Tested: Is Higher Octane Fuel Better? Better MPG? More HP? -- 87 vs 91 vs 93 Octane with Ethanol Edition (by Project Farm)

[billbillw]

I love Project Farm, but a portable generator and a small engine ATV would not benefit from higher octane like a 4-cylinder DOHC Direct Injected Turbo engine.

For the tested uses, I'd say there is no benefit for higher octane, but I'm sure you could see measurable difference with the Maverick ecoboost on a dyno and in real world towing and full throttle acceleration. I'm sure you could also see some efficiency benefit from ethanol free due to greater energy density. Is any of that enough to justify $ 0.60-$1.00 difference per gallon? Not in my opinion, at least not for daily driving.

These engines have very sophisticated engine controls, so you won't actually see any damaging knock under normal driving, even with the lowest octane. Just a slightly reduced power output.

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[MavDave]

I am not arguing that higher grade of fuel isn't better for a turbo engine so not trying to piss in your cereal bowl but what percentage of non turbo engines using 87 octane fuel have major issues at 150k miles compared to "all" turbo engines using 87 octane having major issues at 150k miles? Where did you get your information?
Does this mean if you are the buyer of a used turbo vehicle how can you tell if the previous owner(s) used 87 octane fuel and if so will they be in for major issues when it reaches 150k miles?
I guess no one should buy my used Maverick when it goes up for trade or sale in 2 or 3 years since I run 87 octane unless I am towing. I am sure Ford knows most Maverick turbo owner will use 87 octane fuel and should now panic to find out all those trucks will now detonate by the time they reach 150k miles.

Not getting super scientific, I haven't bought and dismantled dozens of engins. I have inspected the top of the valves before paying for a boosted vehicle and you can make some good guesses as to how the engine was maintained and treated. Also by being on multiple forums with OE turbos, between 150-175k most of the "gas is gas" people start rethinking their decision. More often than not, but just my opinion. It is up to each person to decide how they will take care of their investment. I run premium only, or a high grade non-ethenol. I maybe over paying but I'm ok with that, I like the insurance that I will give mine the best chance fir a long life. Also, their is almost never a 100 or 0 percent of the time.

 

[eRock92]

I'm going to watch during my lunch break, but does the video mention anything about mid-grade (89 octane) fuel? I'm curious if it even makes a recordable difference.

 

[Flight Test]

IMHO, another topic beaten to death. Correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think most folks know more about the vehicle then the men and women; the vehicle powertrain engineers, who designed, tested, and built this truck. I will stick to the recommendations in the manual.

 

[Zotman]

It's not about horsepower or miles per gallon, it's about FEELING good...

 

[Thoron99]

 

[Deleted member 14823]

IMHO, another topic beaten to death. Correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think most folks know more about the vehicle then the men and women; the vehicle powertrain engineers, who designed, tested, and built this truck. I will stick to the recommendations in the manual.

Follow the manual, and not listen to the computer chair experts? That's crazy talk.

The automotive engineers don't have an axe to grind, and they don't have a win-at-any-cost argumentative mindset. Why would you listen to them?

 

[bbeverag]

The manual says use 87 octane as a minimum and 91 or higher for better performance. Further, it specifically states that light knocking is OK.

If you want to trust the engineers, they said that 87 is ok even if it causes light knocking at times.

 

[Command1]

I know this won't change anyone's mind, but higher octane helps prevent engine knock in a boosted motor also even light engine knock, especially if continuous, is bad and causes damage. The reason the EPA requires all manufacturers to do their mileage tests with no Ethanol fuel, they state, is because they cannot guaranty the quality of the gas with Ethanol. So how good is 87 octane with Ethanol ?? If it works for you use it.
I only run 91 no Ethanol in my Maverick cause it doesn't ever knock and you get better lubrication without the Ethanol. Just my opinion and I built a lot of race and street motors and have seen the damage minor knocking can do.

 

[pgstick02]

This feels like a long beaten topic in this forum but my response is that I will follow what the owners manuel suggests. Premium for me is fine I will burn the extra cash for piece of mind.

Maverick manual snippet copied from Fords website: Fuel Quality - Selecting the Correct Fuel
Your vehicle operates on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating below 87. The use of these fuels could result in engine damage that will not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer.
Do not be concerned if the engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the engine knocks heavily while using fuel with the recommended octane rating, contact an authorized dealer to prevent any engine damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent gasolines, where available to help minimize engine deposits and maintain optimal vehicle and engine performance.

 

[fossil]

small engine video, pretty much pointless on this forum.
but in keeping with OPs small engine theme.
I use only one 5gal can for my yard equipment to keep the fuel fresh and only premium gas containing no ethanol. the higher octane doesn't damage 4 strokes and is usually recommended in 2 strokes.
oh crap, just remembered I need to drain the old gas from the snow blower and 2 generators.

 

[shadowthrone]

It's a good test, but it focuses on power and efficiency in a naturally aspirated small engine. Like many have said - it's not really about that. It's about knock and a turbo engine in the Maverick.

Premium Gas in an engine that is designed for it will:

1. generate 1-5% more HP
2. ensure knock doesn't happen

It will not:

1. Noticeably improve economy

Here is an interesting test by Car and Driver a few years ago: article here
A twin turbo F150 gets about 5% or 20 HP from 93 gas. More boost = more gains from higher octane.

Higher octane Top Tier gas is a small insurance policy that you are getting the best gas for your 2.0 EcoBoost Maverick your engine was designed and optimized for. If that costs ONLY $1500 for 100k miles - that's a no brainer for me as with my driving it will be close to 10 years to hit that 100k miles.

TLDR: you get 1-5% more fun out of 93 octane if you got the EcoBoost and remove the remote chance of knock, and should use Top Tier gas for maximum longevity of your engine. You don't get better fuel economy. It's up to you if those are worth 40-80c/gallon.

 

[TheSEARCH]

Project Farm finally created video and confirms in his test that there is no reason to pay extra 10% for the pure Gas.

Motor trend did a test a few years ago. Already established higher octane or zero ethanol wont pay for added cost.

 

[ejouie]

Ridiculous. 91 is $0.40/gal or more than 87. At an average of 30 mpg (hardly anyone is actually achieving this in an EB) you're paying at least $1,500 per 100k driven. At least.

Just give me a new EB at 100k.

87 doesn't make an engine knock itself to death. 91 just makes you overpay.

I'm just about at 30mpg on 87. I use it to cruise back highways at about 60mph and my EB rarely exceeds 3,000rpm though.

 

[Ranch]

I know this won't change anyone's mind, but higher octane helps prevent engine knock in a boosted motor also even light engine knock, especially if continuous, is bad and causes damage. The reason the EPA requires all manufacturers to do their mileage tests with no Ethanol fuel, they state, is because they cannot guaranty the quality of the gas with Ethanol. So how good is 87 octane with Ethanol ?? If it works for you use it.
I only run 91 no Ethanol in my Maverick cause it doesn't ever knock and you get better lubrication without the Ethanol. Just my opinion and I built a lot of race and street motors and have seen the damage minor knocking can do.

Non Ethanol gas would be great if I could buy it where I live in CA.

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