Wanted to give permium gas a try

[RichardCranium]

I bought a hybrid because I wanted the gas mileage - and my 2022 XL has delivered. I've only used 87 octane and I'm at 40 mpg average having driven 8,000 miles

I think I drive "normal". Not hot rodding, not driving so slow I'm annoying those behind me. I use regular gas because it's the least expensive and truck runs just fine on it. Mid grade around here costs about 15% more than regular and premium an extra 23%. I could test it and see - but I seriously doubt my MPG increases 15% or 23% on more expensive, higher octane gas.

It's been an informative discussion though. If I ever find myself towing a trailer for 500+ miles I will gas up with premium

I think that has been the overall consensus, does higher octane run better? Yes. Does the price difference justify the cost? No.
The fuel question is like the oil question. Everyone has their opinions and everyone thinks they are right. I have changed some practices based on arguments people have made in these forums, but in the end, do what you think is best. Will the truck run on 87? Yes. Will it run better on higher octane? Yes. Will you notice a difference?
And to address the fuel is the same everywhere comments… around here, all gas is the same but with different additive packets (Was confirmed by Texaco rep when I worked at a gas station 25 years ago, back before stations paid for “top tier” ratings) Top tier refers to the amount of detergents in the additives that prevent carbon build up or remove build up. Top tier is very important to this type of engine because carbon buildup is common. I have seen engines torn down at a repair shop I worked at 20 years ago and it was amazing the carbon build up on some engines. The techs would always tell me to use quality, name brand gas stations because the additives were better. Specifically (at that time) I believe the additive was called techreline that Shell, Chevron, and Texaco used (all the same company back then) chevron called it Techron, shell called it something else. But the techs I worked with said it was the best.

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[todd92]

No additive package can prevent carbon buildup on intake valves in DI engines...

 

[Techcar]

No additive package can prevent carbon buildup on intake valves in DI engines...

I am glad that you addressed the elephant in the room .

 

[dalola]

Folks, this fuel "debate" for the 2.0EB Mav is not that difficult to understand!

The engine is SAE certified (HP & TQ specs) on 91 octane gas. That is a FACT. If you want the MAXIMUM performance this engine is capable of, you must run 91 (or 93) gas. FACT. Using 87 gas will result in 10-15% less peak HP & TQ. FACT.

Whether or not you feel it, need it, want it, etc... is a secondary subjective discussion.

 

[710-oil-614]

So "regular" gas is going to generate 0 to 225 horsepower.

Premium gas is going to generate 0 to 250 horsepower.

So you're not going to "need" premium unless you use up 225 horsepower.

Your truck makes 30 HP cruising at highway speeds.

Your truck makes 60 HP cruising up a 6% grade at highway speeds.

Your truck makes maybe 100 HP passing someone going uphill at highway speeds on that 6% grade.

Unless you are DRAG RACING you're not going to ever "need" premium. I'm not suggesting you can't "like" it if that's your thing.

Like I said in my original post - OP is mostly going to just get conjecture from the commentariat about what they prefer. This is exactly what you are doing.

The 2.0 EB is mapped to 91 octane fuel. The stated power ratings from Ford are achieved using 91 octane or higher.

Using 87 or 89 results in a detuned/less powerful EB engine than the stated ratings of 250hp/277 ft lb of torque. Depending on the octane used, it can cause the Maverick to be .5 second slower 0-60.

 

[RichardCranium]

No additive package can prevent carbon buildup on intake valves in DI engines...

Then top tier means nothing for our engines.

 

[RichardCranium]

Folks, this fuel "debate" for the 2.0EB Mav is not that difficult to understand!

The engine is SAE certified (HP & TQ specs) on 91 octane gas. That is a FACT. If you want the MAXIMUM performance this engine is capable of, you must run 91 (or 93) gas. FACT. Using 87 gas will result in 10-15% less peak HP & TQ. FACT.

Whether or not you feel it, need it, want it, etc... is a secondary subjective discussion.

I thought the question was, “is it worth it?” And that is what people are debating.

 

[Carlitos_92]

Then top tier means nothing for our engines.

Not sure you can make that logical leap. The fuel may not be passing by the tops of the intake valves themselves, but there is still a fuel pump, sensors, injectors, and the rest of the piping that I personally would not want to send garbage gas through.

 

[dalola]

I thought the question was, “is it worth it?” And that is what people are debating.

Actually, the OP's question was, would it take more than one tank to notice (no), and would he even notice (maybe).

The debate is fine, but some seem to present their subjective opinions as facts. It's important to get a little clarification there, for the open-minded youngsters trying to learn.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Like I said in my original post - OP is mostly going to just get conjecture from the commentariat about what they prefer. This is exactly what you are doing.

The 2.0 EB is mapped to 91 octane fuel. The stated power ratings from Ford are achieved using 91 octane or higher.

Using 87 or 89 results in a detuned/less powerful EB engine than the stated ratings of 250hp/277 ft lb of torque. Depending on the octane used, it can cause the Maverick to be .5 second slower 0-60.

Yes. I think I have consistently posted the same information.

Try/buy if you like.

It's rarely needed.

 

[CBennett]

Over the years any time I use 87 my vehicles don't like it. Sure they will run but I notice a little lower mpg and the engine will ping when the weather warms up. Just by switching to 89 fixes the issue. Personally I will never run 87.

Dont take this wrong.. But it may be a you thing... if its made to run on 87 ive never had a issue with 87. Now sometimes you will get a power boost or downgrade with 87 vs say 93 BUT it actually runs fine its just not got as much power...which doesn't mean its running bad lol.

Wife has a CX 50 now and its fine on 87 or 93 it just makes more power on 93 225(or 27 ive seen both) on 87 256 on 93.. but its not like its running rough or pinging on 87 lol.

 

[RichardCranium]

Not sure you can make that logical leap. The fuel may not be passing by the tops of the intake valves themselves, but there is still a fuel pump, sensors, injectors, and the rest of the piping that I personally would not want to send garbage gas through.

Again, the gas is the same. The additive package is different. At least, that is how it is around here. There are a couple refineries that provide all of the gasoline and they add the additive package when filling the tankers. That is also why it doesn’t matter what tanker truck is bringing the gas to your station, the truck doesn’t determine the additive package.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Then top tier means nothing for our engines.

I was in the commercial fuel business 2005 to 2013. I've been out of the loop for a while.

Back then "Top Tier" was invented by the industry itself. It's not a "stamp of approval" from any government or independent testing agency. It was clearly a marketing ploy. And back then, many of us independent owner/operators felt it was a bit of a conspiracy to commit fraud.

It was akin to marketing carrots as "top tier" carrots because these carrots were measured to be gluten free AND cholesterol free. In today's health conscious community, who wouldn't prefer gluten free, cholesterol free carrots?

Maybe things have changed in the past ten years.

 

[710-oil-614]

Back then "Top Tier" was invented by the industry itself.

What industry are you referring to?

It was akin to marketing carrots as "top tier" carrots because these carrots were measured to be gluten free AND cholesterol free. In today's health conscious community, who wouldn't prefer gluten free, cholesterol free carrots?

You do not have a proper understanding of fuel additives

 

[Raymundo76]

I have been using regular has in my awd Mav it. I was wondering if I filled an empty tank with premium if I would notice any difference. Or would it take a few tankfulls. Thanks

I buy gas at Costco. So my choice is 87 or 91. There has been a lot of posts on this issue. With the Mav's computers the vehicle will make adjustments so it is unlikely you will notice any knocking with 87. There should be slightly better MPG and performance with 91, but likely not enough to offset added cost. I have been using 91 in my hybrid. The MPG is so good that I don't mind the higher price of 91. Many would say that I am throwing money away. ( my $$ so my choice) Since FoMoCo says 91 is recommended; but the Mav will run on 87, I will continue to use 91 in the hope that in the long run the Mav will be better off. Final thoughts: it's likely a matter of personal preference

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