I have a 2018 F150 Ecoboost 2.7L. I have been using 87 Octane since picking it up from the dealer. Is it necessary to go higher octane?

 

Only when towing.

see owner's manual.

 

Yes, pretty much only when towing. If the engine is tuned for regular, then use regular.

Don't let marketing fool you. There's nothing "premium" about high octane gas. It's just different. No better or worse. In fact, the lower the octane the more readily it burns. Higher octane gas that doesn't burn as well is good for high compression when there's a risk of pre-ignition (gas igniting itself before the spark).

 

Yes in most engines but not in F150's the computer will adjust for the different octane and increase performance

 

Not really true to most main stream branded gasoline. If you contact Shell, Chevron, Exxon, and similar, they will all tell you pretty much the same thing...their premium fuel has a higher concentration of cleaning additives then their lower tear fuels.

Does that really matter in the long run for a car designed for 87 octane fuel? No. However the Ecoboost, like most modern direct injected boosted engines, likes all the octane you can give it and will add a little bit of ignition timing when fed premium fuel. Doesn't really matter for a daily driver, but when towing or at high loads, anything to reduce the chances of detonation is a good thing.

 

The engine 'tuning' includes the truck adjusting itself for the octane you give it. It will run on 87, but it will run better on higher octane



Necessary, no.

Best overall vehicle and engine performance? Go higher

 

Does it do what you want when you want to do it. If so stay with the 87. If you think you can gain more from 93 try it for a few tanks. You are the only person here that can say do I need to run x or y. When towing and putting it to heavy use then 93. Other then that you choose the red key or black key.

 

These are high compression engines. Designed , built and tuned for high octane. A knock sensor allows for lower octane to be used, prevented engine damage.

 

Pretty amazing our Ecoboost engine's static compression ratio of 10:1 with 15 lbs of boost at sea level has an effective compression ratio of almost 20:1. And doing it on pump gas. While the EB's can tolerate 87 octane they do shine with premium or with ethanol blended fuels (E30). I really notice the difference between the octane levels when the ambient temps approaches 100 degrees and higher.

 

Sucks where I live. 87 is not available. 86 or 88.