87+ Octane Gas vs. 91+ - HELP

[GTTom]

Shouldn’t you go with the 91 since that’s what Ford says the engine is tuned for? Or is there additional benefit between 91 & 93?

I’ve never seen 91 & 93 sold together unless it was 0% ethanol and then it has a different octane.

The Car and Driver article link in post #10 found a 13 HP increase between 91 and 93 on the BMW. They didn't do the 91 vs. 93 on the test on the Ford F150 but I would assume the Bronco would also show a difference.

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[PolarVortex]

Shouldn’t you go with the 91 since that’s what Ford says the engine is tuned for? Or is there additional benefit between 91 & 93?

I’ve never seen 91 & 93 sold together unless it was 0% ethanol and then it has a different octane.

It’s only an extra dime to bump up to 93 so I figure why not?

Sunoco is the only brand I’m aware of that sells all four grades together (and diesel). But yep it’s true. At least here in northern VA.

 

[KirchTX]

The Car and Driver article link in post #10 found a 13 HP increase between 91 and 93 on the BMW. They didn't do the 91 vs. 93 on the test on the Ford F150 but I would assume the Bronco would also show a difference.

That’s interesting. Has anyone done a dyno with a bronco on different fuels? I didn’t notice a huge difference in regular driving in performance or economy but I baby mine most of the time.

 

[ultimateone]

It’s only an extra dime to bump up to 93 so I figure why not?

Sunoco is the only brand I’m aware of that sells all four grades together (and diesel). But yep it’s true. At least here in northern VA.

In Mass we see a ton of 91 and 93 except the difference is like 60-80 cents its so stupid.

 

[PolarVortex]

In Mass we see a ton of 91 and 93 except the difference is like 60-80 cents its so stupid.

Yikes!!

 

[Dmorty217]

It’s only an extra dime to bump up to 93 so I figure why not?

Sunoco is the only brand I’m aware of that sells all four grades together (and diesel). But yep it’s true. At least here in northern VA.

Not sure where you live and get gas but it’s $1 more from 87 to 93 where I live and 40c from 91 to 93

 

[PolarVortex]

Not sure where you live and get gas but it’s $1 more from 87 to 93 where I live and 40c from 91 to 93

It's 4.19 for 91 and 4.29 for 93..... at the Sunoco I go to. The biggest jump is 45 cents from 87 to 89.

 

[CarmeloS]

To your tech:

I only use 93, 94 is like Filet Mignon to 93's steak. 87 is a McDonald's imo, only worth using if absolutely necessary (i.e. low fuel and only option in the station for miles to come while on the road)

 

[therealsteffenj]

Wow! I didn’t expect so many responses. I want to thank each and every one of you for your feedback. This community is the best. 93 octane it is. I always want to take the best care of this truck as I can which is why I was changing the oil so soon but I was caught off guard by the service writer who really didn’t know what the hell he was talking about. Thanks again!

 

[roadsterlife]

please tell me where in MA that tech is so I can avoid him haha

 

[brkdncr]

Well see... I said someone would be able to describe what is happening better than I could....

I agree it is not changing "when the valves open or close" but in changing the ignition point relative to when valves open or close.... You described that more acuratly than I did.

valves are simply not related to timing at all. In modern engines valves are related to engine speed.

Thanks for the input.

I still stand by my "better" comment regarding 91/93 vs 87. If it gives you more horsepower and slightly better fuel mileage (documented several times over on the F150 Raptor forum, by several studies) then I would call that better. If you don't want "better" use 87 and you will be fine.

no, your engine is better, not the gas.

 

[myrealname123]

The octane wars continue.

 

[1st 75th ranger]

Hi all, I went to the dealership today for my 1000 mile oil change (I know this isn't needed) and requested synthetic blend this time and will switch to fully synthetic on my 5000k oil change later this year. When I was in the service center I asked one of the techs about high octane gas and he recommended I "stay away from those 91+ octane fuels, because they do more damage then good to the 2.3L engines". Can anyone help clarify this for me? I have filled up using 93 octane from Shell (live in MA) since new. I don't want to do damage to anything but also want to do whats best for the engine to make my baby last as long as possible.

the techs an idiot
e85 doesnt help because its not a flex fuel motor or i would say e85 as i ran in my flex fuel turbos fords
so any higher octanes will help not hurt unless you go hp 104 cor something like race fuel

 

[5GENIDN]

valves are simply not related to timing at all. In modern engines valves are related to engine speed.

I think we are talking past each other..... I will argue that absolutely valves and and pistons are timed.... The cam lobe opens the piston based on the position of the piston.... I think you would agree with that.... I am not saying anything you do not already know, obviously. But to me that is timing. No you can not change that timing. You are correct. The ignition is timed to spark based on what position those valves and piston are in. That is adjusted by the computer these days as opposed to the old school turning the distributer as you pointed out.

I think the only thing we are disagreeing on is the definition of "timing".

 

[PolarVortex]

The octane wars continue.

Yep and it won't stop til everything is electric haaaa

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