What Octane do you run?

[Dave2013M3]

VMP ran a 2024 directly from the dealer, they suspected it had 87 octane in it, and then added the suggested amount of Boostane to bring it up to 93, and this was the difference. Sure, it would have been nice for them to run as much 87 out as they could and go fill up on known good 93 but it's similar to gains seen in earlier Coyote engines on 87 vs premium (19hp difference)

Im not surprised.

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[kinelisch]

93 Octane since new. Dont skip on the better gas just to save $3-4 bucks.

 

[Cobrakit]

VMP ran a 2024 directly from the dealer, they suspected it had 87 octane in it, and then added the suggested amount of Boostane to bring it up to 93, and this was the difference. Sure, it would have been nice for them to run as much 87 out as they could and go fill up on known good 93 but it's similar to gains seen in earlier Coyote engines on 87 vs premium (19hp difference)

I am surprised ! Nice to see some facts. I would have bet that 93 octane would not have made that much of a difference with a stock tune. I still believe that the tuners will be able to get more when they tune specifically for 93. When I switched to Ford Racing Tune on 19 GT, min went to 91 octane, and gained 20 ft lbs at low rpm and 20 hp at high rpm. Have to believe it was the tune and not just a switch to a higher octane. Maybe the gen 4 engine management system different.

 

[smurfslayer]

There are 2 questions here;

can you run 87
should you run 87

if you’re in a pinch and nothing else is available, sure 87 will get you home or to the next fill station.
But no, you should not auto-x, open track, drag race or otherwise cane the car until you’re back to 91/93

The EcoBoost power difference is probably even more stark . I ran 87 in my ’17 Raptor for a few tanks to check it out and it runs fine; no knocking detected at all, and it still moves out credibly. But it runs much better on 93 - to the tune of noticeably faster to 60mph. Those 3.5TT are pretty high strung and they’re already moving 1800 pounds more than the Mustang.

It’s a great car. Don’t feed a great car cr@p gas.

 

[ShadowCoyote]

I run mostly 93 top tier. If I'm about to go on a long trip and I know I'll burn a good amount of the tank I'll run 87. But for usual driving to work and such I'll run 93. Manual states 87 is perfectly fine on a stock car. I don't notice any differences in power personally (not saying it's not there).

 

[roket]

these vehicles will run 87 no issue, but ideally you want to use 91 or 93 for maximum performance. not using premium will result in reduced overall power, potentially reduced fuel economy, and the VCTs being retarded. this changes if you add the Whipple kit, using 91 or 93 or better is required, or else engine damage can occur. i personally used to use only 87, but switched to 91 (i dont have access to 93 in AZ) and even replaced the sticker in my fuel door to the Raptor R's "91+" sticker, mainly to prepare for when i eventually get the supercharger

 

[20ducks]

93 from day one.

 

[FarNorth]

I run 87 mostly and never had an issue, but then I’m further north and don’t get the heat the southern US does.
I have discovered though that I get the best fuel economy on Shell 87 over any other brand.
I can get 94 octane and use it very occasionally when I’m feeling zippy.

And, I know this will upend some, I also run on 5W20 oil and not 5W30.

 

[goodlettjr]

I run 87 mostly and never had an issue, but then I’m further north and don’t get the heat the southern US does.
I have discovered though that I get the best fuel economy on Shell 87 over any other brand.
I can get 94 octane and use it very occasionally when I’m feeling zippy.

And, I know this will upend some, I also run on 5W20 oil and not 5W30.

If you're that far North where cold weather is an issue (-22F or -30C) , then why wouldn't you opt for 0W30? The 5W20 just creates a thinner viscosity at temp. This could give you issues such as poor fuel economy, premature engine wear, and overheating issues if you run your car hard. It just puts you at risk. There are no rewards for a daily or weekend car to run it.

 

[kgautam28]

What is the highest octane you can run? 110?

 

[jboogie1289]

After having 3 German sports cars and 3 Mustangs, I run 93 octane only. Burns cleaner and better detonation.

 

[DevilDog]

A cheap octane boost is just add 3 gallons of E85, the car will run like a scalded dog.

 

[Interstellar]

The engineers know more than anyone on here, anecdotal evidence or not.
The manual says use 87 unless you’re in hot temperatures. I ran 87 from when I picked it up until about June here in TX.
been running 93 but will switch back to 87 shortly. Although I’m gonna be sticking to 93 if oil prices continue to decline and production hopefully gets to ramp up with out hopefully new president

 

[robvas]

If you're that far North where cold weather is an issue (-22F or -30C) , then why wouldn't you opt for 0W30?

Who's driving a Mustang when it's 22 below?

The engineers know more than anyone on here, anecdotal evidence or not.
The manual says use 87 unless you’re in hot temperatures. I ran 87 from when I picked it up until about June here in TX.

That's not quite what it says.

Your vehicle operates on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.

For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer. See Towing a Trailer (page 271).

The car will run on 87. But you are leaving horsepower on the table.

 

[Interstellar]

Who's driving a Mustang when it's 22 below?



That's not quite what it says.

Your vehicle operates on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.

For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer. See Towing a Trailer (page 271).

The car will run on 87. But you are leaving horsepower on the table.

Well of course! But if I’m on a road trip I don’t need performance. Just wanna get to my destination. Save a couple dollars at the pump for a Red Bull

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