Regular vs Premium Gasoline

[Old Hat]

I only use 93 because of the better MPG it gives. Burning less fuel per mile means less combustion byproducts are being produced to build up in the motor and oil. I keep my vehicles for a minimum of 10 years, (last one for 19) so this alone makes it worth it to me.

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[Calson]

I owned a Mercedes CLK and 93 octane gas was recommended. If I ran with 90 octane the engine computer retarded the spark to prevent engine knock but it also reduced the horsepower of the engine and the mpg dropped. I could save 10% with regular gas and have the fuel economy reduced by 10% so no net gain with the lower octane rated gasoline.

Octane is also not linear so mixing 10 gallons of 90 octance gas with 10 gallons of 93 octane does not result in a 91.5 octane mixture but something around 92 octane in terms of knock resistance.

 

[Samson16]

I can’t think of a reason to ever run lower octane fuel other than price or availability. There is no benefit to the powertrain running 87 instead of 93.

 

[mredwin25]

5 star 87 oct tune, I don’t tow so all I put is 87 in it and costco most of the time, never an issue and been doing the same for years with multiple F150’s I’ve owned

 

[BMCGC]

I can’t think of a reason to ever run lower octane fuel other than price or availability. There is no benefit to the powertrain running 87 instead of 93.

The benefit is in your wallet. In my area, premium runs 20% more a gallon. I would not see anywhere near a 20% increase in mileage. There are two numbers to be concerned with: cost per mile and cost of ownership. I work on keeping both as low as possible.

 

[Samson16]

The benefit is in your wallet. In my area, premium runs 20% more a gallon. I would not see anywhere near a 20% increase in mileage. There are two numbers to be concerned with: cost per mile and cost of ownership. I work on keeping both as low as possible.

Then you likely purchased used. A used 2.7 would be the lowest cost option. If cost per mile and cost of ownership are the only important factors a good used 2.7EB is the way to go.

 

[My 2ND Ford]

Where I live here in the northeast, premium runs about $1.25 -$1.50 gal more than regular for top tier gas. Sure I can go to Sam's Club where it is only about $.50 more and I have tried a few tanks, but I honestly don't see enough of a diff in performance or milage gain. Sunoco has just released 94 octane in my town for about $1.20 more per gal so I might give it a shot. We will see.

 

[BMCGC]

Then you likely purchased used. A used 2.7 would be the lowest cost option. If cost per mile and cost of ownership are the only important factors a good used 2.7EB is the way to go.

Wrong again. I bought my F-150 to tow and power a travel trailer. I considered a Superduty, but the lack of the 7.2kw gen was a deal breaker. I wanted a Screw, 4x4, XLT, PB, 7.2kw and a 1500# + payload. I shopped for a 21+ used unit with low miles and did not find one with-in 100 miles of me that met my specifications. next I shopped for a new 23 and found one that had everything I wanted + a $140 option that I did not want. That truck was almost 12k less than a new 24. If cost of ownership is the only factor, buy a used Civic hybrid for 25k and get 49 mpg.

 

[Samson16]

There are two numbers to be concerned with: cost per mile and cost of ownership. I work on keeping both as low as possible.

I wasn't wrong again or at all. You actually stated what your concerns were.

 

[Samson16]

If cost of ownership is the only factor, buy a used Civic hybrid for 25k and get 49 mpg.

Don't forget cost per mile! Oh wait your Civic hybrid wins there too.

 

[Samson16]

I'm sorry @BMCGC and I loved Kojak btw. I purchased my 22 PB with 7.2kW and #1624 payload for exactly the same reason.
Sometimes folks spend 80+ grand on a luxury land yacht and then spend hours debating fuel cost. Annoys me a bit but I'm working on it. Listening to more classical music and such.

 

[Samson16]

5 star 87 oct tune, I don’t tow so all I put is 87 in it and costco most of the time, never an issue and been doing the same for years with multiple F150’s I’ve owned

There again no benefit other than cost savings after you pay for the tune.

 

[mredwin25]

There again no benefit other than cost savings after you pay for the tune.

sure there is, this thing is very fast

 

[Samson16]

sure there is, this thing is very fast

Nice! So faster than stock on premium with your 87 tune?

 

[Old Hat]

I do find it curious that spending money on mods that reduce mileage is common and hardly a concern, while compromising performance and efficiency just to save a buck on fuel often seems an important concern.

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