87 vs 89 vs 93 octane - my findings

[Ron Green]

I bought this 2020 Ford Expedition Platinum on 24 Aug 2020 off the showroom floor because it was park inside and out of the weather. I had a 2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer one owner me, had it for 17 years and had 254000 miles on it when i traded it in. My wife and I are crazy about the 2020 Ford Expedition Platinum we bought, it's a great SUV. We hope it treat us well.

We decided to use the 87 Octane fuel and see how our new vehicle runs. No problems yet runs great especially in Sport Mode really fast. I mostly drive in Normal Mode AWD.

 

[Tocapet]

I run 85 octane in my 2009 Expy EL. It runs just fine. But that's probably because of the altitude here in Colorado. Mid-grade here is 87. When I was back in Texas, the lowest grade was 87.

 

[JExpedition07]

The owners manual for my 2007 says not to use 86 or lower and to use 87 minimum even at higher altitudes.

 

[Tocapet]

Well, I ain't gonna do it. Mine does just fine on 85 for the last 3 years at 6000 ft above sea level.

 

[07navi]

The owners manual for my 2007 says not to use 86 or lower and to use 87 minimum even at higher altitudes.

The owners manual is not 100% right for everyone and all circumstances plus 86 vs 87 means little or nothing,

 

[LokiWolf]

I bought this 2020 Ford Expedition Platinum on 24 Aug 2020 off the showroom floor because it was park inside and out of the weather. I had a 2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer one owner me, had it for 17 years and had 254000 miles on it when i traded it in. My wife and I are crazy about the 2020 Ford Expedition Platinum we bought, it's a great SUV. We hope it treat us well.

We decided to use the 87 Octane fuel and see how our new vehicle runs. No problems yet runs great especially in Sport Mode really fast. I mostly drive in Normal Mode AWD.

In your 2020 you are losing about 15HP by running 87 VS 93.

Again, completely your call, but using 87 you are getting less than the factory documented power.


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[JasonH]

Well, I ain't gonna do it. Mine does just fine on 85 for the last 3 years at 6000 ft above sea level.

You can use the Octane Adjustment Ratio to see whether your ECU is pulling boost and timing due to the lower octane level. Mine usually runs -.6 on good 87 and -1.0 on a full tank of 93. Blends usually net a -.7 to -.8, depending on the ratio.

 

[LokiWolf]

You can use the Octane Adjustment Ratio to see whether your ECU is pulling boost and timing due to the lower octane level. Mine usually runs -.6 on good 87 and -1.0 on a full tank of 93. Blends usually net a -.7 to -.8, depending on the ratio.

He has a 2009, No boost. Should he run at least 87, Yes. Is he doing any damage, probably not. Unless he is regularly towing or running it hard.


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[chuck s]

In your 2020 you are losing about 15HP by running 87 VS 93.

I don't doubt the EcoBoost produces more power with 93 but to what purpose? How many HP at 2000 rpm? Unless I'm drag racing Dodge Wildcats between stoplights on Hull Street Road that's the rpm the truck seems to cruise.

I find 93 makes no noticeable difference in normal driving or when towing my travel trailer. Including last month in the NC mountains with the camper behind.

As you know in Richmond 93 is always 60¢/gallon more than 87 regardless of the price of 87. $1.99 for 87, $2.69 for 93 a 30% increase in cost. When 87 was $3.00 93 was $3.60. Only 20% more cost but the same dollars. A typical 24 gallon fill is $14.40 extra for possible extra power I can't/don't use. I can get a 12-pack of beer for that.

-- Chuck

 

[Tocapet]

It's strange that as you go up in altitude, the octane drops. Regular unleaded in Dallas, Texas is 87. Start traveling and in Amarillo, the regular unleaded is 86. Get up to Denver and it's 85. Altitude has something to do with it. That's why I don't worry about it. I run 85 in my '09 Expy EL with the 5.4 and it still runs like a scalded dog or a striped ape or whatever other comparison you name.