Quote from: J-Will on June 05, 2014, 02:15:25 PM

Quote from: goblues38 on June 05, 2014, 02:08:45 PM
18 gallons of fuel @ .40¢ extra a gallon for premium = $7.20

To me its crazy to let $7.20 stand in the way of extra performance and better gas millage

That's a bit narrow sighted math over the course of 40k miles. So I see the reason behind the question, however I use the highest grade I can too.

With an average of 375 miles per tank over the life of 40,000 miles at a cost of 7.20 extra per tank it would cost you 768.00.

I think that's a price worth paying for increased performace, engine health, and a more enjoyable experience.

Sent using smoke signals.

Quote from: wasinger3000 on June 05, 2014, 02:24:49 PM

Quote from: J-Will on June 05, 2014, 02:15:25 PM

Quote from: goblues38 on June 05, 2014, 02:08:45 PM
18 gallons of fuel @ .40¢ extra a gallon for premium = $7.20

To me its crazy to let $7.20 stand in the way of extra performance and better gas millage

That's a bit narrow sighted math over the course of 40k miles. So I see the reason behind the question, however I use the highest grade I can too.

With an average of 375 miles per tank over the life of 40,000 miles at a cost of 7.20 extra per tank it would cost you 768.00.

I think that's a price worth paying for increased performace, engine health, and a more enjoyable experience.

Sent using smoke signals.

Here's another thought to add about the life of it over 40k.  For me, I averaged 16.9 (lets round to 17) with 87.  with 91 (best we got), It is about 17.5.  So, here's the math, in basic form.  Over the course of 40k, my Flex consumes ~2352.94 gal with 87, and 2285.71 with 91.  That's 67.23 gal less with 91.  A gallon costs about 20 cents more being premium where I'm at.  At 3.65 per gallon average with 2352.94 gallons consumed, that's $8588.23 total.  For 3.85 premium, it runs $8799.98 so running premium means I spent $211 more to run.

With a tune, this would negate as I could get 1mpg better, not 1/2 mpg better.

Quote from: Lanson on June 05, 2014, 05:38:50 PM

Quote from: wasinger3000 on June 05, 2014, 02:24:49 PM

Quote from: J-Will on June 05, 2014, 02:15:25 PM

Quote from: goblues38 on June 05, 2014, 02:08:45 PM
18 gallons of fuel @ .40¢ extra a gallon for premium = $7.20

To me its crazy to let $7.20 stand in the way of extra performance and better gas millage

That's a bit narrow sighted math over the course of 40k miles. So I see the reason behind the question, however I use the highest grade I can too.

With an average of 375 miles per tank over the life of 40,000 miles at a cost of 7.20 extra per tank it would cost you 768.00.

I think that's a price worth paying for increased performace, engine health, and a more enjoyable experience.

Sent using smoke signals.

Here's another thought to add about the life of it over 40k.  For me, I averaged 16.9 (lets round to 17) with 87.  with 91 (best we got), It is about 17.5.  So, here's the math, in basic form.  Over the course of 40k, my Flex consumes ~2352.94 gal with 87, and 2285.71 with 91.  That's 67.23 gal less with 91.  A gallon costs about 20 cents more being premium where I'm at.  At 3.65 per gallon average with 2352.94 gallons consumed, that's $8588.23 total.  For 3.85 premium, it runs $8799.98 so running premium means I spent $211 more to run.

With a tune, this would negate as I could get 1mpg better, not 1/2 mpg better.

Excellent point. We could also add another variable. Adding lucas UCL for me nets a bonus 2 mpg. But I'll spare the long winded math that would require.

Sent using smoke signals.

2MPG?!!?

Dude, Ford would KILL to have that much improvement.  They fight tooth and nail for a .2 increase.

I would make very, very sure that all variables have been accounted for when factoring that the Lucas thing worked like that. 

Quote from: Lanson on June 05, 2014, 06:30:06 PM
2MPG?!!?

Dude, Ford would KILL to have that much improvement.  They fight tooth and nail for a .2 increase.

I would make very, very sure that all variables have been accounted for when factoring that the Lucas thing worked like that.

Oh belive me. I have. Over 6 different vehicles I've tested on 50-100 mile trips.
Some vehicles get worse milage on lucas. Like the 5.4L/4.6Lfamily.

granted it's hard to get two trips the same since weather is always changing it's hard to get serious 100% accurate data. But from my tests, my own non believing eyes see a 2 mpg gain in my 13 sho. (On average) 2 weeks ago I did a 110 mile trip one way and managed 27.6mpg. On the way back I did 26.4mpg. 8 days ago I did the exact same trip without any fuel additive,  in similar weather conditions.
My fuel milage going to was 25.4mpg. On the way back I managed 24.1mpg.

On my f150 eco it is unresponsive to lucas and sees miniscule gains.

Just what I have experienced.


Sent using smoke signals.

Quote from: Lanson on June 05, 2014, 06:30:06 PM
2MPG?!!?

Dude, Ford would KILL to have that much improvement.  They fight tooth and nail for a .2 increase.

I would make very, very sure that all variables have been accounted for when factoring that the Lucas thing worked like that.

Ford knows.

But how does that increase work with a bunch of sheep that they can't even get to do basic maintenance at proper intervals? Its not something they can use for CAFE estimates so it's useless to them.

I also know of a parts hauling company that has 3 ford vans over one million miles, 2 over 500k. They've replaced quite a few trannys but no engines, no overhaul. Wanna know what they put in their oil?

I'm skeptical as hell about any oil additive but this one has me scratching my head...

To respond to the original topic, my 11 says 87 is ok, but recommends 91+ in hot weather "for better performance" and such.

With the heat the eb motors generate and high ambient temps, some detonation is probably likely at lower octanes and high ambient temps.

I ran regular (87) through the winter and have been running 92-93 since April. The eb ran amazing on those cool spring mornings regardless of the octane!

I drive a lot, not as much as you, but I do about 25K annually and have switched between tanks of 87 and 93 octane.  I get much better performance on the 93, and roughly 2MPG better gas mileage cruising between 75 and 80 MPH. 

On 87 octane the car pulls a ridiculous amount of timing when it's hot out.  It wasn't bad back in early March, but now there is a major difference between 87 and 93 right now. 

Personally I'm done with 87 in my car for the summer at least.. I much rather price shop to find decent priced 93 (Costco or the local HEB gas stations are usually least expensive) than sacrifice the performance.  In the hot Texas weather it really is a night and day difference.  The car will be fine on 87 though if you want to save the coin. I go through about 2 tanks a week, and right now there's a 30 to 40 cent difference between gas grades right now.

I would say get a tank of 87 and drive around like you normally do...  get the tank pretty empty then fill up with a good 93 like Shell and then go repeat your normal drive.  The 93 is a lot more responsive and pulls stronger on the top end.

Thanks Skippy and all who have replied.  Was on my first road trip for work with the new ride 600 miles round trip still on the 87 octane and no I don't own the company but have a great couple of owners that are vary generous with me...I do consider it quite the perk and a blessing.  Set the cruise on 73 mph and love that it looks like 2K on the tach...nice!   All highway 25.8 mpg temp in the 70's no wind at all no AC on...very surprised.  For what it's worth premium around me is now $4.19 and 87 octane is $3.79.

Ride home same route 82 temp still light winds but had the AC on...25.4 mpg...I'm happy with those numbers right out of the chute.  I do have an annoying wind turbulence caused rattle coming from my outside mirror or the A pillar otherwise I loved the smooth soft ride and how quiet it is...my music masks the rattle noise.  I know it is suppose to be a fun handling car but it is 300+ lbs. more than the Infiniti I just came out of and that was nibble quick...I love the softer feeling even with the 20's it rides like a nice big sedan.

I have a C6 Corvette M6 Z51 with an Edelbrock SC that makes 600 hp 500/470 rwhp and that see's nothing but premium no ethanol and has 15 degree's of timing in it.  My wrench used HP tuners and I learned a ton about the magic of a performance tune so I can appreciate where many of you are coming from with the PP and a quality tune!  But this will be just a stock SHO for me but with a possibility of buying this one when it gets cycled out and if I do then some performance mods and a tune and a new smile.

I will keep everyone posted as I do my gas comparison study over the next 5000 miles or so.  I haven't driven it like I stole it yet and used the paddle shifters and take it close to redline but it sure was fun stepping out and passing some problem drivers I love the torque and 60-100 is very easy...all smiles so far!

Thanks everyone.