I am thinking of getting a Lightning here in the UK (where fuel is over $5.5 a gallon...) Was just wondering what fuel consumption I should expect in normal use?

 

I get around 9 mpg in the city and 11 mpg on the highways. I figure I get around 6 mpg when I play too hard with the truck.

 

Lightning trucker,

What grade fuel do you use in your L? Do you have to use premium since its supercharged? I was wanting to purchase a Tbird supercoupe, an they say they have to run premium gas b/c of the supercharger. I have never heard of this, but I've never had a vehicle with a sc before either

 

9 and 11 mpg? That sounds low for even the lightning... Always heard closer to 15 hwy.

 

who can keep their foot out of it when driving that truck

 

My truck has only 2700 miles and it was one year old on May 31. Maybe the engine is not broken in yet. I don't do much freeway driving so my numbers are for mostly around town. I use 91 octane fuel and I just can't seem to baby the truck while I am driving. The whine of the blower and rumble of the exhaust gets my heart pumping when I mash the pedal. Going from 0-100 on a freeway on ramp really gets the heart pumping. I wish I could see the smile on my face. I didn't purchase the truck expecting to get good mileage. It will be the one and only hot rod I will ever own so I really don't care about the mileage.

 

So does anybody know? DO you *have* to use premium gas? Ive heard it will ping and really hurt the engine if you dont, just because of the sc.....any comments?

 

Typically, premium is recommended so the vehicle can make advertised horsepower numbers. Today's sophisticated PCM's can generally take care of timing issues.
Try a tank or regular in it and believe me, you'll hear it if it knocks. If it does, just put a bottle of octane booster in it.

 

Yes, 91 octane or higher is what has to be used in order to keep the longevity of the engine. If you modify the truck, or always floor it, then a minimum 93 oct is required.

 

I could prob run regular, but whats the use of putting octane booster in it? thats like 5 bucks. Might as well put in premium....its only like 20 cents more than regular....but that does seem to get pricy after a while...You see i drive about 45min to work..and do alot of cruising on the weekends....past 4 years i put 90k on my Ford right now. The reason i was curious about this is, I am for sure going to take care of the engine...and if premium is what it needs to perform right, then thats what it'll get....what the minimum octane? 91 i think....mid-grade is 89....But i guess the only way to do it is to try diff grades...what if i use mid-grade and hear no ping....am i still harming the engine and also the total life of my motor? Thx for all your help guys

 

The owners manual says that you MUST use premium... there are no other choices. Octane booster would average out to be the exact same in cost as buying premium fuel.... $0.20 x 25 gall = $5. WARNING - ocatne booster is NOT EFFECTIVE on these engines. It has been tried before and failed many times.... worthless. Just by minimim 93 octane gas, and you will be fine. You do not want to run crap grade gas to see if you can do it.... one bit of detonation, and you may turn your block into swiss cheese.... seen it happen.

 

93Cobra, Thanks for your input dude....I appreciate it...an hey, paying a little bit more for gas is ok with me, just as long as i get to have fun everyday with 300+hp 400+ft lbs tq!!

later

nd4spd