Gas Prices Going Crazy---Running on Regular?

Al J · Dec 16, 2010

What's the problem in running regular---I hear the computer can adjust to it.
What's the drop off in power & fuel economy?

JKidd · Dec 16, 2010

Track you mileage after a couple tanks and compare premium to regular gas prices. Then do the math (ie. cost for gas for traveling 500 miles on regular at $X.xx/gallon vs. premium at $X.xx/gallon). Based on the drop in mileage, it may not be as worth it to drop to regular as you think.

People can give you numbers here but you really need to test it in your car under your driving conditions/habits.

erichmess_ · Dec 16, 2010

I drive a 2010 and have yet to use premium. I'm in stop and go Miami traffic all the time and don't see a need to waste good gas sitting and idling. Plus, the way I drive on the open road, I'm gonna get crappy mileage no matter what I use.

stanmckinney · Dec 16, 2010

I also have a 2010 and use regular. Same comment as above.
Gas prices are up because it's the holidays and the Man is sticking it to us.
Get rid of all of Congress who are owned by oil companies and you might see a real energy policy in this country.

1wildGT · Dec 17, 2010

Al J said:
What's the problem in running regular---I hear the computer can adjust to it.
What's the drop off in power & fuel economy?

87 octane is recommended for a 2010.

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WOAMUS/~MUS~LEN/42/10musog3e.pdf

Coyote5.0 · Dec 17, 2010

Al J said:
What's the problem in running regular---I hear the computer can adjust to it.
What's the drop off in power & fuel economy?

What are the gas blends like in your area? Where I live, it is basically impossible to find ethanol free regular, but easy to find pure premium gas. If the premium has no ethanol and the regular does, the mileage difference vs. the cost per gallon difference will probably be a wash.

There is a slight power drop-off on regular, but I think the new 5.0 is still rated at 402 hp on 87 octane, so its not dramatic. I've never run 87 in mine, because there is a station in my town that sells mid-grade for the same price as regular that I like to use on days when I'm feeling cheap.

My mother has an 05 4.6L 3V, and it pings a little under acceleration and after shifts on 87, but not at all on even half 87 and half 89.

FordCustSrvc · Dec 17, 2010

Al J said:
What's the problem in running regular---I hear the computer can adjust to it.
What's the drop off in power & fuel economy?

Hi Al J,

As per your Owner Manual under the “Maintenance and Specifications” on page 281, It states the following:

Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline with a
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some stations offer fuels posted as
“Regular” with an octane rating
below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. Fuels with octane levels
below 87 are not recommended.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Octane recommendations (4.6L V8 engine)
Your vehicle will run normally on 87 octane regular fuel without
damaging the engine, but premium fuel with an octane rating of 91
(R+M)/2 or higher is recommended for best overall performance.

I hope this helps.

Deysha
Ford Customer Service Division

60sIron · Dec 17, 2010

I have a 2011 5.0. I get about 1.5 MPG worse on, 87 vs 92. Where I live 92 is about $0 .25 per gallon more. That is an extra $3.00 on a 12 gallon fill up. for which I get an extra 18 miles. So it is almost a wash.

1wildGT · Dec 17, 2010

60sIron said:
I have a 2011 5.0. I get about 1.5 MPG worse on, 87 vs 92. Where I live 92 is about $0 .25 per gallon more. That is an extra $3.00 on a 12 gallon fill up. for which I get an extra 18 miles. So it is almost a wash.

You give up HP/TQ you paid for by running on non-premium fuel in the 2011 GTs.

Regular Fuel: 402 @ 6.500, Premium Fuel: 412 @ 6,500
Regular Fuel: 377@4250, Premium Fuel: 390 @ 4,250

Nidan · Jan 27, 2011

I split the difference and run mid grade 89 and then top it off with 93 at half tank .

For the amount I drive (<10K/yr) it's only about $100 /yr difference .. not significant.

If I want good mileage /performance .. I take my FJR 1300 (Sport touring Bike) it's a bit quicker and gets 40+mpg

Tanjima · Jan 27, 2011

I have been running Regular in my 2011 GT from day 1, right now I'm averaging 23.4 mpg with a mix of steady city (very little stop and go around 40mph) and highway use, on the highway I do use the performance, I have not had any issues or concerns with the fact it only puts out 402hp with Regular.
In April I plan on running a couple of tankfuls of Premium to see if there is any improvement in performance especially in acceleration through the gears and to see if I get better mileage, I'll do the cost vs gain study at that time.

SpartaPerformance · Jan 27, 2011

Really? Do you think the 20 cent difference between regular and premium is going to send you to the poor house? If that's the case buy a Focus.

dhcolesj · Jan 27, 2011

Nidan said:
If I want good mileage /performance .. I take my FJR 1300 (Sport touring Bike) it's a bit quicker and gets 40+mpg

I hear ya'. I usually only drop to mid-grade on the last fill up or so of the month due to having more month than gas money in my budget. (trying to save up for the other half of the deal with the wife that allowed me to get the 'Stang)

But, if the weather is clear and above 32 degrees in the morning, I'll be riding my Bandit. Checked at 44 MPG with moderately aggressive riding.

Gas Prices Going Crazy---Running on Regular?

Al J

Member

JKidd

Member

erichmess_

Member 4 Life

stanmckinney

1wildGT

Coyote5.0

FordCustSrvc

Active Member

60sIron

New Member

1wildGT

Nidan

New Member

Tanjima

Member

SpartaPerformance

dhcolesj

Member

Similar threads

Gas Prices Going Crazy---Running on Regular?

Member

Member

Member 4 Life

Active Member

New Member

New Member

Member

Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency