Gasoline question

[Larro]

There are two off brand gas stations fairly near my home that offer pure gasoline without ethanol. In both cases it is the highest grade they offer but it's only 89 octane. The majors offer 93 octane but it contains up to 10% ethanol. The price for the ethanol free gas is about the same as the major brand premium. My dilemma lies in choosing which would be the better choice for my Bird which is driven about once a week. The ethanol gas has the short life and water issues and the pure gas has a lower than optimum octane rating. I'd like to hear from someone who actually knows as opposed to someone with an opinion. This forum has some very smart people on it who actually know about these things and I'd love to hear their views. Thanks in advance for your input.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: Gasoline question

In the winter months here in Nevada, it's required by law that a 10% ethanol mix be used to help lower the smog and emissions output. I've run 91 octane with the ethanol blend and never had any issues. I've also mistakenly put in 89 octane on occassion as well. It runs OK, but I think my Thunderbirds tend to run a little smoother with the higher octane.

[tbird6t4]

Re: Gasoline question

Stick to the recommened 91+ octane. These engines are built to run on the higher octane and using a lower rated gasoline could result in early engine failure. These are high compression engines and although you might not notice any issues at first , over time you will.

Ford recommends premium gas for a good reason.

I have never had a problem with gasoline with ethonal either. I have occasionally tried a mid grade of gas and found that my gas milage drops noticably.

[Rondor]

Re: Gasoline question

If I could buy ethanol free gas I would even if I had to add an octane booster

[luvbirdz]

Re: Gasoline question

Have always run premium with ethanol in the TBird and the Deville with the Northstar engine without any problems.
I just replaced the Deville with the DTS (with Northstar) and although it does not say you have to run premium the Manual said it may effect performance and ping.
Anyone have any input from their experience and as I am taking a road trip to the west coast this summer, should premium be used at higher altitudes?

[5bird7]

Re: Gasoline question

since we've always put premium in ours, can't say for sure, but the computer does adjust for the fuel /air mixture even at altitude. Would probably be prudent to use the premium though at altitude just to make it easier for the computer to adjust.

[HKS]

Re: Gasoline question

Higher altitudes do not require higher octane. It is just the oposite. You will see 85 octane in the Rocky Mountain states and you do not see 85 octane in Nebraska. The lowest in Nebraska is 87 octane. In the mountains is where you could get by with 89 octane. But I usually don't stay in the mountains, so I use 91 anyway.

HKS

Have always run premium with ethanol in the TBird and the Deville with the Northstar engine without any problems.
I just replaced the Deville with the DTS (with Northstar) and although it does not say you have to run premium the Manual said it may effect performance and ping.
Anyone have any input from their experience and as I am taking a road trip to the west coast this summer, should premium be used at higher altitudes?