Silly question.... Does it hurt to use Premium unleaded? I think Ford recommends 85 octane but I normally by the good stuff.

Thanks-

It wouldn’t hurt. But you may be wasting your money. I would use what Ford recommends unless your putting your truck through harder work then normal (as in towing all the time) then you may want to step up the octane a notch. If your motor was designed to use 85 (and that seems low to me) octane then use 85 octane. But always us a quality gasoline.


Just my 2 cents.

I agree with Cameron. Unless you are having knocking or pinging problems, use the octane Ford recommends. Anything else is just a waste in my opinion. BTW, I believe the recommended octane (at least for my SOHC) is 87. I also second the quality gas, get the kind with detergents to help keep the fuel injectors clean. Most brand name gas has these, most cheapo gas doesn't.

I used 87 until I got my K&N and catback, when I switched to 89. I found the truck performed a little better with 89 and was a little smoother. When I got my Hypertech, I started using 93 because when using a chip it is recommended that you use 93. I've been using 93 ever since. I do have to clean my injectors out way more often due to carbon buildup from the higher octane. If you don't experience any pinging or undue engine harshness, use 87. If 89 works better due to engine age or moderate mods, use it. Only use 93 with a computer module or other high-end mods.

Matt, read the owner's manual and find out the recommandation. In my '96 manual, it's recommanding us to use 87 octane or higher.

Originally posted by newtek007
Engines are designed with different compressions ratios which do better on regular octane gas. Usually, truck engines are 9.5 compression ration or somewhere around there. Most engines in the is range run better with regular octane gas. Using higher octane gas will actually foul up the engine with carbone deposits in the long run. If your engine is pinging using regular gas then you are either using really cheap gas or you need a tune up. Yes, the universal distributor that Ford uses does actually go bad. Hope it helps.
Originally posted by yob_yeknom
There is your answer. That is very true.
In case you need convincing, I work at a gas station. A year ago I pumped gas there. (now I'm a cashier) One lady in a JGC always got 93 octane gas. She kept coming in complaining that our gas sucked, but she liked full service so she had to keep coming back. (we are the only full service around, and the only one I even know of anywhere) I told her to use 87 octane but she wouldn't listen. After many trips to the dealer to have her GC de-carbonized (they had been telling her not to use 93 octane) they finally said they would not de-carbonize it anymore since she kept using 93. She uses now 87 and has not had the problem since.BTW,use the SEARCH function next time. This subject has already been brought up a million times.

speaking of carbon build up... should you get the build up if you need it? such as in a chip upgrade or increased compression? I got both. :)

nick

Originally posted by yob_yeknom

BTW,use the SEARCH function next time. This subject has already been brought up a million times.

Yes, this question has been asked and fully answered including debate at least 25 times. In fact, just last month there was a LONG thread.

If you dont know how to do a search Matt, just PM or email me and I can help you.

Originally posted by flyguy
speaking of carbon build up... should you get the build up if you need it? such as in a chip upgrade or increased compression? I got both. :)

nick I wouldn't think so. With the new chip your fuel curve is altered to take into account the higher octane/longer burning fuel. And with more compression it will make the fuel hotter so it will burn faster. I would think you would NEED premium to make up for your changes.