If you own a L in CA you might have noticed lately the Octane level of prem fuel has been lowered by 1 point to 91 as we all know the L min level is 91. IF YOU RUN ANY MODES AT ALL AND I MEAN AT ALL< EVEN JUST A AIR FILTER MODE AND THAT IS IT < YOU MUST USE OCTANE BOOST IN YOUR L!!!!!!! The problem happens at the 1-2 shift when your L is in full tilt. The knock sensor is not fast enough to stop a small knock it is sometime hard to hear but it is always there, this is the time the engine goes away. So if you have ANY modes on your L run the octane boost. IT WILL LIVE A LOT LONGER IF YOU DO.

2001 White Lighning
K@N
150 NOS dry
et 12.59 on f-1
no other modes
full weight, tool box, lunch box,cooler,etc.

 

I disagree.

Spike

 

I also disagree.

Flash

 

I disagree as well.

Points of consideration;

Never, Never, Never Use Arco or USA Gas. Too much ethanol blend.

Try to fill up right after someone else has pumped premium to avoid the 1-2 gallon of regular in the line.

Have your chip tuned for this fuel.

 

I've never had a problem with Arco. In fact, I haven't had a problem with any brands so I get whatever brand has the lowest price (generally Beacon, Arco or Costco).

Spike

 

i am a loyal employee of costco in the motor city we dont have a gas station though i hear its usually a lot cheaper at costco though

 

Spike,

I guess the Arco's are more honest up in your area. Next time you are in SoCal, stop in and chat with any Ford SVT service rep. Word from the two service reps in my area, hard starting, poor performance and pinging complaints stem from Arco and USA. In this area, they tend to mix more than the federal limit of ethanol until they get caught. Sometimes up to 30%. Also, with more ethanol comes more moisture in the fuel.

Last fill up at USA in my 5.4 Expy, water in the fuel tank.


Everyone chooses what is best for them, just trying to offer fact based info, so the choice is informed.

BTW, no bad info on Costco, I may try that myself.

 

Never had any problems with detonation running 91 octane with my mods...knock on wood!

Doug

 

The problem I have is between 1-2 no were else and my tuck runs 13.4 with the NOS but on the street 1-2 shift at full throttle I can here a slight tap, not much but it is noticeable I also run with ARCO gas.

 

FireGuy,how did you find out about ARCO's sometimes 30% mixture? Have you measured it, or is it by someones word of mouth?

 

Strikes Twice,

Let's just say, in my line of work, I meet a lot of different types of inspectors.

This is not made up bull, how else do you think they can sell fuel cheaper than everyone else?

What iced it for me was when the dealer service rep told me the same thing, unsolicited.

Don't get me wrong, I love cheap fuel as much as the next guy, I just don't go borrowing trouble from questionable sources. Take this info for what it is worth, just info. I have had trouble when using these fuel sources and found out why. Enough said.

 

Well said, I wasn't trying to spark anything, I was just curious, I guess I should've worded it differently

 

Strikes Twice,

Your wording was okay, I just come off too strong sometimes. My apologies, just trying to help us Cal L owners avoid possible problems.
I have always been quite **** about my cars and since I got my L, I have been much worse. Most likely my last chance to own something this sweet and will take all the precautions I can to take the very best care of her.
I noticed that most everyone else here feels the same and can't blame them for in depth questioning of information.

 

The octane boost will do nothing but mess up your fuel system, plugs, and emissions equipment.

If you get a chip and additional mods, sure, your tuner must account for the lower octane. It's been done and you can SAFELY gain HP from a chip tuned for 91 octane.

 

Spike, whose chip are you running? My superchip R9 does not do so well on local gas and is getting slight pinging on 1-2 ,2-3 shift at wot. I have since removed and trying to decide to have it reburned or leave it off altogether..Brad