87 octane fuel requirement

[Buyer2021]

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

Methinks the notion of 'multiple timing tables' may imply an over-simplification of what is in fact a very complex algorithm given the factors being 'juggled' that bear on the combustion process second-to-second (or fractions thereof):

• ignition initial spark timing and spark duration (dwell)
• Injection timing and duration for both port and direct injectors on each cylinder
• valve timing (noting that intake and exhaust open / close and thereby effective overlap can vary independently with the TI-VCT T/C found on these Gen 14 engines)
• boost
• RPM (via control of tranny shift points)
• maybe others I've missed which bear on the combustion process

But yeah, the 87 octane minimum recommendation certainly implies that there's some conditions where all of that juggling still can't ensure the targeted engine health and/or longevity with lower octane fuel. Those may be rare conditions but still fall outside of Ford's 'comfort zone' and they've got to anticipate worst-cases.

Remember that the PCM has no way of 'directly knowing' the octane of the fuel - it's just responding to various sensor inputs including 'knock sensors' ('octane-proxies', if you will).

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[Snakebitten]

They are described as "tables" by the various tuners using different tuning platforms.

And from what I understand, based on the various sensors, knock for example, the pcm will switch to the less/more aggressive timing table.

Here's an example of a timing advance table using HPTuner platform.

 

[JExpedition07]

This is a very variable topic, but I take this as the OP stating 88 is “mid-grade” and 85 octane is the standard where he lives. No, I would not use 85 octane in your 2.7. The 2.7 does have a lowest static compression of any F-150 at 10:1, so it will be more tolerant of low octane in lazy driving than the 5.0L with its high 12:1 compression ratio or the 3.5 Eco with its 10.5:1….HOWEVER. The 2.7 engine sees the highest cylinder pressures of any of the engines when under heavy boost, so heavy acceleration or towing with 85 is a big no-no as the engine will not be able to combat pre-detonation.

 

[Samson16]

Looks like suck, squeeze, bang, blow to me or was that fancy jet engine jargon creeping in ?

 

[22redrocket]

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

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

Same. 93 Shell VPower only

 

[Eskram]

93 or bust. I can’t remember the last time I’ve put anything less than 93, in any vehicle I’ve had.

Admitted, all have been tuned. I also see it as extra protection for the heat and humidity here in Florida.

I ran race gas in my WRX most of its life. Lotsa $$, but after a few expensive mishaps, it seemed like cheap insurance. ?‍.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Same. 93 Shell VPower only

Well, I did run 87 when I bought the 2011 truck, but saw the increased MPG and power running 93 and never went back. It did get 87 on way to trade in at dealer. ?

 

[Eff0neFitty]

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...

Yep, just put 87 in it and call it a day. Last 2 trucks that's almost always what I used and never had an issue.

 

[mxwrk]

Yep, just put 87 in it and call it a day. Last 2 trucks that's almost always what I used and never had an issue.

Yeah didn’t think I’d ever have an issue running 87. Just wondering if maybe 91 will net me enough of an MPG bump to justify the price per gallon. Doubt it

 

[Samson16]

I doubt it too. I run premium because it’s easier for the engine to make power and typically has superior cleaning agents. I think it runs just a bit cooler as well. I like that if I need gas and 87 is all they have I’m good, but I never choose it.

 

[Snakebitten]

I doubt it too. I run premium because it’s easier for the engine to make power and typically has superior cleaning agents. I think it runs just a bit cooler as well. I like that if I need gas and 87 is all they have I’m good, but I never choose it.

What's wrong with you?
Are you being reasonable AND benign? ?

 

[Eff0neFitty]

I find the premium grades cost quiet a bit more .60 - .80 and you won't even know what the price is until you pull in cause they only show the 87 price on the signs. The higher cost makes it borderline or unclear to me if any extra MPG is worth it.

 

[Gros Ventre]

Yeah didn’t think I’d ever have an issue running 87. Just wondering if maybe 91 will net me enough of an MPG bump to justify the price per gallon. Doubt it

Several folks on here have remarked that they saw better mpg with higher octane, but they always qualified things by saying it never made up for the price difference. In my experience I've not been able to reliably discern a measurable difference in mpg. I track fuel and mpg and alot of other things on my vehicles. My thinking says follow Ford's words: If you're pulling a heavy load on a hot summer day use 91 Octane. To my way of thinking one should run a 10,000 mile test on 87 and the another on 91 octane. It's easy to drive an answer in short runs. Runs of that length will tell the story across many types of driving and usage..

 

[mredwin25]

nothing but 87 in mine and 5star tuned, no issues, no need for anything else

 

[Wolf Man]

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?

Although it's been some years ago like 25+ I remember seeing 85 at most stations in NM along I-40. and me thinking who would want to run that?

Edit: Just realized OP is in NM.

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