Is it safe to 87 octane on Edge lvl 3

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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 04:09 PM
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Is it safe to 87 octane on Edge lvl 3

This was asked in another thread but didn't see definite answer. I just programmed to lvl 3 running 87 octane with the timing decreased. I have tried -2, -1.75, and -1.5 without any noticable detonation and with good response. I want to make sure I'm not overlooking something that might be harmful.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 04:33 PM
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Originally Posted by dfishrmn88
This was asked in another thread but didn't see definite answer. I just programmed to lvl 3 running 87 octane with the timing decreased. I have tried -2, -1.75, and -1.5 without any noticable detonation and with good response. I want to make sure I'm not overlooking something that might be harmful.
You can run lean without hearing a ping at all. It would scare me to do that. At the least, I would run 89 and back off -1.0. I am glad I got the 87 performance tune for that very reason. The $50 was cheap insurance and I like it even better than the canned level 3.

I ran level 3 with 93 octane for 36,000 miles.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 05:11 PM
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Why would you do that? Why wouldn't you just run the Level2 tune which is meant for 87 octane. Level2 provides more torque anyways.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 05:15 PM
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Originally Posted by ThumperMX113
Why would you do that? Why wouldn't you just run the Level2 tune which is meant for 87 octane. Level2 provides more torque anyways.
I know why. I did not like level 2 myself. It is great for stop and go or towing, but get on freeways at 65 to 75 mph, or trying to pass on a 2 lane road and it is gutless. Plus, the downshifting is totally different. Those are the reasons why I ran level 3 all the time. I saved enough gas on level 3 to pay the difference in fuel cost compared to level 2 on 87.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by ThumperMX113
Why would you do that? Why wouldn't you just run the Level2 tune which is meant for 87 octane. Level2 provides more torque anyways.
Just another option. Sometimes I only haul light and spend a lot of time on the highway.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by ThumperMX113
Why would you do that? Why wouldn't you just run the Level2 tune which is meant for 87 octane. Level2 provides more torque anyways.
I've been running lvl 3 with the timing at -2 for a couple of weeks now and haven't noticed any detonation. There is a pretty decent difference between lvl 2 and lvl 3. Lvl 2 is all low end and sacrifices the the top end pull. To be honest I always felt like lvl2 kinda gave up a little in the higher rpms. Lvl 3 doesn't do that, and it's drivabilty is great.

I would LOVE to have some confirmation from Bill that this is a safe way to run lvl 3. And before anyone chimes in...I know there are no guarantees with tuners, but some reassurance would be nice.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 07:50 PM
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Originally Posted by NFH150
I've been running lvl 3 with the timing at -2 for a couple of weeks now and haven't noticed any detonation. There is a pretty decent difference between lvl 2 and lvl 3. Lvl 2 is all low end and sacrifices the the top end pull. To be honest I always felt like lvl2 kinda gave up a little in the higher rpms. Lvl 3 doesn't do that, and it's drivabilty is great.

I would LOVE to have some confirmation from Bill that this is a safe way to run lvl 3. And before anyone chimes in...I know there are no guarantees with tuners, but some reassurance would be nice.
That was my intial intent! I just re-programmed today and like the different feel but want to make sure.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 09:47 PM
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This is long, sorry!

All right my fellow Ford lovers. Here is what I have received over the last two days from Edge in it entirety. Hope this helps.

1st E-Mail:

From: contact@edgeproducts.com [mailto:contact@edgeproducts.com]
Sent: Tue 04/01/08 1:45 PM
To: Edge Tech
Subject: Contact Form: Evolution Updates


First Name Joe
Last Name Garcia

Email gixxerjoe**@yahoo.com
Comments I am very interested in getting an EDGE Evolution for 2006 Ford F150 and am curious as to how often there are substantial updates made to users of this product. Considering the cost of gas right now and the fact that it is going to continue to increase have you all come up with a performance tune that works with 87 octane. You know, like running level 3 but with 87 Octane. I am very interested in knowing this. Thank you.

1st Response:

Edge Tech <tech@edgeproducts.com> wrote:
Well Joe, we are pleased to hear you are considering our product. It is recommended that you update the module every 6 to 8 months. You can do this on your personal computer, and it takes about 10 minutes. Most people do run level 3 on 87 octane, but in less than 5% of the vehicles, the truck will ping, so it just depends on how your vehicle is tunes. I hope this helps you out.

Edge Products Technical Support
1080 S. Depot Drive
Ogden, UT 84404
Toll Free: 888-360-3343
Local: 801-476-3343
Tech Fax: 801-337-2198
Email: tech@edgeproducts.com
www.edgeproducts.com

2nd E-Mail

From: gixxerjoe**@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wed 04/02/08 6:36 AM
To: Edge Tech
Subject: RE: Contact Form: Evolution Updates


Well Edge Tech guy,

The following is from your online user manual. Please elaborate as to why the manual states to use 91 Octane gas for the performance mode and not 87 Octane.

High Performance Program (91+ octane fuel)
This is the highest performance setting for the Evolution. The fuel injection
and ignition timing strategies are aggressively tuned to extract the maximum
performance from your vehicle without sacrificing drivability or durability.
The transmission strategy is modified to take advantage of the increased
engine performance by providing quicker, firmer shifts. Due to the high
performance nature of this setting, you will be required to run 91 octane (or
better) fuel.

As I originally asked- the fact that gas is going to continue to increase have you all come up with a performance tune that works with 87 octane. You know, like running level 3 but with 87 Octane. I am very interested in knowing this. Thank you.

I would appreciate a factual reply so that I may make an educated purchase. I do not like purchasing products only to find out that they do not deliver as I was promised. Thank you.

2nd Response:

From: [mailto:gixxerjoe**@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wed 04/02/08 10:46 AM
To: Edge Tech
Subject: RE: Contact Form: Evolution Updates


DeLoy,

Was not trying to PO you. My truck is my baby and I want nothing but the best for her, hence my questions and concerns. Now is there a way to get custom tunes for the edge. Lets say I am running the Level 3 on 87 octane and it starts to ping, what options do I have then. I do appreciate your expertise. My number is ***-***-****

Edge Tech <tech@edgeproducts.com> wrote:
Like I said, most people CAN get away with 87 octane with no problem. We do put information like this in our manual for the other 5%. You see, when a manufacturer like Ford makes a truck, that given year, they have roughly 100 different hex codes (computer calibrations). There is a small percent of those vehicles that run a little lean right off the lot. The owners manual is made for every one of these people, and it would not be smart for us to put that you can run 87 when not every vehicle can. I have given you the information that you have asked. You can take it for what it is. I am not someone to try and embellish the truth, because if I do I have to deal with the problem that I created, and that just isn't smart. I am happy to see that you did your homework, but you asked me if you can run 87 and I said most people do without a problem.

My name is DeLoy, by the way and you can feel free to give me a call and I would be happy to discuss this in detail. I am an Edge technician and I am generally on the phones speaking with customers about these kind of questions all day long. For one week every other month, I get assigned to e-mails. I would give you a call right now, but there is no provided phone number.

Edge Products Technical Support
1080 S. Depot Drive
Ogden, UT 84404
Toll Free: 888-360-3343
Local: 801-476-3343
Tech Fax: 801-337-2198
Email: tech@edgeproducts.com
www.edgeproducts.com
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 09:49 PM
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Final reply:

There are a few things that you can do. The best thing to do is to retard the timing 1/2 degree for every octane less than 91 so if you are running 87, you retard the timing 2 degrees. The only other thing that you can do is just put in 91 octane. I do believe the the Ford owners manual also says 91 octane is recommended for your vehicle as well, but there is no harm in running 87. I hope this helps you.

Edge Products Technical Support
1080 S. Depot Drive
Ogden, UT 84404
Toll Free: 888-360-3343
Local: 801-476-3343
Tech Fax: 801-337-2198
Email: tech@edgeproducts.com
www.edgeproducts.com

Thats it in a and alot of pasting
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 10:04 PM
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I bet the douche at Edge service drives a Honda. IMO those guys are worthless.
 
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by NFH150
I would LOVE to have some confirmation from Bill that this is a safe way to run lvl 3. And before anyone chimes in...I know there are no guarantees with tuners, but some reassurance would be nice.
Hi there,

(This has been dictated to me by Bill, himself!)

At upper altitudes (4,500+ feet), running 87 on level 3 should not present a problem, especially if you're at -1 degrees of timing. If you are below that altitude, you can still run the level 3 w/ 87, but use -2 to -3 degrees of timing to ensure that you don't run into an detonation issues.

I understand what you're trying to achieve by using level 3 with lower octane fuel and while it does work to some extent, you'll find that you are hurting performance a little bit because you're changing the entire timing table by whatever your offset it at (-2 degrees) instead of changing just the high load portion of the timing table. This could ultimately have a slight effect on fuel economy as opposed to getting a performance program designed for 87 octane.

Hope this helps!

Blessings,
Corey
Mrs. Power Hungry Performance
 

Last edited by Groovy Chick; Apr 3, 2008 at 01:43 PM.
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 06:22 PM
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Corey and Bill...thank you!!! It is truly wonderful to have access to such nice people, with great knowledge, that are willing to help others.

I'll run my truck as is for now and see how the fuel economy reacts to the timing adjustment...but I may be contacting you for a custom tune in the future. Thanks again.

Nathan
 
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 06:38 PM
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From: Beautiful Winder, GA
Originally Posted by NFH150
Corey and Bill...thank you!!! It is truly wonderful to have access to such nice people, with great knowledge, that are willing to help others.

I'll run my truck as is for now and see how the fuel economy reacts to the timing adjustment...but I may be contacting you for a custom tune in the future. Thanks again.

Nathan
You are very welcome, Nathan, and thank YOU! It's nice when people take a minute to acknowledge when someone's doing the right thing. We always try our best.

Good luck with the timing adjustment. Let us know if we can be of any help.
 
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 06:44 PM
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why not get a custom tune done by the maestro, and get it over with
 
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 07:16 PM
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I'm buying my Gryphon on Monday. I can't wait to get it then get the custom tunes. I wish it was Monday now.
 
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