I'm sure this has been posted before, but it wont let me search and im having an argument right now about what kind of gas to put in a 96 f150 with 4x4 with the 302 engine. Is 87 good enough, or should a higher grade be used? Thanks

 

87 is good unless you have knocking.

 

you should always run the lowest octane possible without the engine knocking. there are no benefits for running anything higher.

 

ok..thanks guys....so my friends argument that i will get better gas mileage if i use a higher octane is not a valid one?....kinda what i thought.....another argument we are having.......if a higher octane is used, cant it ruin the engine if that engine does not require a high grade? thanks

 

It is possible to get better mileage if you advance the timing a bit. However, any increase in mileage is going to be offset by the higher cost of fuel.

 

mattyd

The purpose of high octane fuel was to slow or eliminate spark knock in high compression engines. It has a lower flash point, so it does not tend to pre-ignite as easily.

High octane fuel is a waste of money in a low compression engine. Does not provide better MPG. Only run it if needed.

As yellowjeep76 said, let your engine's spark knocking or lack of it, dictate the octane rating you use.

 

My 92 5.0 never pings on 87, BUT, I find that it pulls my snowmobile trailer up the mt pass better with either mid or prem fuel, it's not a huge difference, but you can tell. My strategy is to keep mid or prem in one tank and reg in the other and switch over when I hit the hill.

 

My ol' 88 F150 pings like crazy if I run 87 octane and the engine is bone stock. I'm too cheap to keep filling it with 92 octane gas so I just live with it as it only does it on the highway.

 

Wouldn't the two jus mix together anyway...lol