What octane are u running ?

So your argument has changed from it doesn't do anything to it's not worth it? And you have never even driven with 93. Are you just arguing to argue? The truck runs better on higher octane. Maybe you should, I dunno, try it out for yourself

 

So if you drive conservatively, you could probly close the gap. But if you drive slightly on the aggressive side like me, off the line fast and in the fast lane as much as possible, then you're going to get better performance with premium. Probly over-all worse mileage as the 18 MPG reflects. So I won't claim that conservative drivers will experience the same results.

 

I'm a little amazed that I didn't see (I could be wrong) that no one has posted this to establish the definition of what an Octane Rating is and from that point of view, having a discussion, rather than arguments about the differences between 87 vs 91 vs 93 gets you from a price/performance point of view.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

If the 3.5L's are really 11.8:1 compression, then usually a higher octane rated fuel helps with knock/pre-detonation issues. They also give a better burn in the combustion cycle.

However, in reality, put in what you want and have a good time.

 

If you haven't seen it already, part of OVT's post #31407 in the 2016+ tuning thread: "Because of how the ECU works with controlling ignition. When you use 87 octane in this truck, in bone stock configuration, whenever you're at higher loads you will get worse MPG. The reason is due to how Toyota sets up their ignition strategy. It's .."complex" is too simple of a word. And it's all based around efficiency calculations. Anyways the ECU will continually trim for knock and you run pretty crappy advance."

 

As a side note, I paid $1.95 for 87 grade today.

 

I've tried all the different brands, all different grades. Log all the results and track all of the mileages, at the end I realized that I wasted all the time and efforts because it's the numbers are the same. So go with the 87 and save the money for beer.

 

87 IS FINE

 

I use 87 in my 2018 and have tried 89 and 93 without any appreciable improvement in gas mileage. Certainly not enough to justify the extra expense. My old 2007 Tacoma was an 87 user for about 3 years but it started spark knocking especially in the summer months. I had to switch to 93 in the summer and 89 in the winter to prevent the spark knocking. I hope my 2018 doesn't require this when it gets long in the tooth.

 

and peace of mind.

 

Not changing my argument I'm saying that even if you think you're getting better mileage there is absolutely no way you're going to make up the cost difference in any significant way.

I'm not here to argue for the sake of arguing, I'm trying to help save you money and teach you that it doesn't do anything significant...

 

It absolutely does make a significant difference on how my truck runs.

 

His tires pressure might be up to like 40+psi...

 

No.

See: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-octane-are-u-running.580489/page-7#post-19301710

 

Comparing compression ratios of direct injection engines, and wet manifold/port engines isn't reasonable.

These engines run fine on 87. Waste your money if you like.

 

But why care? I will get many many miles from my truck running 87, why pay extra for a very unknown or a kinda maybe potential? I have many miles on many vehicles which never gave me any issues running 87, why would I pay more per gallon of fuel?

 

Knocking = bad for engine

Will our motors take it? Absolutely.

Do I still run 87? Absolutely.

But that doesn't change the fact that I cringe every time I hear the motor ping. Saying that premium fuel has no impact on the engine is plain wrong. And people care because they know that it can run better. Driveability is definitely better; fuel economy... well that depends on a lot of factors and probably doesn't amount to much. You certainly won't make up the cost of premium, but at least some have piece of mind.

 

I only run leaded race fuel and nos

 

I don't follow. Compression is compression, regardless of the fuel delivery type. Now the Atkinson cycle lowering the compression ratio leading up to detonation is another story, but it's still 11.8:1 at the ignition point.

 

87 unless I get a killer discount, then highest grade I can get at the pump.

 

Slow down there Vin Diesel. Soon you'll be double clutching and popping wheelies.