I’ve been reading a lot about Ecoboost engines, especially the 2.3L, and many people recommend using premium fuel even though our engines can run on regular. This got me curious—what are most people actually using for daily driving? If you’re more into the technical side, could you explain why premium might be better for engine longevity? From what I understand, the ECU adjusts boost and timing based on the gas type, so regular vs premium shouldn’t be a big deal. Am I missing something?
I use premium, but only because I have a tune and like the extra power. For most people, it’s not worth it. It doesn’t improve MPG or engine life. It’s basically just burning money—almost literally.
I only use 87. Premium gives a bit more power, but it’s not enough for me to care or pay extra. I prefer filling up at stations that use Top Tier fuel for the detergent additives.
Diamonds said:
I only use 87. Premium gives a bit more power, but it’s not enough for me to care or pay extra. I prefer filling up at stations that use Top Tier fuel for the detergent additives.
Same here. I mostly fill up at Costco, and they use Top Tier fuel.
@Cameron
Top Tier is a brand created by automakers like BMW, GM, Honda, Toyota, and VW. It’s not an independent regulatory agency. They set the standards for fuel companies to follow if they want to use the Top Tier label. It’s a bit of a marketing thing, but all gas in the US meets EPA standards. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s good to know.
I used premium for a while, but recently switched back to 87. I just stopped caring about the extra cost.
Elliott said:
I used premium for a while, but recently switched back to 87. I just stopped caring about the extra cost.
I’ve been using 87 since I got my Bronco a year and a half ago. I’m thinking of trying premium to see if I notice a difference.
@Cameron
I have the FPP tune on my 2.7, so using 87 reduces power, but it doesn’t cause any issues. I switch back and forth depending on how I feel.
Always use the lowest octane that prevents knocking. Unless you’re adjusting timing or driving at high RPMs all the time, 87 is the best choice.
I have the 2.7L. I use 87 most of the time unless I’m towing or off-roading.
I have the 2.3L manual. I use regular for daily driving but switch to premium when I go off-roading.
If my wife fills up, it’s 87. If I fill up, it’s 91. I like using Sport mode, but she doesn’t care. There’s no such thing as ‘premium’ gas—it’s just higher octane. The computer adjusts timing to prevent knocking. High-compression engines need higher octane to avoid pre-ignition. If you’re just cruising, don’t waste money on high octane.
I have a 2.7L with a pro tune. I use premium, but I was already using it before the tune.
I used 87 for the first 2.5 years but just switched to premium because I’m planning to get a tune soon. It’s not a huge difference, but the engine feels a bit smoother. Premium plus Sport mode on a 2.7L 2-door is surprisingly fun—I didn’t realize the Bronco could feel so peppy.
I get better MPG, and the engine feels smoother on premium. I tried 88 once because it was cheaper, but I didn’t like it and won’t use it again.