Trying out 93 Octane Fuel

I filled up today for the first time with 93. Truck has like 8,600 miles approx. Stock with minor mods in sig. I've been averaging 18.3-19.0 on 87. 93 is .20 cents more per gallon. With today's prices it's 7.5% more expensive. so I'd have to get 7.5% better MPG's to break even. So I'm going to need a 1.39 MPG jump. Somehow I don't see that happening from just running 93... But I'm going to try it.

 

You'll have to run a few tanks through the engine before the computer fully calibrates from the octane change FYI.

 

Really? What about a reset?

 

I would go atleast 3 tanks before really noting the changes.

 

Still take a few tanks before the engine is fully optimized for the octane levels.

 

I see. I just started running 93/91 again.

 

There are going to be too many variables to decide whether the octane was responsible for 1.39mpg difference. Personally, I run what the manual says and focus on a lighter right foot if I want better gas mileage.

 

Does anybody notice any pinging or piston misfires with 87?

 

Nah.

However:

Current-gen V6 taco's had their engine's spec'd with 91 octane, so you get the most out of your engine with 91-93.

As far as gas mileage, changing octane won't make much of a difference for most people. There are four main things that will have a meaningful impact on gas mileage that adults with responsibilities have enough time to do:


- Service your vehicle properly, with the recommended parts/fluids, at or before the recommended mileage/time intervals.

- Check your tire pressure regularly (once a week or so) and make sure you are at proper inflation. Increased inflation will help your gas mileage a bit more BUTT (_|_): never exceed maximum inflation pressure listed on the tire, and be aware the truck will ride stiffer with higher tire pressures.

- Drive with a light foot. Slow acceleration, easing through turns, etc. isn't sexy, but it will save you gas. Lower RPM = less fuel consumed, period.

- Avoid carrying heavy loads (IN MY TRUCK?!?!?!). No, I'm not saying stop hauling. It's just a simple fact of life that more weight requires more energy to move, and more energy eats more fuel. If you don't use something in your truck regularly and it's heavy (i.e. tool box, heavy ass equipment) take it out of the truck for storage rather than tooling around town with it in the bed. If you have a DC, expect lower mileage with a full passenger load than driving by yourself.


There you are. Enjoy your mileage. Even if you don't see an improvement with 93, keep running it to keep your engine happy. She'll thank you 250,000 miles down the line.

 

10:1 compression is pretty dang high. That would be unheard of 10-15yrs ago running a engine like that on 87 in the summer time of FL. Most those older cars I knew had 8.5:1 - 9.5:1. 10:1 + was considered a hotrod ya know. I will read my owner's manual again, and try 3 tanks of 93. Then make my long term decision there.

 

My truck seems to like the 87 best. No problems with it at all. However, if I'm towing I will go with 91 to prevent detonation.

 

Alright, thanks for the info guys.

 

I'll post up my next 3 tanks of 93, just for the sake of trying it. So far my 87 tanks have been... 18.3-19.0 Avg. We shall see what 93 yields.

 

Sounds good.

 

You should notice some improvement in throttle response. Specially in the higher gears if you decide to bury it.

 

I have used 93 octane since day 1 and I am happy but I can't compare the difference to 87 octane. Thank you company gas card!!!

 

Well I have about 30 miles on the 93. I can tell the throttle response is better. It does drive a bit better. And Im the skeptical kind of guy. After 3 tanks we'll let the $/mile tell me what I need to buy. But if I'm towing or screwing around, deff getting 93.

 

Cost per mile would be the most effective way of measuring which is saving you more.

 

which is what I stated above.

 

How much money would you save with 1 mile per gallon better in a year?