fuel which is just enough to make the corner really fun. And yes, I do keep it in my lane. I raced SCCA in my younger days so I can keep my vehicle in its own lane.

CFerguson wrote:
And yes higher octanes will supply more energy tho probably not at a cost effective price.

Sorry but some people have no idea what they're babbling about.
Tech 101 Octane facts:

Octane does not offer any better fuel mileage, increase engine horsepower, or make the engine start quicker. Higher octane only reduces the likelihood of engine knock or ping. ... Because higher octane gas burns slower, it is more resistant to knock when subjected to higher RPM and cylinder pressures

bacabunch wrote:
My father inlaw suggested I run Premium gas when towing the TT. Makes sense but not sure it makes a difference, any thoughts?

Not in a Tesla. LOL. Sorry, couldn’t resist.

But seriously. Our V10 in our little class C ran better on premium. The mileage was noticeably better but can’t remember how much. It ran fine on regular but for the extra money probably got the equivalent better mileage. Either way though it was still too thirsty. :).

noteven wrote:
My manual says “minimum octane 87” not “designed for”.

IIRC my manual says 87 octane and discourages any more or less no matter the conditions such as high altitude where you find lower numbers. I might need to dig this up.