Waht disadvantage would higher octane over 87 play in our trucks with the 5.4? Reason I'm asking, I've been running 87 shell, but started noticing better performance using 93 octane shell.

 

The disadvantage you'll feel is in the wallet. Spending extra money for no gain.

 

The truck is tuned for 87. That is what it needs. You will only waste money and possibly add internal deposits running anything higher. If you want more performane, get tunes that take advantage of higher octane.

 

if you're tuned for it you can get better mileage and save money by running the higher octane

or if you are boosted then you need the higher octane

 

I'm having a level 10 programmer installed. How will this and the higher octanne produce better performance and economy?

 

I know nothing about that one. Haven't heard of it. Most of us use the Edge, Xcal3 or the Gryphon.

 

I bet the level 10 is a silly gimmick since nothing was located when I googled on it

 

I went in yesterday to levelten. They took reading of my vehicle's computer driving it, and said they would create a program for it. This is there website. http://www.levelten.com/

 

The compression ratio of the 3v 5.4 allows for the use of anything from 87 to 93 octane without any ill effects outside of the increased cost. 93 burns more smoothly and completely which is why you noticed better performance with it. This doesn't mean increased MPG, the extra cost of 93 will more then offset any gain you see in MPG.

 

I would think that the better performance is more than worth it and it may be enough not to bother with a programmer. Burning smoother would also have better long term benefits with emissions, and motor longevity.

 

No, that is incorrect. You are not listening to what everyone is telling you. There are no gains if it is tuned for 87. If you won't take our word for it, go on a tuner site and ask your question. www.powerhungryperformance.com

 

The specs on this motor state E85 390lbs torque, and 87 gas 365 torque. We all know that E85 is well over 100 octane. So what am I missing here?

 

...and the persistent myths about octane continue.

 

Then enlighten us, O wise one.

 

You are missing the fact that that engine is tuned for E85. That is a whole different ballgame. If your truck is tuned for 87, that is what it expects to burn. Anything else will be a waste. These are computer programs you are dealing with. Is your engine an E85? Youhad not said that previously.