I also have a 5.0 F-150, do you use 87 when you're not towing?

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Jan 3, 2025
12:14:32pm

mang 3rd String

I also have a 5.0 F-150, do you use 87 when you're not towing?

I'm in Utah, where they sell 85 octane. Some places online I've read say 85 is fine if you are at high altitude (which is why they allow selling 85 in utah). Some places say to always do at least 87, but do full premium when towing.

what do you do when not towing?

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mang

Bio page: mang
Joined: Mar 19, 2021
Last login: Jan 6, 2025
Total posts: 208 (0 FO)

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Messages

Author

Time

Does putting 91 octane really make a positive difference on your car or is it

UNLVcougar

Jan 3, 9:27am

Depends on the car

PROBcoug

Jan 3, 9:27am

I read your first line as “your attitude.” Was looking forward to hearing how

Traveshamockery

Jan 3, 9:32am

Only in my Porsche and Lambo. Everything else I use 89.

Vincent's Picks

Jan 3, 9:30am

Same. Although 89 in 20 or so vehicles (lost count) is A LOT of octane…

Refugee

Jan 3, 11:50am

I’ve been wondering this as well. Just bought a Land Cruiser and it says premium only. Wondered if it really matters.

Jan 3, 9:30am

Actually, it does.

Snipe

Jan 3, 9:38am

Completely unnecessary for most cars.

TANK

Jan 3, 9:32am

Most *boring* cars. FTFY

Superkid

Jan 3, 9:40am

If your vehicle calls for it, it's best to use it. If not, you likely won't see any difference.

John Doe

Jan 3, 9:32am

It's engine specific. Use whatever the manufacturer recommends for the specific vehicle.

kccougar

Jan 3, 9:33am

My user manual is confusing. It says the following:

UNLVcougar

Jan 3, 9:44am

R+m/2 is what is displayed on the pump. There are 2 different tests. The number is the average of the 2.

Jan 3, 9:47am

👆🏻This. So the short answer is you can buy the gas listed as “87” at the pump and you’re good to go.

mvtoro

Jan 3, 11:09am

They are two different rating systems. In the US we typically use the R+M/2 method

kccougar

Jan 3, 9:47am

Depends on the compression ratio. High octane auto-ignites slower,

Jan 3, 9:33am

Yes. Some engines are designed for it. Computers can adjust timing

reddead

Jan 3, 9:33am

It is absolutely necessary!

Superkid

Jan 3, 9:34am

Checking the CB archives, looks like this topic is on about a 10-yr cycle. 2025, 2014, 2004...

kccougar

Jan 3, 9:35am

There is no more energy in higher octane fuel. The rating indicates the stability of the fuel. If the rating is too low

Jan 3, 9:40am

It's all about pinging and knocking

justAnotherCoug

Jan 3, 9:40am

I notice a difference in my 5.0L f150 when I

The Pope

Jan 3, 9:42am

I also have a 5.0 F-150, do you use 87 when you're not towing?

mang

Jan 3, 12:14pm

Yeah, just regular ol’ 87. I’m in PHX, so my elevation is

The Pope

Jan 3, 12:55pm

Every car will give you the optimal grade to use. It is best to

IceBlue

Jan 3, 9:48am

I have owned several Nissan 3.5/3.7 cars that if you do not use premium they run

Ycrazy

Jan 3, 9:50am

NO. not at our elevation.

BYURider

Jan 3, 9:55am

Incorrect, though elevation does play a part. You won't see many (any?) vehicles sold today that recommend 85 octane

kccougar

Jan 3, 10:03am

It’s based on the compression level that your engine runs. High-compression engines can cause premature ignition of the

mvtoro

Jan 3, 11:05am

Great info. I've wondered this for years and gone back and forth. Is the owners manual the only place you'll find it?

BlooGeek

Jan 3, 12:22pm

Easy to Google.

mvtoro

Jan 3, 12:25pm

Hey! Whaddya know...2020 Palisade requires 87. My gas spending just went down.

BlooGeek

Jan 3, 12:31pm

Same for mine but what I was already using most the time.

Soupie

Jan 3, 12:32pm

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