20 HP / 14 lb-ft torque gain from 91 Octane gas on Tacoma Gas Engine 2.4 i-Force (dyno tested by Sti

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ijUcTUScSaA&t=1s

87 vs. 91 Octane Fuel: STILLEN’s Kyle Millen reveals how fuel octane impacts the Tacoma’s 2.4L turbo engine, showing a 20-horsepower gain with premium fuel. Learn about octane ratings, real-world dyno results, fuel costs, warranty considerations, and why 91 or 93 octane is essential for maximum power, efficiency, and engine longevity—especially with TruControl or other performance upgrades. Don’t miss this must-watch guide for Tacoma owners!

Key Topics Covered:

What is octane, and why does it matter?
Impact of fuel quality on turbocharged engines.
Dyno-tested results: 87 vs. 91 octane on the Tacoma.
Why cheap gas could cost you more in the long run.
STILLEN's official fuel recommendations.

 

the flame front in a combustion chamber it is not an explosion.

 

Not surprised at all, every turbo car I’ve owned made more power with premium, even stock.

 

Are they testing the sr version engine with 228hp? I assume so since 194hp is an absurdly low wheel number for the higher tune

 

10% power to the wheels is pretty noticeable

 

I’ll take the 10%. Been running 91 since new. Life’s too short to run lower octane on a turbo to save a couple bucks per tank.

 

And in real life, too

 

Just putting the anti-knock ignition retard on hold will easily net 10%

But when is the last time you "just had to have" top power?

I'm old, I drive with a light right foot. Keeps me out of jail.

 

Had to have top power? Not recently. But towing uphill with more power at lower RPM would be extremely nice. Even a small bump helps with things like the cajon pass, highway 68, or baker grade where I’m from (SoCal/northern az)

 

The best mileage I ever got from the truck was with premium. I have never been able to beat that with 87. I made about 30 more miles with my premium tank.

I pay about $10 more for a tank of premium but after discounting the cost of additional miles I’d get from that, its only about $3-$4 extra per tank for the same distance traveled.

This video helps persuade me that’s worth it, and maybe is a little safer for the engine, long term it will experience less stress from detonation.

 

The higher octane fuels from major brands also have (is supposed to have) more additives which is better for keeping the combustion system cleaner. Cleaner is better for longevity IMO

 

I worked for multiple refiners. The additive package and concentration is the same in all octane grades. Brand specific additive packages are added at a refinery truck rack for delivery to retailers. The other little secret is that there are few differences at the chemistry level (type of additive and concentration) beyond brand marketing and names on the pump. There is plenty of "placebo" inherent in marketing.

 

It's a fender length on the big end and a win light. I love win lights.

 

Looking forward to seeing what this new drive train is capable of with some tuning.

 

a torque curve to show the improvement would be useful.

HP is T X rpm 10% at 6k rpm wouldn't give the same feeling towing a boat....

 

agreed, but dynos below 3000rpm are pretty hard to come by. If the benefit is due to more timing at high cylinder pressures, you should see significant low-rpm power improvement under load

 

people buy intakes and exhaust that dont even net them 20 HP

 

Nowadays, it’s rare for an exhaust or particularly an intake to net you much horsepower gains. They’re pretty good at maximizing things from the factory now that the fluid dynamics models they have are so good. Often, an intake will actually make less power than the factory system will.

They usually make a cooler noise, which is something. If you’re in to that sort of thing.

 

The added torque and protection against low speed pre-ignition is worth running 91. YMMV.

 

Call me dumb. I have two turbo vehicles, both with aftermarket intakes. I could care less if they make 5hp or 25hp or none at all. I’m after the noise and experience every time I drive and accelerate.

But what you’re failing to realize is that turbo engines are some of the easiest to add power to compared to N/A. Even just changing octane. Wait until you find out what an intake, downpipe and tune can do…

#buzzkill