87 Octane?

[FloodingdowninTX]

100 years ago in 1923 (no, I wasn't alive) Ethyl gas was invented. It was tetraethyl lead. Used to stop engine knocking from low grade kerosene fuel which vaporized droplets that cracked cylinder heads and pistons. Now my hybrid doesn't use gasoline of any grade half the time and 87 octane is so refined that lead is not needed and was banned in the 90's. Regular Unleaded should do the trick under normal circumstances IMO.

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[GPSMan]

87 always & forever

Higher octane is for cars specifically designed for it. Then, it only comes Into play in those cars at wide open throttle. Any car can use 87, 86, or 85 in emergency conditions just keep it off of wide open throttle.

Higher octane is for drag racing, sanctioned or otherwise.

 

[Zardoz]

I've been alternating 87 one fill 91 the next. Really no issues either way, maybe slightly better mileage with the 91 octane (about 30.4 MPG XL 2.0).

 

[Tiger Dude]

Thread summary: a few people do what they want and most everyone else runs what the manual says. At least here no one hurts the engine running more expensive gas.

 

[flashfearless]

I run 87 all the time in my hybrid. No issues, but I am picky from which place I will purchase. Usually Shell.

 

[fossil]

the ecu is way smarter than given credit, run what you want and it will adjust accordingly.

 

[mavhopefull]

I"ve been running 87 on my FX4 Mav with no issues since day one. I only go to 93 when I tow. I wonder if your station had water in the fuel due to the flooding. Now a days you don't see that as much due to better filtering and water separators in their systems.

 

[James K]

Living in South Florida, we've experienced fuel supply disruption as a result of the record-breaking rainfall that affected Ft. Lauderdale a week and a half ago. As a result, certain stations are completely out of fuel or are only limited to the cheapest grade, 87 octane. After work, I decided to head to a fuel station since I was only on one bar and the fuel light popped on. I went to a Mobil about a mile down the road. The only grade they had was 87 octane so I bit the bullet and filled with it anyway. Ever since I got my Maverick, I've only put 89 octane which makes it run optimally. After putting 87 in for the first time however, the car was not happy about at all. It keeps sputtering, bucking, and seems sluggish on acceleration. Even the engine note sounds a little different, like it has a deeper tone. I told my dad about it and suggested getting octane booster at an auto parts store. I'll give it a try but I'm writing this because I'm questioning whether or not to ever use 87 octane again despite the vehicle being rated for it. I've read the Ecoboost engine is made to run on 87 but I'm sure it's only if you're not looking for optimal performance, fuel economy, or driving range. Premium is not required, however, but I'm definitely starting to see the positive affects it does have on an engine.

Does anyone else run 87 octane in their Mavericks, Ecoboost or Hybrid? If so, what are the results? Anyone else having performance issues with cheaper grade fuel?

Like you I got stuck with 87 once and I also noted less performance and less MPG (although a member argued with me it can't happen). Fact is, knock sensor sets a different tune when lower octane is used. HP is affected with the change of tune. Less HP means greater throttle input for similar performance which translates to less MPG and FPG (fun per gallon).

 

[Old Ranchero]

87 always & forever

Higher octane is for cars specifically designed for it. Then, it only comes Into play in those cars at wide open throttle. Any car can use 87, 86, or 85 in emergency conditions just keep it off of wide open throttle.

Higher octane is for drag racing, sanctioned or otherwise.

No, Drag Racing is for Drag Queens. I seem to remember someone posting a picture of the Maverick Manual where it showed recommending higher octane than 87 for best performance in ECOboost- but they failed to prove their other point 91 was "to squeeze every last ounce of performance" out of their engine. Best performance means more than just WOT. Dude, we get get it- you're a tightwad that owns a hybrid and doesn't want to spend a few cents more for better gas but quit condemning the rest of us that enjoy treating our vehicles properly according to manufacturer recommendations.

Aren't you supposed to be at a hypermiling convention about now spooging over every last ounce of MPG you can get with the other tightwads?

 

[GPSMan]

No, Drag Racing is for Drag Queens. I seem to remember someone posting a picture of the Maverick Manual where it showed recommending higher octane than 87 for best performance in ECOboost- but they failed to prove their other point 91 was "to squeeze every last ounce of performance" out of their engine. Best performance means more than just WOT. Dude, we get get it- you're a tightwad that owns a hybrid and doesn't want to spend a few cents more for better gas but quit condemning the rest of us that enjoy treating our vehicles properly according to manufacturer recommendations.

Aren't you supposed to be at a hypermiling convention about now spooging over every last ounce of MPG you can get with the other tightwads?

Well at least we know who's a queer cross-dresser! Depending on your locale, that can be a compliment!

 

[fossil]

Well at least we know who's a queer cross-dresser!

not clear to me, who is the queer cross dresser?

 

[Vols44]

I tried 91 octane last year when the price was just .20 per gallon more and got 2 more mph. It's not a huge savings and the daily price fluctuations make it too much trouble. I fill it with 87, put it in Eco mode, keep the power to 10% unless accelerating onto a highway on ramp.

With the warmer weather I'm around 43mpg and satisfied.

 

[Combatcommo]

Living in South Florida, we've experienced fuel supply disruption as a result of the record-breaking rainfall that affected Ft. Lauderdale a week and a half ago. As a result, certain stations are completely out of fuel or are only limited to the cheapest grade, 87 octane. After work, I decided to head to a fuel station since I was only on one bar and the fuel light popped on. I went to a Mobil about a mile down the road. The only grade they had was 87 octane so I bit the bullet and filled with it anyway. Ever since I got my Maverick, I've only put 89 octane which makes it run optimally. After putting 87 in for the first time however, the car was not happy about at all. It keeps sputtering, bucking, and seems sluggish on acceleration. Even the engine note sounds a little different, like it has a deeper tone. I told my dad about it and suggested getting octane booster at an auto parts store. I'll give it a try but I'm writing this because I'm questioning whether or not to ever use 87 octane again despite the vehicle being rated for it. I've read the Ecoboost engine is made to run on 87 but I'm sure it's only if you're not looking for optimal performance, fuel economy, or driving range. Premium is not required, however, but I'm definitely starting to see the positive affects it does have on an engine.

Does anyone else run 87 octane in their Mavericks, Ecoboost or Hybrid? If so, what are the results? Anyone else having performance issues with cheaper grade fuel?

23 EB; use 87--no issues; runs great;

 

[BradnChristine]

I just filled up for the first time today after the dealer's initial fuel. We seem to have a lot of choices here in WY...from 85 to 91, ethanol content from 10% down to 0%.

When I plan on not driving the gas out quickly (No road trip), I plan to keep Ethanol-Free in the system. I decided to try 88 octane ethanol-free this time. I probably should have put 91 in for $.15 more. Maybe next time. The Miata always gets 91, ethanol-free.

I've had too much trouble with ethanol in motorcycles that sat. It took me 45 days to get through my "free" gas. But since the manual says 87 or higher, I'll be passing by the 85 stuff.

 

[E30andrew]

I run 91/93 in any of my vehicles that have a turbo or supercharger. It's probably overkill and not necessary for daily driving, but makes me feel better for the engine.

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