What's new
By:

What fuel grade is everyone running

Tremorfun

Tremorfun

Member
Founding Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2021
Messages
60
Reaction score
99
Location
CA
Current Ride
2021 F150 Tremor
I know it calls for 87 but anyone running 91 or is it just a waste. I'm in California so we have some kind of special fuel that cost 5.89 a gallon :rolleyes::ROFLMAO:
 
California gas prices scare me — just running 87.
 
Out of curiosity, has anyone looked in their manual yet? The Raptor said it could handle 87, but recommended 93 for towing and performance. A car mag measured it and it was worth about 20 HP. My yearly average cost difference is only about $400, so I always ran premium in it. That said, if the timing change on the Tremor doesn't amount to much gain, that's a $400 trip to the strip club instead. ;)
 
Last edited:
Take this with a grain of salt. On my 15 ecoboost for the first 100k miles I ran 87. I went through O2 sensors as often as I needed an oil change. For whatever reason I switched to 91 octane for the next 100k and don’t think I ever had to put on another one. Did it make a difference or did I just finally get some decent sensors? I honestly have no idea, but I’ll be running 91 in mine. I got better mileage with the 91 as well. Not quite enough better to completely negate the extra cost, but still reasonable enough for me to deem it worth doing.
 
MOHunter said:
Take this with a grain of salt. On my 15 ecoboost for the first 100k miles I ran 87. I went through O2 sensors as often as I needed an oil change. For whatever reason I switched to 91 octane for the next 100k and don’t think I ever had to put on another one. Did it make a difference or did I just finally get some decent sensors? I honestly have no idea, but I’ll be running 91 in mine. I got better mileage with the 91 as well. Not quite enough better to completely negate the extra cost, but still reasonable enough for me to deem it worth doing.
Click to expand...
I've heard plenty of mechanics say that engines running higher octane are cleaner when tore apart.
 
Last edited:
1633021312286.png


So yeah, I'll be running premium. It'll only cost me ~$35 more a month given my yearly mileage and average gas prices in my area.
 
I am still on the fence about it — I had the same truck previous to the Tremor in the article. I ran 87 in it for 3 years with zero issues — did I miss the 20 WHP? Can’t say I did, but I wasn’t racing for time down every block. Makes sense to run the higher octane in environments where you want peak performance — off-road and the track. Remember the qualifier is where YOU want peak performance, if its down the street to the stop sign, so be it.

I think if you can also add a new tune to your truck to run better on different octanes, thereby increasing performance further.

I don’t believe 87 is doing any harm to my truck — 93 could equate to more fun, but so does the strip club Rotorhead695 mentioned above.
 
Last edited:
P0H0 said:
I am still on the fence about it — I had the same truck previous to the Tremor in the article. I ran 87 in it for 3 years with zero issues — did I miss the 20 WHP? Can’t say I did, but I wasn’t racing for time down every block. Makes sense to run the higher octane in environments where you want peak performance — off-road and the track. Remember the qualifier is where YOU want peak performance, if its down the street to the stop sign, so be it.

I think if you can also add a new tune to your truck to run better on different octanes, thereby increasing performance further.

I don’t believe 87 is doing any harm to my truck — 93 could equate to more fun, but so does the strip club Rotorhead695 mentioned above.
Click to expand...
I often tow spontaneously when the need arises and don't want to worry about what blend is in my tank. I guess it really just depends what the cost vs worth analysis is for each individual. That said, 87 is tempting so I quit hitting the credit card limits at the pump....lol. I usually fill my 36 gallon tank at 1/4 to avoid needing two "fill-ups" for a full tank.
 
It would take some discipline to change octane for me too — I have a habit of topping off the 36 gallon tank each weekend when it is down to 3/4 full. Fuel shortages and sudden stock outs of toilet paper are always on my mind…
 
Great video on engine octane requirements at elevation and performance — older vehicles vs. modern vehicles. Bottom line don’t use 85 octane. Run 87 for day-to-day driving and higher for performance when towing and off-road — or when racing to the end of the block.

 
Last edited:
Is 10% Ethanol bad for your engine?

 
It all depends on how long you want to keep your truck for. As someone who has torn apart many engines you see a dramatic difference in engines that use top grade vs low grade fuels. Fuel distributers also make a difference too. As someone who's in O&G I can tell you there's more "fillers" in the cheaper fuels. Better refined and not only adds performance but properly lubricated the top end a higher grade fuel such as the 91 octane, which is the standard top grade here in Canada. Some places offer 93 but it's ethanol blended and I wouldn't go near that, it burns so hot I've seen many gasket and fuel system issues with it. I even run 91 in my lawnmower and use it for my 2 cycle mixes. But that's just some internet randoms 2 cents.
 
I've run 87 in my 2013 3.5 since it was new. I've never had a problem
 
Jstonk said:
It all depends on how long you want to keep your truck for. As someone who has torn apart many engines you see a dramatic difference in engines that use top grade vs low grade fuels. Fuel distributers also make a difference too. As someone who's in O&G I can tell you there's more "fillers" in the cheaper fuels. Better refined and not only adds performance but properly lubricated the top end a higher grade fuel such as the 91 octane, which is the standard top grade here in Canada. Some places offer 93 but it's ethanol blended and I wouldn't go near that, it burns so hot I've seen many gasket and fuel system issues with it. I even run 91 in my lawnmower and use it for my 2 cycle mixes. But that's just some internet randoms 2 cents.
Click to expand...
I too have started running 91 in everything that I own that requires gasoline. The only negative that I’ve seen from doing so is the increased cost, which at the end of the day is fairly negligible. I also tell myself that it’s saved me mechanical repair cost so it really hasn’t “cost” me anything. Whether or not it actually has I’ll never know, but it makes me feel better. Added bonus is everything runs better. I drive approximately 30k a year in my truck. That’s an extra $750/year. Not earth shattering. I’m also betting that’s more miles than a normal driver. I just don’t see a real disadvantage in doing so. This is also coming from the guy who pinched pennies and bought the 401a package lol. Like you, just my .02. I’m certainly no expert.
 
I‘m in the process of testing between 87 and 93. There is definitely a mpg increase with 93 in my limited testing, but so far not enough to offset the cost. Verdict is still out on noticeable performance increase. More testing required. I think towing maybe where the biggest advantage is.
 
MOHunter said:
I too have started running 91 in everything that I own that requires gasoline. The only negative that I’ve seen from doing so is the increased cost, which at the end of the day is fairly negligible. I also tell myself that it’s saved me mechanical repair cost so it really hasn’t “cost” me anything. Whether or not it actually has I’ll never know, but it makes me feel better. Added bonus is everything runs better. I drive approximately 30k a year in my truck. That’s an extra $750/year. Not earth shattering. I’m also betting that’s more miles than a normal driver. I just don’t see a real disadvantage in doing so. This is also coming from the guy who pinched pennies and bought the 401a package lol. Like you, just my .02. I’m certainly no expert.
Click to expand...
Same. I only run premium and non-ethanol premium in my tools and toys.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

F150 Tremor Forum Favs 👍

McGard 64074 Black (M14 x 1.5 Thread Size) Bulge Cone Seat Style Lug Nuts - Grab a set through Amazon!

F150 Tremor Forum Photos

Wondering about ambient lighting 2023 402a What made you decide to buy a Tremor? 50" light bars and camper canopy wind fairing What have you done to your F150 Tremor this week? Chains Ford quality or service department issues?

F150 Tremor Forum Photos

Wondering about ambient lighting 2023 402a What made you decide to buy a Tremor? 50" light bars and camper canopy wind fairing What have you done to your F150 Tremor this week? Chains

Recent Discussions

Back
Top