1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Grade of fuel

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by blazin461, Nov 2, 2015.

  1. Nov 2, 2015 at 5:59 PM
    #1
    blazin461

    blazin461 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2015
    Member:
    #2049
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    Vehicle:
    2016 SR5 Magnetic gray metallic
    Stock
    Brand new guy here as of today. The build date on my new 2016 SR5 5.7 was to be yesterday. Am expecting delivery by November 15th. I am getting out of my 04 Ford F250 6.0L diesel. Have not run a gas truck since 2002. My question is what octane or grade of gas do I run in this new 2016 5.7L? Also, are fuel additives or fuel system cleaners necessary in this engine?
     
    4x4_Angel likes this.
  2. Nov 2, 2015 at 6:25 PM
    #2
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Location makes a difference. Where do you live?
    Here in co we can get away with lower octane because of the higher altitude. I run only mid grade which is 87 here.

    Oh and welcome!
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2015
  3. Nov 2, 2015 at 6:29 PM
    #3
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2014
    Member:
    #6
    Messages:
    155,847
    Gender:
    Male
    Welcome!
    I run mid grade (Shell) you should be fine with unleaded....unless you're supercharged :burnrubber:
     
    4x4_Angel likes this.
  4. Nov 2, 2015 at 6:32 PM
    #4
    andrew

    andrew where's the beer?

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2014
    Member:
    #171
    Messages:
    335
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    andrew
    Vehicle:
    2012 rockwarrior
    stock
    I used to run 89 the first 20k miles, but then started using 87. Never had any issues and to be honest couldn't really tell a difference in gas mileage or anything. Some people claim they can, most can't. But as sean mentioned, unless you're supercharged or anything you should be fine on the 87
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2015
  5. Nov 2, 2015 at 6:36 PM
    #5
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Welcome from Aurora, CO. You should use 87. Higher octane or lower octane will not make much of a difference. Your engine is programed to be the most efficient at 87 octane unless you use a Bully Dog tuner to change the factory programming.
     
  6. Nov 2, 2015 at 6:43 PM
    #6
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Lower altitude filling stations have 87/89/93.
    Higher altitude filling stations have 85/87/91.
     
  7. Nov 2, 2015 at 6:44 PM
    #7
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    I would go 89 at lower altitude.
    87 at higher.
     
  8. Nov 2, 2015 at 6:47 PM
    #8
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2014
    Member:
    #6
    Messages:
    155,847
    Gender:
    Male
    Post 3,999.
    Ocd going nuts...make that a 4K post!
     
  9. Nov 2, 2015 at 6:51 PM
    #9
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    If I'm not mistaken, if you buy your tundra in Cali for example, it's programmed for that state's fuel regs/requirements. 2 or 3 octane difference is no difference other on your pocket book. Example : LA beach, surfing = 0ft altitude. Within one hour you can be skiing at Mt Wilson at 5700 ft. 87 or 89??
     
  10. Nov 2, 2015 at 7:10 PM
    #10
    blazin461

    blazin461 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2015
    Member:
    #2049
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    Vehicle:
    2016 SR5 Magnetic gray metallic
    Stock
    I am in Michigan. I did read something about that these engines are designed to run on 87 octane grade.
     
  11. Nov 2, 2015 at 7:16 PM
    #11
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    The thing is...............where is the split from low altitude to high altitude? (Gee I started at 0 ft and now I'm at 2800 ft, should I switch to 87 octane now or wait until I get to 5280 ft? Check with your local Toyota dealer on what octane they recommend for your driving conditions in your state/area. (I bet it will still be 87).
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2015
  12. Nov 2, 2015 at 9:26 PM
    #12
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2015
    Member:
    #960
    Messages:
    1,525
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Hollister, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 DC
    - Bull Bar - LED Bunny Burners - AMP retractable running boards - Headlight leveling retrofit - P3 Brake Controller - 60% rear seat delete - relocation of Sub to rear wall - Bilstein 5100 x4, top setting with 2 shims per side - Coach builder +2 rear shackles w/carrier bearing drop - Firestone Air bags - on-board compressor with auto-leveling - Dual Undercover Swing Boxes. - P285/65/R20 (34.6") BFG TA KO2's - TRD Front skid plate - Pop & Lock Tailgate lock - Remote Tailgate mod - LED Headlights - Nav Bypass - iPhone integration - Serius/XM retrofit - 25% front tint - Bizon electric tonneau cover - Power folding tow mirror upgrade - 2010+ leveling Headlight mod - Auto-fold mirror mod. - one-touch lane changer mod - Flash to open garage opener mod - Rigid H/L fog light upgrade - Pushbutton / Remote start mod.
    Spec calls for 87. Just always buy top tier and you should have no problems. Contrary to what the next guy is about to tell you, buying a higher octane grade than your vehicle is tuned for is a complete waste of money.
     
    tomsinamerica, jlee and Black Wolf like this.
  13. Nov 3, 2015 at 5:45 AM
    #13
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Agreed. I have a friend who lives in Big Bear, CA and is now retired. Before he retired he drove from Big Bear to Riverside to work (ouch). High altitude, 6700ft to 800ft. Lots of time spent on freeways but then again lots of time up in the mountains. 87 is available at both climes for a reason.
     
  14. Nov 3, 2015 at 6:48 AM
    #14
    blazin461

    blazin461 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2015
    Member:
    #2049
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    Vehicle:
    2016 SR5 Magnetic gray metallic
    Stock
    What would you consider top tier?
     
  15. Nov 3, 2015 at 9:01 AM
    #15
    TruckLife900

    TruckLife900 I'd rather B hunting

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2015
    Member:
    #2033
    Messages:
    492
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2013 White SR5
    Black Wolf likes this.
  16. Nov 3, 2015 at 4:40 PM
    #16
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
  17. Nov 4, 2015 at 4:31 AM
    #17
    Airbagged

    Airbagged New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2015
    Member:
    #1947
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2015 Toyota Tundra TRD off road DC
    Camburg UCA Fox 2.5 front Fox 2.0 rear Timbren bump stops 20" wheels Coachbuilders shackles Coachbuilders tie rod ends 46 gallon transfer flow tank Flush bed cover Billet grill LED light bar front Led reverse lights TRD sway bar rear TRD cold air intake Locker down consol safe Towing mirrors Fender flares Magnaflow exhaust TRD shift knob Magnum running boards Paracord wrapped grab handles And more
    I only run REC fuel with no ethonal, I get on average 1-2 miles more per gallon running the rec fuel over running regular fuel with ethonal in it. The octane of the REC fuel I run is typically 90. One of the first mods to my truck was the transfer flow 46 gallon tank so it makes it easier for me to find gas stations that sell REC fuel, I also use a fuel finder app on my phone that tells me stations that sell REC fuel. Running this fuel I don't have to worry about all the issues with ethonal fuels, which in my humble opinion suck!!!
    Ethonal fuels cause all sorts of issues from gumming up to water build up in the fuel tank. Ethonal fuel also has less potential energy per molecule of fuel, so any savings in cost is negated in the long run.
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  18. Nov 4, 2015 at 5:23 AM
    #18
    chphilo

    chphilo Tundra addict

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2014
    Member:
    #774
    Messages:
    2,252
    Gender:
    Male
    Western PA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Toyota Tundra TRD 5.7 4x4 CM
    I've been using 87 since when I got my truck. I've tried higher octane fuel, but I saw absolutely no difference in terms of power or mpg. So I went back to 87. The truck has been running flawless so far.
     
  19. Nov 4, 2015 at 5:33 AM
    #19
    Airbagged

    Airbagged New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2015
    Member:
    #1947
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2015 Toyota Tundra TRD off road DC
    Camburg UCA Fox 2.5 front Fox 2.0 rear Timbren bump stops 20" wheels Coachbuilders shackles Coachbuilders tie rod ends 46 gallon transfer flow tank Flush bed cover Billet grill LED light bar front Led reverse lights TRD sway bar rear TRD cold air intake Locker down consol safe Towing mirrors Fender flares Magnaflow exhaust TRD shift knob Magnum running boards Paracord wrapped grab handles And more
    I think a lot of people want to add gas to a tank, and see some sort of instant reaction, but in reality it's more about long term effects on the engines internal components. Less carbon buildup, less pre detonation, there are a lot of added benefits to running a cleaner higher octane fuel on a regular basis. Just because you don't feel a difference after fueling up, doesn't mean your engine is not benefitting from running a better fuel. The added cost to run better fuel to me is worth it!
     
    Metro14536 likes this.
  20. Nov 4, 2015 at 5:43 AM
    #20
    chphilo

    chphilo Tundra addict

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2014
    Member:
    #774
    Messages:
    2,252
    Gender:
    Male
    Western PA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Toyota Tundra TRD 5.7 4x4 CM
    You may be right. I didn't use 93 for an extended period. But there have been others who used it for a longer period and they come away with the same conclusion, no difference. Toyota's own recommendation is 87 (higher for supercharged Tundra). I tend to stick with Toyota's recommendation unless I see a clear evidence otherwise. There have been some guys who claimed that 0w-20 is not good for Tundra, They recommend 5w-30, 5w-40, etc. Unless I see a clear evidence supporting their claim, I usually stick with oem recommendation (I use 0w-20, Mobil1). I guess I am a conservative in that respect.
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  21. Nov 4, 2015 at 5:51 AM
    #21
    Airbagged

    Airbagged New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2015
    Member:
    #1947
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2015 Toyota Tundra TRD off road DC
    Camburg UCA Fox 2.5 front Fox 2.0 rear Timbren bump stops 20" wheels Coachbuilders shackles Coachbuilders tie rod ends 46 gallon transfer flow tank Flush bed cover Billet grill LED light bar front Led reverse lights TRD sway bar rear TRD cold air intake Locker down consol safe Towing mirrors Fender flares Magnaflow exhaust TRD shift knob Magnum running boards Paracord wrapped grab handles And more
    I've worked on engines for quite a while now, and taken many apart, I've seen the internal difference of running different fuels, which is how I come to my personal conclusion. I'm also just old enough to remember carborators and have rebuilt a crap load of them! Running Fuels containing ethonal in anything with a carb is a big mistake!! Yes I know we don't run carbs in our modern fuel injected engines, but that doesn't mean we don't get similar deposits in our fuel systems.
     
  22. Nov 4, 2015 at 6:04 AM
    #22
    Airbagged

    Airbagged New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2015
    Member:
    #1947
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2015 Toyota Tundra TRD off road DC
    Camburg UCA Fox 2.5 front Fox 2.0 rear Timbren bump stops 20" wheels Coachbuilders shackles Coachbuilders tie rod ends 46 gallon transfer flow tank Flush bed cover Billet grill LED light bar front Led reverse lights TRD sway bar rear TRD cold air intake Locker down consol safe Towing mirrors Fender flares Magnaflow exhaust TRD shift knob Magnum running boards Paracord wrapped grab handles And more
    Fuels that contain Ethonal will develop water in the tank, which is a direct result of ethonal absorbing water once the ethonal is saturated it separates and the heavier water settles to the bottom of your tank, which is directly where your fuel pick up takes in the fuel. There is also a bacteria which develops do to the presence of the ethonal and water combination which causes a sludge like buildup. There are enzymes you can add to the fuel to try and prevent this, but then your just adding to the overall cost of your fuel fill up.

    image.jpg
     
  23. Nov 12, 2017 at 6:30 AM
    #23
    Lxa772

    Lxa772 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2017
    Member:
    #10911
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Vehicle:
    Tundra limited 2017
    hey guys new to the team just purchased a 2017!! Drives perfect! Quick question any suggestions on the fuel to use? I went from luxury car to now a awesome truck! Any suggestion on the fuel ? Does it matter with 85 octane or 91?
     
  24. Nov 12, 2017 at 6:33 AM
    #24
    Prostar 190

    Prostar 190 SSEM #9 I would rather be water skiing

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2017
    Member:
    #9912
    Messages:
    69,374
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    OH
    Vehicle:
    2010 CrewMax limited 4X4
    6" lift 35" Toyo M/T
    I always run 87 octane in mine. Congratulations on the truck and Welcome from Ohio!!:worthless:
     
  25. Nov 12, 2017 at 6:36 AM
    #25
    Lxa772

    Lxa772 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2017
    Member:
    #10911
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Vehicle:
    Tundra limited 2017
    Thank you very much for the quick response and the welcome! Growing up my pops has a Toyota usto go off roading! Finally pulled trigger and joined the club! I really am happy to have it! Thanks 87 octane sounds good!
     
    4x4_Angel likes this.
  26. Nov 12, 2017 at 6:52 AM
    #26
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2014
    Member:
    #6
    Messages:
    155,847
    Gender:
    Male
    No, unless you’re running an aftermarket tune unleaded is fine. I do run mid-grade just because. :)

    Welcome from CO!
     
    Marty McFly likes this.
  27. Nov 12, 2017 at 7:44 AM
    #27
    Marty McFly

    Marty McFly Nobody calls me chicken!! Except when off roading

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2016
    Member:
    #4983
    Messages:
    6,125
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Morty McBoonJug
    McBoonJug = McDonald’s and Moonshine in a Jug
    Vehicle:
    2016 StormTrooper Tundra CrewMax TRD PRO
    Welcome from SoCal sir :hattip:
    I use regular on most days. CA gas is ridiculously expensive plus tundras burn through gas like it was going out of style :annoyed:

    Just a friendly reminder: :worthless:
     
    Y0TA PR0 likes this.
  28. Nov 12, 2017 at 7:52 AM
    #28
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2015
    Member:
    #2160
    Messages:
    25,307
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jose
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Crew Max TRD
    TRD Pro Grille, ESP Storage, Tailgate Inserts, Line-X Bedliner, Weathertech Floorliners, Wet Okole Seat Covers, 5" Shorty Antenna, Mickey Thompson MM-366 Wheels, ToyTec Boss, 35" BFG KO2 to name a few.
    Welcome from CO. 85 is good for me. No issues with truck running on that.
     
  29. Nov 12, 2017 at 7:59 AM
    #29
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3549
    Messages:
    11,577
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Warren
    Santa Cruz
    Vehicle:
    '16 CM limited
    TC long travel. Deaver 420 SU leaf packs.
    Welcome Jake. Whatever the cheapest octane here in Ca. is.
     
  30. Nov 12, 2017 at 8:06 AM
    #30
    040Tundra

    040Tundra Teddy 2013-2019

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Member:
    #5188
    Messages:
    3,809
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Aaron
    Las Vegas, NV
    Vehicle:
    040 '16 CM LTD 4x4
    A little of this and a little of that.
    Jake, welcome to the family from Las Vegas. I have a brother named Jake as well. Good name!
     
    Bob likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top