87 octane fuel requirement

[FirstTimeFord]

In FL we have e85 and 87, but I have always seen both e85 & 85 octane in other states. Typically, we don't have 91, we have 93 as our premium unleaded.

"E85 is not the same as 85 octane. E85 is 85% ethanol and used in flex fuel vehicles, the ones with the green leaf in their logo. At elevation you may find 85 octane which is used to help counter the thinner air."

Here's a photo of pump in Colorado (top) Florida (bottom)

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[Eff0neFitty]

Christ, that's what they're paying in CO for gas?

 

[FirstTimeFord]

Christ, that's what they're paying in CO for gas?

Full disclosure, just searched for those pics online. No idea when those were taken. I have a good idea who wasn't in charge with prices that high ??

 

[SALEEN961]

Directly from the owner's manual:

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.

Using fuels with a lower octane than the minimum that is required by Ford is not a good idea. A turbocharged vehicle should have the same cylinder pressures and peak MAP values regardless of altitude.

 

[Henfield]

I just looked at Colorado prices Costco, my Fav top tier brand, regular $2.79, Premium $3.67 in Denver

 

[LCMM55]

I can’t seem to find anyone selling 87 octane gas for my ‘21 f150 2.7 ecoboost. I have been using plus at 88 octane but it’s super expensive. Is 87 octane required as a hard and fast rule?

What country are u in? What part of the country are you in? What elevation are you at? 85 octane at 5600 ft elevation in Denver, Colorado is the same as 87 at sea level in Myrtle Beach, SC. If u are in Canada, price is even more than the USA any where. SC is at $2.98 per gallon for 87 at sea level.

 

[Calson]

With lower than optimum octane fuel the engine's timing is retarded to prevent pre-ignition of the fuel in the cylinders and so the mpg is going to be reduced and no real savings in the cost to drive the truck.

If you cannot afford the gas for a 20 mpg truck then better to have a more economical vehicle as a daily driver one. I have always had a truck and a more fuel efficient vehicle. The latter is what I use for commuting and trips to the grocery store and other errands.

 

[Samson16]

To echo Saleen,

Per the owner's manual: 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.

The decision has been made for me. 87 is the minimum I will use.

 

[Gutshot]

Neither have I.
But I could and the factory calibration WOULD adjust to it.

Or put another way, with the knock sensors feeding the pcm data, the pcm will adjust to the appropriate timing tables in order to have a happy combustion chamber.

I assume that Ford is saying that the multiple timing tables do not contain parameters for octane ratings below 87?

I personally run my 3.5 Ecoboost (Powerboost) with a "cocktail" of 26 gallons of 93, and about 4 gallons of E85. (if available)

I don't know exactly what octane that is, but it keeps OAR pegged at the maximum of -1, and still has KR in the negative at most loads. It's similar to feeding the dog USDA filet and watching it lick its lips? ?

Would you recommend that cocktail for a regular 3.5 EB? And what about a mix of E85 and 87?

 

[Samson16]

I wouldn't but I acknowledge that both mixtures you mention will keep the rating above 87. What other effects does higher than authorized alcohol content have to the fuel system? I'm not sure.

 

[My 2ND Ford]

Asking what fuel{octane} to use is opening up the same can of worms that you get when you ask about oil and what mileage you change it at. Everybody has their own opinion and needs.
Personally, the only equipment I put 93 octane in is my motorcycle and my snowmobile. Both manufacturers specify minimum 91 is to be used. I never use premium in my truck or my wife's turbocharged Volvo. I probably would use it but 93 is approximately $ 1.40 more per gal and in my opinion, the return just isn't there. To each their own.

 

[Samson16]

Both manufacturers specify minimum 91 is to be used

My only point. The manufacturer specifies minimum 87 for my PB. I understand it may be arbitrary on Fords' part, but there it is in my owners manual.

 

[bfastr]

I dont see much e85 around middle TN. probably because corn is too important for another favorite Tennessee product over fuel. I have two other cars that require 91 octane, so when I fill the truck I use 87, I feel like I am grifting the gas station! I dont haul or tow anything, but I am curious to one day try e85 and see if I notice a difference in the fun factor. gas mileage has never been my interest, sure its nice to take a road trip and see it in the mid 20's. but honestly, gas is the cheapest part of any trip I have ever taken, anywhere.

 

[Gros Ventre]

If you want a certain set of additives that come with the fuel you purchase, go for it. Putting a higher octane through your engine than it needs to run properly is just putting money out the exhaust pipe. I've been driving since the 60s and my 30 year old family Suburban has several hundred thousand miles on it. Every vehicle I've owned has gone to high mileage. I've purchased the least expensive gas I could find and with the required minimum octane called for. Note that my first car was a Plymouth Duster with a 225 cubic inch slant six. It called for "regular" which was 91 octane back in the day... All ran reliably throughout their service life.

 

[Snakebitten]

Would you recommend that cocktail for a regular 3.5 EB? And what about a mix of E85 and 87?

When my ICE is running, I AM driving a 3.5 Ecoboost too.

I certainly wouldn't recommend AGAINST leveraging a dose of E85 to raise the octane of E10 that you are filling your tank with.
A couple of tuning gurus, with many years of 3.5 Ecoboost experience, both agreed that the factory calibration had the ability to handle up to E20. And in fact if leveraging the advantages of Ford's OAR (and Knock Sensors) was the goal, a safe cocktail of E10 mixed with some E85 is very safe for the truck.

The Powerboost has a 30 gallon tank. So if you do the math, 4 gallons of E85 is not pushing 26 gallons of E10 into a need for special tuning. It definitely raises the anti knock value considerably, although it also will lower the fuel efficiency by a small margin.

I'm a PID nerd. I monitor the combustion chamber happiness quotient religiously.
I like to think I feed it gourmet quality fuel, if you know what I mean.
Fortunately I have easy access to a pump that makes it fussless to prepare each meal.

This truck runs so smooth and refined.

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