87 octane fuel requirement

[netized]

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?

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[Snakebitten]

It's a "minimum" requirement.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

I've never run 87 octane in an Ecoboost. ?‍

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/87-octane-vs-93-octane-ecoboost.18789/

 

[Snakebitten]

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? ?

 

[fordtruckman2003]

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? ?

OAR is supposed to change? I thought it was always -1. ?

 

[Spiffers]

Am I missing something or am I just dumb? Isn't 87 octane just "regular unleaded"?

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Am I missing something or am I just dumb? Isn't 87 octane just "regular unleaded"?

It is. The wording of the OP is confusing.

I assume they are asking if 87 is the minimum, and to my knowledge it is the lowest advised for any engine of any brand.

 

[Snakebitten]

If you live in certain areas, 87 is not the lowest octane available at the pump.
I could be wrong, but usually elevation is in play at such pumps?

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Mountains do go lower and I think that is covered in owner's manual.

 

[Spiffers]

It is. The wording of the OP is confusing.

I assume they are asking if 87 is the minimum, and to my knowledge it is the lowest advised for any engine of any brand.

Oh ok good I wasn't just dense. I know 85 is for the FlexFuel models. The 13 Explorer has that on it.

 

[Snakebitten]

E85 is NOT an octane rating.
Very confusing at first glance.

 

[mxwrk]

So I shouldn’t be running 87? Oops lol

 

[Gros Ventre]

If you live in certain areas, 87 is not the lowest octane available at the pump.
I could be wrong, but usually elevation is in play at such pumps?

Yes, the break appears to be 5,000 ft altitude. Because atmospheric pressure & density are lower you'll have a lower peak cylinder pressure. A lower octane can then be used. While Ford says use 87 minimum regardless, that is more as a protection for when you descend to lower altitude before refilling.

 

[Gros Ventre]

So I shouldn’t be running 87? Oops lol

Well, Ford says 87 octane works regardless... However they also say for heavy towing and hot summer driving you may want to raise the octane level...

 

[Samson16]

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

I think so. I mean at some point you have to close the valves and light the candle or wait till next time lol.

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