87 Octane in an EcoBoost with GPF

[Fibrepunk]

When using 87 octane in the 2.0L EcoBoost the ECU retards timing to reduce engine knock. This results, among other things, in more unburned fuel being exhausted from the engine; thus causing the GPF to work harder. Not a good thing. I was planning to use 91 octane for other reasons; but since I am very concerned about having a GPF, and I do lots of city driving; for sure I will use 91 octane in my new Maverick Ecoboost.

Don't forget to look into Top Tier gas vs standard non-Top Tier gas.

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[Steve2u]

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[sajohnson]

There is a new "Top Tier+" rolling out:

"TOP TIER+ is an enhanced fuel performance standard, introduced in late 2024/early 2025, that builds on the original TOP TIER™ program to provide superior cleaning and protection for modern, high-efficiency Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines, addressing their unique challenges with higher detergency and specific testing for injector cleanliness, with a full transition expected by 2027."

 

[zorki1c]

I'd call a 10% drop in power pretty significant and real.

And why do you need that extra 10 percent power in an engine already rated at 250 hp?

 

[Raymundo76]

Don't forget to look into Top Tier gas vs standard non-Top Tier gas.

Always do

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

And why do you need that extra 10 percent power in an engine already rated at 250 hp?

See post 45 the 2.0 EB isn't 250 Horsepower on 87 octane!!

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

Here are the differences between using 91 octane vs 87 octane in the Maverick EB…

87…230-240hp
91…250hp

87 Additive…good thing
91 Additive…more of a good thing

87 MPG…Ok
91 MPG…0.5 to 2 mpg better

Great information it makes You wonder if the 2.0 EB would make more than 250 Horsepower on 93 octane what I fill up with here in Northeast, Ohio ?

 

[sajohnson]

Great information it makes You wonder if the 2.0 EB would make more than 250 Horsepower on 93 octane what I fill up with here in Northeast, Ohio ?

I've wondered that too.

All stations have 93 octane here in MD, and some Sunoco stations have 94.

For those who want to save some money, the additive package in 87 octane Top Tier gas is the same as in 89 and 91/93 octane. Ford only recommends 91/93 octane for trailer towing, esp in hot weather and/or in the mountains.

We run 93 octane because the extra hp/torque = more fun, and we drive very little so the additional cost is minimal. For those that rack up the miles, the cost can add up. 24,000 miles = ~1,000 gallons of fuel. That's about $500 to $1,000 per year more for 91/93 octane.

 

[Raymundo76]

And why do you need that extra 10 percent power in an engine already rated at 250 hp?

Why not? Also could compensate if one has a GPF.

 

[Chops]

Great information it makes You wonder if the 2.0 EB would make more than 250 Horsepower on 93 octane what I fill up with here in Northeast, Ohio ?

I believe the 2.0 EB on 91 is even more than 250hp. As George Castanza once said - “ If YOU believe it, it’s not a lie”

I’ve yet to see 93 octane at any pumps that I visit in my town (Chevron mostly, sometimes Shell).
I wonder if the ECU will make any adjustments if it senses 93 octane?

 

[sajohnson]

From the ultimate authority, Google:

" Yes, a Ford 2.0L EcoBoost engine typically produces more power with 93 octane fuel compared to 91 octane because the higher octane resists engine knock better, allowing the computer to advance timing and boost for peak performance, especially noticeable in demanding conditions like towing or hot weather, though some drivers don't feel a huge street difference. Ford's advertised power figures (like 250 hp) are often based on 93 octane, meaning using 91 octane results in slightly dialed-back power, while 93 octane delivers the full advertised potential."

 

[Chops]

From the ultimate authority, Google:

" Yes, a Ford 2.0L EcoBoost engine typically produces more power with 93 octane fuel compared to 91 octane because the higher octane resists engine knock better, allowing the computer to advance timing and boost for peak performance, especially noticeable in demanding conditions like towing or hot weather, though some drivers don't feel a huge street difference. Ford's advertised power figures (like 250 hp) are often based on 93 octane, meaning using 91 octane results in slightly dialed-back power, while 93 octane delivers the full advertised potential."

Makes sense that 93 octane will increase HP over 91 octane.

Ford's official 2025 Maverick technical specifications state; "*Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary.*"

Did not specify if “premium” was 93 or 91. But Ford recommends “91 octane or higher” for best performance - so using 93 octane will help not hurt. Whew

 

[710-oil-614]

And why do you need that extra 10 percent power in an engine already rated at 250 hp?

Well its not extra power its to realize the full 250hp.

With 87 you're looking at somewhere between 220-225hp. Which is generally fine for most but you are not realizing the full rated 250hp using 87.

 

[710-oil-614]

From the ultimate authority, Google:

" Yes, a Ford 2.0L EcoBoost engine typically produces more power with 93 octane fuel compared to 91 octane because the higher octane resists engine knock better, allowing the computer to advance timing and boost for peak performance, especially noticeable in demanding conditions like towing or hot weather, though some drivers don't feel a huge street difference. Ford's advertised power figures (like 250 hp) are often based on 93 octane, meaning using 91 octane results in slightly dialed-back power, while 93 octane delivers the full advertised potential."

And google lies.

The 2.0 Ecoboost is mapped to a 91 octane fuel and using 93 provides ZERO additional power over 91.

Most places don't have 91 available so people purchase 93.

 

[Meeka]

I believe the 2.0 EB on 91 is even more than 250hp. As George Castanza once said - “ If YOU believe it, it’s not a lie”

I’ve yet to see 93 octane at any pumps that I visit in my town (Chevron mostly, sometimes Shell).
I wonder if the ECU will make any adjustments if it senses 93 octane?

We have 94 octane @ Chevron here in BC. also. Only people I’ve seen using it are Harley riders.

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