The manual that came with my F-150 suggested to use only 87 octane for gas, but I have been reading posts that say to use 89 or 91 (highest in my area). I am for improving my mpg's but what is the tradeoff besides more money up in smoke after burning some gallons? Why does the manual suggest 87 octane and what is the reason to only use this? I have a 99 F-150 Supercab with a 4.2l V6 2wd, stock everything and a Glasstite camper shell, if that helps.

Leo dC

 

Unless you add a Superchip, which upgrades the performance of the engine and NEEDS the higher octane, YOU should use the lower octane!! The computers in these engines from the factory have been set to run on the low octane levels!!!

 

I agree with tina, But I have the superchip so I run 93 octane. I can feel the difference with that chip

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98 F150 2WD,Bright Red, Regular Cab, 4.2, 3.55 Superchip, 3 Inch Bullseye Lift Spindles, Manik Grill Guard,Nerf Bars, Vent Visors, Fog lights, Kc Lights, Alpine CD Player, 2 Kenwood Amps, Tinted Windows. And Coming Soon: 3&1/2 Inch Fabtech Lift Kit, 16x8 American Racing Baja Wheels Wrapped With 33's

 

Dear Good Guy,

Your vehicle came from the factory programmed to run on 87 octane. (Actually, it can be run on 85 octane if need be) Most Ford owner's manuals for non-performance vehicles mention that you should NOT use anything higher than 89, and here's why: Lower octane gasoline burns at a faster rate than higher octane fuels do, so some Fords can run rougher on premium fuel, and Ford has noted that using premium can cause driveability problems, and it's due tothe slower burn rate of premium gas.

So unless you are using our Superchip, which completely reprograms the fuel curves specifically for premium gasoline, you should only use 87, as long as you don't get any detonation. (spark knock)

If you are using our Superchip, then you need to be using only premium grade gasoline, and preferably from a good name brand, such as Texaco, Amoco, Citgo, etc.

Good luck,

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com

 

How much is this SuperChip, what is its affect in the warranty, any fuel efficiency benefits, how easy is it to install in a 99 F-150 SC w/ 4.2l V6 and do I need to raplace anything or is this an add-on and what is the warranty that came with it?

Leo dC

 

Good_Guy, "what is its affect in the warranty" - None, "any fuel efficiency benefits" - I haven't noticed any improvement with my Superchip but other people have, "how easy is it to install in a 99 F-150 SC w/ 4.2l V6" - It took me about 1 hour to install only because before the chip gets plugged in you have to clean the edge connector on the computer, which is time consuming. Once that is done you can have the chip in or out in about 5 minutes "and do I need to replace anything or is this an add-on" - It's an add on, it plugs into the your trucks computer. "and what is the warranty that came with it?" - not sure on that, check with Mike Troyer

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99 F150 XLT 2WD S/C 4.2 5-speed, Superchip, Flowmaster muffler, Door edge guards.




[This message has been edited by Darin (edited 07-13-1999).]

 

Good Guy: the SuperChip cost about $265 but if you e-mail Mike @ Superchip Distributor he gives all members of F150 a fantastic discount. He will also tell you about the warrenty on the chip. I have seen better gas milage on my truck w/chip but only when I can keep my foot out of the gas pedel The best benifit I've seen is the greatly improved response when I really need to get the beast moving quick (like pulling out in front of on coming trafic or passing someone)

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97F150 XLT SC 4x4 Flairside 4.6 V8 5sp Dk Toreador Red, 3.55LS
ARE tonneau cover, p255/70rx16 tires (came w/235), Superchip
Pioneer CD w/4 Polk Speakers & Clarion APA5240amp, skid plates
bed liner, side window deflectors, reese hitch, K&N air filter
40s-2chamber Flowmaster, Bosch +4 spark plugs, rustproofing
Better Built Stainless nerf bars

 

Dear GoodGuy,

The Superchip carries a Lifetime warranty to the original owner. Other responses answerd your other questions, so I won't repeat that info.

We do have a special discount for F150online members, so if you'd like any detailed info, please feel free to drop us a line, or give me a call. Our contact info is below.

Bests,

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com

 

I am new to the message board and to F150's
I've had a Dodge Ram Quad 4x4 for the last
year until Ford came out with the 4 doors.cab
I've been wondering on the fuel choices on
octane. I live in north Iowa and we have a
lot of ethenol blended fuel at 89.5-90 octane
has anyone had any problems with ethenol? I
seem to get good mileage with it. I've only
had the truck 2 weeks and on my second tank
I got 15.8 mpg. Not bad considering my Dodge
only got 14 at best. What is everyones
thaughts?

------------------

 

The engines in the 97 and beyond F150s are capable of running gasoline higher than 87 octane. In fact, the knock sensors will adjust the spark and you'll get a slight performance boost from using higher octane fuel. You probably won't notice it when driving the truck empty, but if you are towiing a heavy load you will feel the extra torque. All Ford Modular engines have this capability.

 

Just my 2 cents. 87 octane + Ford = knock and ping. Any Triton engine I have driven with 87 octane has done this. I use 89 in my truck and have no problems. I do not believe for a minute that the higher octane will harm the engine at all. 87 octane is the manufacturers minimum octane rating.

 

Scroker got it right. I try to use 87 in the F150's but always end up with 89 due to the slight knocking and pinging.

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99 F150 5.4 4x4 ORP 3.73 styleside deep wedgewood blue ..no mods (yet)

 

Before I added the Superchip I used 87 exclusively!! And from a brand X gas station. Were talking the lowest and cheapest of the gas stations!! NO PROBLEMS ever!! NO knock or pinging just smooth running! Now with the chip, I have found that different brands of super really are different and I'm "experimenting" with them to see which will run the best for my beast

------------------
97F150 XLT SC 4x4 Flairside 4.6 V8 5sp Dk Toreador Red, 3.55LS
ARE tonneau cover, p255/70rx16 tires (came w/235), Superchip
Pioneer CD w/4 Polk Speakers & Clarion APA5240amp, skid plates
bed liner, side window deflectors, reese hitch, K&N air filter
40s-2chamber Flowmaster, Bosch +4 spark plugs, rustproofing
Better Built Stainless nerf bars

 

Dear Tim A,

The Ford owner's manuals for non-high performance vehicles have that statement for a reason, and it isn't potential engine damage, it's driveability. Ford says, in the owner's manual for these vehicles, something to the effect of not using more than 87 octane, due to potential driveability problems. I don't have the specific language in front of me, my wife's '99 Ford is with her at work at the moment, or I'd quote her manual. (My FoMoCo vehicle requires premium, so it's manual is uselss for this topic)

Also, using premium fuel with the factory programming will only allow perhaps 2 percent additional power, and even then only when the vehicle is under a heavy load. You're not going to get any kind of *substantial* power gain using premium with the factory programming in the Triton engine. In a '97 & up 4.6 F-150, you're talking *maybe* 5hp.

The factory programming can be compromised due to being optimized for the EPA drive cycle, particularly light load part-throttle driveability in automatic transmission-equipped vehicles, for example. I personally feel they shouldn't include vehicle warm-up in the drive cycle. Unfortunately, C.A.F.E. requirements, etc., force automakers to do things they wouldn't ordinarily do sometimes, and the Bosch systems in most European vehicles, like BMW's and Mercedes, and even Asian-designed Honda's and many other vehicles are good examples of compromised driveability, particularly on part-throttle, and in cruising situations. It's very common for them to be too lean for best driveability, for example.

All that having been said, I prefer to see people use premium gas all the time, due to them generally having better additives, detergents, etc. So I'm a firm believer in using premium fuel, and always have been, just to keep the fuel system, intake valves, etc., cleaner.

We could go on and on probably forever, with regards to some of the things that automakers are forced to compromise due to Federal and other mandates and considerations. And I'm sure you've probably seen some of that first hand, and could probably regale us with strange tales on the topic.

Please don't feel that I'm trying to argue with you, or give you a hard time Tim, that's not my purpose at all. Personally, I think we're lucky here to have someone with your background as a member, and lending your comments based on your expertise. And I have appreciated many times the manner in which you present your information, as you're always cool, calm, and collected, and just looking out for out best interests. By all means, please continue to offer your perspectives!

Respecfully,

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com

[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-21-1999).]

 

Not to keep this thing going but I was curious and checked my owners manual. It says nothing about not using higher octane fuel. It does say " Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend gasolines labeled as "regular" in high altitude areas that are sold with octane ratings of 86 or even less." It says not to be concerned over slight knocking but if it becomes heavy to see your dealer. I'm only speaking from first hand experience, I'm not an auto tech., but I have driven literally over a hundred different Triton engine equipped vehicles. My occupation allows for this. In any of them that we dont use at least 89 octane fuel, they knock and ping at a level I classify as severe. I have also found this to be true in many other engines from other manufacturers also.