Car and Driver octane test
Before anyone gets excited about the latest test showing that the 3.5 Ecoboost runs a lot better on 93 octane please take notice that this is the HO version only available in the Raptor and the Limite...
Forum Discussion
Yes, I don't think you understand. Ford recommends premium if you want more horsepower because it is a multi octane engine(which not all engines are). It is no different than dual fuel engines that have lower power numbers on gasoline and higher power numbers on E85. The engine can switch to either due to its ability to adjust timing based on knock. Most people with dual fuel vehicles don't run E85 even though they get added horsepower and E85 is cheaper because your fuel mileage is considerably less and there is not much benefit for the added power. The same is true for a multi octane engine.
Another reason why many Ecoboost owners may not run premium is because the Ecoboost has plenty of power and has no issues towing even 10k up even 7% grades at the rated speed limit on regular fuel so another 20 hp is really not needed. Ford designed and tuned the Ecoboost to 87 for its advertised power levels, and gives you the option to run 91/93 if you want the added performance.
My wife's Infiniti SUV requires premium and so did did her MB before that. However, if you chose to use 87, then the advertised power numbers would be reduced. These engines, like your vehicles, are mainly tuned and designed for 91/93 because their advertised power levels is based on premium fuel, but can run 87 with lower than advertised power levels. In order to be able to advertise a certain SAE tested power output, you have to recommend the fuel those power levels are made from. You cannot advertise power levels on 91/93 octane, and then recommend 87 for the vehicle. If you do, then you have to say that the power levels or on premium in every advertisement.
I will also say that the customer base for my wife's and your vehicles are completely different than an F150 owner especially if it is a fleet. Luxury SUV/car owners are more inclined to pay for premium and manufacturers want to advertise the greatest amount of power possible in these vehicles. Regular F150 owners are not as inclined to pay for premium. This is probably why Ford started offering the HO Ecoboost that requires premium fuel in the luxurious Limited models only.
Another reason why many Ecoboost owners may not run premium is because the Ecoboost has plenty of power and has no issues towing even 10k up even 7% grades at the rated speed limit on regular fuel so another 20 hp is really not needed. Ford designed and tuned the Ecoboost to 87 for its advertised power levels, and gives you the option to run 91/93 if you want the added performance.
My wife's Infiniti SUV requires premium and so did did her MB before that. However, if you chose to use 87, then the advertised power numbers would be reduced. These engines, like your vehicles, are mainly tuned and designed for 91/93 because their advertised power levels is based on premium fuel, but can run 87 with lower than advertised power levels. In order to be able to advertise a certain SAE tested power output, you have to recommend the fuel those power levels are made from. You cannot advertise power levels on 91/93 octane, and then recommend 87 for the vehicle. If you do, then you have to say that the power levels or on premium in every advertisement.
I will also say that the customer base for my wife's and your vehicles are completely different than an F150 owner especially if it is a fleet. Luxury SUV/car owners are more inclined to pay for premium and manufacturers want to advertise the greatest amount of power possible in these vehicles. Regular F150 owners are not as inclined to pay for premium. This is probably why Ford started offering the HO Ecoboost that requires premium fuel in the luxurious Limited models only.
