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

[bacabunch]

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

[Lynnmor]

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

[Lwiddis]

I follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

[STBRetired]

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.

[Fisherman]

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

[Reisender]

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. :).

[time2roll]

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.

[kellem]

Back in the old days of muscle cars we'd advance timing and run premium fuel, it was felt.

Pulling a trailer, the best solution is to drive a formidable tow vehicle. Lol

[riven1950]

On this subject, I think 87 octane is supposed to be 87 octane and 93 is supposed to be 93 octane, but I have noticed a difference in mileage between different stations with the same octane. Even taking wind in consideration there is a difference. That is my OPINION not supported by facts.

[CFerguson]

As said, you should run the lowest octane that allows your engine to run smoothly/optimally. And yes higher octanes will supply more energy tho probably not at a cost effective price.

[rk911]

wa8yxm wrote:
...and he's already too rich...

no such thing as 'too rich'.

[2oldman]

jdc1 wrote:
I'm pretty sure the engineers that spent thousands of hours on that engine left you a book with your answers. Or, you can take the advice of some guy that read something on the internet.

lol

[MFL]

Towing with pure premium, has made a slight performance difference, on my last two trucks. Mileage really drops with low grade ethanol fuel. I will always opt for best choice, over cost.

I remember one local gas station getting caught, fined, exposed, for selling 85 octane gas, when pump was labeled 87. I don't know if that is checked on occasion, or if it requires a complaint.

Jerry

[jdc1]

I'm pretty sure the engineers that spent thousands of hours on that engine left you a book with your answers. Or, you can take the advice of some guy that read something on the internet.

[mbopp]

Actually, high octane gas has less BTUs per gallon than 87 octane. Its claim to fame is that the engine computer won't ****** the timing and you'll get better performance under load. Whether it's enough of a mileage gain to offset the additional cost is for you to decide.

[JKJavelin]

I am into muscle cars and as mentioned above, higher octane is for one thing: to prevent pre-ignition (pinging) by burning slower and cooler. Lower octane gas burns faster and hotter. I use to think that higher octane made more power, but not now.
JK