what octane are you using
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 16
From: Arizona/Texas
Yes it does. 87 octane is the minimum required. The engine is designed to run better on 91 octane or higher.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 83
From: N. Texas
That's one of the things that got me to look at the Omega tune. I can run any octane including E85 with it, no problems. I have been running 93 octane since I did the tune but filled up yesterday with 89 due to price increase, Can't say I notice any difference but I haven't really put my foot into it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 177
Likes: 7
From: Pacific Northwest
Have run 87 octane with exception of a few instances. Whether daily driving, highway trips, or towing a 7000 lb loaded travel trailer my 2018 with 3.5 has handled it all admirably. More power and better fuel mileage than any previous F-150 I’ve owned. Winter fuels do have a mileage and power difference. Seems about 5/10% loss in mileage in winter.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 0
From: Clarksburg WV
I run 87 because there's no reason to run anything higher if you don't have a tune (at least on the 5.0).
I run 93 in my Mustang because I got a 93 octane tune for it.
I run 93 in my Mustang because I got a 93 octane tune for it.
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 400
Likes: 25
From: Queen Creek
Had a 2016 3.5RB. For the 3 years I ran it, I used nothing but Premium 92 Octane. Put about 5000 miles a year on it with more than half of that towing. Yes it will run on 87 Octane....ford puts that in there because if they were to require premium, it would be a detractor for potential buyers. Since it's designed to perform best on Premium as stated in the manual, that is what I went with. Didn't pay all that money for the truck to cheap out and save a few $$'s with each fill up. For what it's worth, the manual for my F250 w/6.2 gives the same guidance so i run Premium in that as well.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 681
Likes: 11
It also states any gain is noticed most in hot weather or when towing. I'll continue to use 87 unless I detect pinging.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,872
Likes: 357
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
We often go through a section of road that has a slight incline, but the posted speed limit is 30 MPH. Trying to keep within the speed limit, and having the tranny set for normal, the truck will try to negotiate it in one gear too high, and will be running ~~ 1200 RPM. Although it doesn't sound like pinging, it does sound like it might be getting there. So just before I hit that stretch, I will switch to tow/haul mode, and the tranny will pick one lower gear, and we'll go through there at ~~ 1600 RPM. MUCH better. Responds better to the throttle too. This is on 87 octane & no serious load.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,476
Likes: 2,800
Bringing this back as the following is the only "real world" "test" I've run across. Owners of the 3.5EB will be pleased to note "there is a difference". Others may be pleased to note there isn't. I'm not pleased that the 2.7EB isn't mentioned, but I am pleased with the performance I get. I'll try a switch from premium to regular next fall.
The July 2019 Car and Driver has an article about octane. The test was conducted in cool weather, and included acceleration, fuel economy, & dyno pulls. The article does not yet appear on line. All vehicles are 2019s.
Honda CRV 1.5 Turbo: 87/93 shows 164HP/172/HP, 15.7/15.7 quarter mile, 27.3/27.6 MPG
BMW M5 4.4 Turbo V8: 604/617 HP, 10.9/10.8 quarter mile, 24.6/23.9 MPG
Dodge Charger 5.7 V8: 318/332 HP, 13.5/13.4 quarter mile, 17/17.6 MPG
And the reason I'm posting:
F150 Ltd 4x4 3.5EB: 360/380 HP, 14.5/14.0 quarter mile, 17/17.6 MPG.
It would make sense that the MPG would not be affected much, only the WOT running.
YMMV.
The July 2019 Car and Driver has an article about octane. The test was conducted in cool weather, and included acceleration, fuel economy, & dyno pulls. The article does not yet appear on line. All vehicles are 2019s.
Honda CRV 1.5 Turbo: 87/93 shows 164HP/172/HP, 15.7/15.7 quarter mile, 27.3/27.6 MPG
BMW M5 4.4 Turbo V8: 604/617 HP, 10.9/10.8 quarter mile, 24.6/23.9 MPG
Dodge Charger 5.7 V8: 318/332 HP, 13.5/13.4 quarter mile, 17/17.6 MPG
And the reason I'm posting:
F150 Ltd 4x4 3.5EB: 360/380 HP, 14.5/14.0 quarter mile, 17/17.6 MPG.
It would make sense that the MPG would not be affected much, only the WOT running.
YMMV.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,463
Likes: 103
From: Staten Island, NY
Bringing this back as the following is the only "real world" "test" I've run across. Owners of the 3.5EB will be pleased to note "there is a difference". Others may be pleased to note there isn't. I'm not pleased that the 2.7EB isn't mentioned, but I am pleased with the performance I get. I'll try a switch from premium to regular next fall.
The July 2019 Car and Driver has an article about octane. The test was conducted in cool weather, and included acceleration, fuel economy, & dyno pulls. The article does not yet appear on line. All vehicles are 2019s.
Honda CRV 1.5 Turbo: 87/93 shows 164HP/172/HP, 15.7/15.7 quarter mile, 27.3/27.6 MPG
BMW M5 4.4 Turbo V8: 604/617 HP, 10.9/10.8 quarter mile, 24.6/23.9 MPG
Dodge Charger 5.7 V8: 318/332 HP, 13.5/13.4 quarter mile, 17/17.6 MPG
And the reason I'm posting:
F150 Ltd 4x4 3.5EB: 360/380 HP, 14.5/14.0 quarter mile, 17/17.6 MPG.
It would make sense that the MPG would not be affected much, only the WOT running.
YMMV.
The July 2019 Car and Driver has an article about octane. The test was conducted in cool weather, and included acceleration, fuel economy, & dyno pulls. The article does not yet appear on line. All vehicles are 2019s.
Honda CRV 1.5 Turbo: 87/93 shows 164HP/172/HP, 15.7/15.7 quarter mile, 27.3/27.6 MPG
BMW M5 4.4 Turbo V8: 604/617 HP, 10.9/10.8 quarter mile, 24.6/23.9 MPG
Dodge Charger 5.7 V8: 318/332 HP, 13.5/13.4 quarter mile, 17/17.6 MPG
And the reason I'm posting:
F150 Ltd 4x4 3.5EB: 360/380 HP, 14.5/14.0 quarter mile, 17/17.6 MPG.
It would make sense that the MPG would not be affected much, only the WOT running.
YMMV.
For us poor people who drive XL's, XLT's and Lariats we have to make do with an engine factory rated at 375 HP. Assuming an equal drive-line loss that equates to an actual rear wheel horsepower of 300/317 HP depending on octane.
Not too shabby, but most don't realize that the manufacturer published horsepower ratings are right up there with unicorns and leprechauns (and apparently BMW's which actually dyno'd the rated horsepower).
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,476
Likes: 2,800
I haven't been paying attention since I don't want to stir up a fatal buyer's remorse episode with my 2.7. 450/510-- I could see how you would get used to that. Oddly they have a test which pegs the 1/4 mile at 13.7, quicker than their octane article.
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/
IIRC people would kill to take .3 off their ET....
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/
IIRC people would kill to take .3 off their ET....