Fuel-octane?

[RichJ]

Well I filled up my new to me 2002 and after I started pumping I noticed the 91OCT on the fuel door.
Is that really required? How many of you run 91 and what is the compression rating of these engines?

Thanks

Rich

[merlot4]

Try the search, Richard, here's a sample. I just bite the bullet and put in the highest octane. Let us know what you decide.

https://www.thunderbirdnest.com/foru...22octane%22%7D

[ambitio]

I too have a 2002 and always put the highest as well.

[007Cruiser]

I have have always used premium but others here say they have no problem with regular. Last time I filled up I went with the regular as I figured I would give it a try. I was OK until I encountered some hills where the engine began to misfire. Going back to premium next time. The computer is supposed to adjust for the fuel but I was not satisfied plus it’s not really that hilly here. Might be okay in the flatlands of Florida but not around here.

[RichJ]

Thanks for the advice fellas, still nasty and snowing in these parts so I’m letting it sit. When weather breaks will see how it runs and go from there.
it does have 10.5-1 compression ratio, my Honda 919 has 10.8-1 and seems to have no problem with 87 oct.
Again Thanks
Rich

[Gobird]

Nothing but high test for over 20 years.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

With what little I drive I'll stick with 93 octane....

[Quickdraw]

I have a 2002 Bird and also had a 2002 Lincoln LS that I put on about 120,000 miles. I NEVER put more than 87 octane in the LS, although it had the same exact engine as the bird. I never had a problem with mis-firing in the LS but have with the bird even though I mostly use 89 or 91 octane. If the price difference isn't too bad I'll opt for premium. However I only have 31,000 miles on it in 21 years. If I drove it regularly I would just use straight 87 octane.

[02-T-Bird]

I always use the high test.

[65TBSTEVE]

We are on retro #5 and always have used 87 octane and NO performance problems. Ours is a daily driver.

[007Cruiser]

Five? You lucky dog. I see you saved the best for last.

[Jimr]

I burn regular grade fuel in my 2002. The only reason to burn high octane fuel is for engine ping. The newer computer cars will automatically retard the spark to stop the ping. The retarded spark will cause a very slight drop ( less than 5%) in both fuel millage and performance. In my opinion the cost advantage far ought weighs these loses. BTW I also burn reg. grade fuel in my 1964 T-Bird.

[03TEEBIRD]

Always use 93 octane unless I cannot get it then 91 octane.

[EllisonCal]

I have a 2002 Bird and also had a 2002 Lincoln LS that I put on about 120,000 miles. I NEVER put more than 87 octane in the LS, although it had the same exact engine as the bird. I never had a problem with mis-firing in the LS but have with the bird even though I mostly use 89 or 91 octane. If the price difference isn't too bad I'll opt for premium. However I only have 31,000 miles on it in 21 years. If I drove it regularly I would just use straight 87 octane.

I agree Harry, the spread between 87 and 91 is not significant for a car that gets used as little as our Thunderbirds. It took me 11 years to put 90,000 on my '05 and in the last 6 years I've put 25,000 on my '04. We have 3 cars and the Tbird gets the least driving. Without Thunderbirdnest events it would be used even less! I also think there are other additives added which keep the fuel system cleaner in the premium fuel besides the anti-knock additives, but I'm not sure. Maybe there is a person with inside knowledge that knows just what goes into premium grade fuel in addition to the anti-knock additives.

[007Cruiser]

All I can say is that my knock went away when I went back to premium. Maybe you folks live in the flatlands.