Have a 2016 3.5 EB. Have heard it's better to tow using premium 93 octane fuel. My question is today I filled up with regular 87... looking at premium 93 price and it was $.65 more a gallon over regular .. Assume I fill about about 32 gallons with premium at the higher price it's about $20 more over regular. Wouldn't it be cheaper and the same to fill up with regular and add a bottle of octane booster for $5-9 depending on the brand? Gum out, stp, Lucas are in the range. So when I go on trips towing drop a bottle and good to go?

 

I have had the same thought, however the manual states not to use any octane booster of any kind. I'm not sure why, my 2016 3.5EB likes 93 octane when it's hot out 90 and above when my 2013 didn't care.

 

So you think running higher octane fuel, in a motor designed for low octane fuel is going to help in what way?

Higher octane fuel is for higher compression motors, and or those running additional spark advance.

It will not provide more power, many think it does, but their butt dyno is wrong.

It "might" help with knocking or pinging if for some reason the ECM isn't setting the timing right.

It will cost you $$'s you don't need to spend.

 

Octane boosters really do not boost the octane level. They have an additive that reduces engine ping. Do some research and prove me wrong.

 

So just how do the TT engines produce all that power if not by increasing the compression ratio via the turbochargers.. And why does Ford tell you to use premium in them if towing?

 

Advancing timing does in fact increase power

 

http://http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=do+octane+boosters+really+work&&view=deta il&mid=C471C8B31E41DAE37025C471C8B31E41DAE37025&FO RM=VRDGAR

 

But octane boosters don't increase any amount that is useful if any at all. May very well be detrimental to high power motors.

 

I have a Mazda Speed Miata, factory turbo. I have tried a few of these when I was headed for the track a few times. I can tell you that from my butt dyno, it did NOTHING to improve performance. Then I did a bunch of research, and discovered there is data to prove my impression. The above short video is worth watching.

 

There is a difference in compression ratio, and forced induction.

Compression ratio stays the same whether normally aspirated, or forced induction. The amount the piston travels, and the volume of the combustion chamber stays the same. What changes is the ability to fill the empty space with air.

If Ford recommends using "premium"(just checked the manual, they do) for the EB for towing, it is likely to reduce ping/knock under load and allow more timing advance.

I wasn't aware they recommended it, since they do I would use premium fuel, not a bottled product claiming to boost octane.