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

Gas Type

Discussion in 'Performance and Tuning' started by Albinator, Oct 18, 2018.

  1. Oct 18, 2018 at 6:53 AM
    #1
    Albinator

    Albinator [OP] Jehovah-Nissi

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Member:
    #14279
    Messages:
    211
    Gender:
    Male
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2008 Tundra Crew Cab 5.7 4x4
    RC 3.5” M1 Lift 18X9 5-150.00 12 Offset Vision Turbine
    Hey all,

    I live in Utah and have a 2008 Tundra 5.7. I fill up at Costco and it only provides 85 and 91 (the 91 is cheaper than 87 at Chevron, etc.).

    Is the 91 better than the 85 for the truck even in a higher altitude?
     
  2. Oct 18, 2018 at 6:54 AM
    #2
    rustynail11

    rustynail11 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2017
    Member:
    #10935
    Messages:
    453
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Mansfield,TX (DFW Area)
    Vehicle:
    2017 Grey Tundra TRD
    91, stay away from 85. At least at Sea level, not sure if altitude makes a difference.
     
  3. Oct 18, 2018 at 7:32 AM
    #3
    ChrisTRDPro

    ChrisTRDPro New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2017
    Member:
    #9672
    Messages:
    310
    Gender:
    Male
    MT
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TRD Pro CM
    altitude makes a big difference on octane. at higher altitudes the air is thinner, and so you're getting less air into the engine which means you have less chance for knock compared to the same octane at sea level.
    so a given octane acts like a higher octane the higher you go in altitude
     
    Ericsopa and 14burrito like this.
  4. Oct 18, 2018 at 8:45 AM
    #4
    Albinator

    Albinator [OP] Jehovah-Nissi

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Member:
    #14279
    Messages:
    211
    Gender:
    Male
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2008 Tundra Crew Cab 5.7 4x4
    RC 3.5” M1 Lift 18X9 5-150.00 12 Offset Vision Turbine
    Good info. So with that, what do you recommend (Costco 85 or 91) due to the altitude in Utah?
     
  5. Oct 18, 2018 at 9:25 AM
    #5
    Ericsopa

    Ericsopa Old man and the sea

    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2015
    Member:
    #2069
    Messages:
    1,395
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    N of Rio Grande, S of Red, E of Pecos, W of Sabine
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tundra CrewMax TRD Ltd Super Duper White OVtuned
    85 (about the same knock resistance as 87 at sea level)
     
  6. Oct 18, 2018 at 2:28 PM
    #6
    Parrothead_DFW

    Parrothead_DFW Fins Up!

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2018
    Member:
    #16855
    Messages:
    61
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ron
    Grapevine, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2012 Tundra, Texas Edtion
    Eight spoke wheels, cargo netting.
    Metro14536 likes this.
  7. Oct 18, 2018 at 2:31 PM
    #7
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2015
    Member:
    #1829
    Messages:
    9,387
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sean
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    White 2015 Tundra DC SR5 TRD 4x4 5.7L, White 2003 Sequoia 2WD
    TRD Pro suspension, +2 Coachbuilder shackles, 2015 TRD Pro headlights, 20% ceramic tinted windows, clear ceramic tinted front windshield, aFe drop in pro s dry air filter, TRD airflow accelerator, TRD oil fill cap, TRD 18 psi radiator cap, BDX Bullydog tuner, Weathertech floor mats front and rear, rear seat fold down mod, DNA hard trifold tonneau cover, Linex with uv protection, TRD rear swaybar, TRD center caps, TRD Pro grille insert with color matching surround and bulge, TRD PRO headlights, aluminum oil filter canister, Real truck tailgate seal, Pop-n-lock tailgate lock actuator, rear diff breather relocate, RCI front skid plate. 275/70 R18 BFG KO2s
    I recommend using 85 when you’re going to stay at that altitude but using 87 if you’re going to be at sea level. I’m sure 85 would work at sea level. I doubt you’ll find 85 octane when you drive down the hill.
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2018
  8. Jul 11, 2019 at 10:26 AM
    #8
    Albinator

    Albinator [OP] Jehovah-Nissi

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Member:
    #14279
    Messages:
    211
    Gender:
    Male
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2008 Tundra Crew Cab 5.7 4x4
    RC 3.5” M1 Lift 18X9 5-150.00 12 Offset Vision Turbine
    I think my Tundra calls for 87 per the manual, but isn’t 87 the lowest grade at sea level, so the 87 it calls for is the same as the lowest grade in Utah at 85?
     
  9. Mar 7, 2020 at 11:36 AM
    #9
    Albinator

    Albinator [OP] Jehovah-Nissi

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Member:
    #14279
    Messages:
    211
    Gender:
    Male
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2008 Tundra Crew Cab 5.7 4x4
    RC 3.5” M1 Lift 18X9 5-150.00 12 Offset Vision Turbine
    I think my Tundra calls for 87 per the manual, but isn’t 87 the lowest grade at sea level, so the 87 it calls for is thesame as the lowest grade in Utah at 85?
     
  10. Mar 22, 2020 at 9:08 PM
    #10
    Albinator

    Albinator [OP] Jehovah-Nissi

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Member:
    #14279
    Messages:
    211
    Gender:
    Male
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2008 Tundra Crew Cab 5.7 4x4
    RC 3.5” M1 Lift 18X9 5-150.00 12 Offset Vision Turbine
    This is what the manual says. Would what I added with [##] be how the manual would read if written in Utah: higher altitude?:

    “select octane rating 87 [85] (research octane number 91[87]) or higher - use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than 87 [85] may result in engine knocking.”

    If this is all true, then using 85 works for the Tundra?
     
  11. Mar 23, 2020 at 9:32 AM
    #11
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2019
    Member:
    #26430
    Messages:
    3,008
    Gender:
    Male
    Outside of Weird, TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM DC TSS 4.6L
    TRD Pro grille, 2018 LED Headlights, Undercover Flex bed cover, Neoprene seat covers, Bed/tailgate mats, Power tailgate lock, auto headlights, illuminated key switch
    Buy the Chevron...it's got Techron to keep your fuel injectors clean.
     
    HulkSmurf14 likes this.
  12. Mar 25, 2020 at 7:44 PM
    #12
    Albinator

    Albinator [OP] Jehovah-Nissi

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Member:
    #14279
    Messages:
    211
    Gender:
    Male
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2008 Tundra Crew Cab 5.7 4x4
    RC 3.5” M1 Lift 18X9 5-150.00 12 Offset Vision Turbine
    Yeah, for sure; but I get my gas at Costco. That is why I’m asking.
     
  13. Oct 1, 2020 at 9:18 AM
    #13
    beretdra

    beretdra New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2018
    Member:
    #16946
    Messages:
    50
    Gender:
    Male
    I use 87 octane with Chevron. Once a month 91 and delivers better result.
     
  14. Oct 1, 2020 at 9:37 AM
    #14
    sotex

    sotex Sic 'em Bears!

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2020
    Member:
    #50432
    Messages:
    261
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    San Antonio, TX
    Vehicle:
    2020 White Tundra SR5 Double Cab 4x2 SX
    All Top Tier gasses have additives similar to Techron. As long as it's a Top Tier gas, you're good to go.

    Costco and Chevron are both Top Tier brands.

    https://toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/
     
  15. Oct 1, 2020 at 9:53 AM
    #15
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2017
    Member:
    #7181
    Messages:
    6,620
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2002 4.7L RCLB 4X4 2007 5.7L RCSB 4X2
    I have a DAP tune that requires 91/93 octane for best results, but it will run just fine with 85/87.
    A bottle of Techron in the tank every 6 months helps keep everything clean and running smooth.
     
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2020
    Black Wolf likes this.
  16. Oct 1, 2020 at 10:00 AM
    #16
    rock climber

    rock climber New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2019
    Member:
    #37106
    Messages:
    1,601
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2001 Sequoia 4X4, 2000 AC 4X4
    I run 85 Costco gas in Utah and Colorado, no problems
     
  17. Oct 1, 2020 at 3:12 PM
    #17
    HulkSmurf14

    HulkSmurf14 ...Weighted Average...

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2019
    Member:
    #34377
    Messages:
    1,905
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 Tundra Limited
    Tastefully enhanced...
    If you're a non FFV, I suggest hunting down some non-ethanol fuel and you will notice a difference in your MPG within a couple fuel tanks...if you're forced inducted, be SURE to only use 91/93...many times, the highest octanes do not have the ethanol in the fuel so you're good to go...I do not believe Costco has non-ethanol fuel though...I know I'm a different generation but my 4th Gen 4runner with the 4.7 LOVES the non-ethanol fuels!
     
    Rex Kramer and Black Wolf like this.
  18. Oct 1, 2020 at 7:28 PM
    #18
    DVCNick

    DVCNick New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    Member:
    #51711
    Messages:
    194
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 5.7 4x4 Double Cab
    Typically you will want to use the lowest octane that doesn't cause pre-detonation/knocking in your engine. That will deliver the best power with your current tune.
    I probably wouldn't go below what the manual states personally, but chances are if there are any issues the Tundra is new/smart enough to sort them out before damage occurs.

    You should be able to run E0 in the flex motor with no problems? What would the issue be? I doubt you'll see any difference from E10 though.

    93 octane around here at least is E10 unless (rarely) stated otherwise.

    If you are supercharged, get an E85 tune and crush it... that is what E85 is for, after all. :thumbsup:
     
  19. Oct 1, 2020 at 9:21 PM
    #19
    19crewmaxTRD

    19crewmaxTRD Tundra Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2019
    Member:
    #35470
    Messages:
    395
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    Vehicle:
    2019 white tundra crewmax
    I usually run 91 because it tends to have lower ethanol than 87 (non-ffv). I see the biggest difference with gas grades when towing. When towing filled with 87 I average around 8.5-9 towing with 91 I average 10-11. That being said unloaded I only see a slight increase in mileage maybe .25-.5 mpg and I can’t really attribute that to the gas due to not being able to control variables (idle time, city/highway outside temp) like I can with towing.
     
    Albinator[OP] and HulkSmurf14 like this.
  20. Oct 2, 2020 at 7:15 PM
    #20
    Albinator

    Albinator [OP] Jehovah-Nissi

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Member:
    #14279
    Messages:
    211
    Gender:
    Male
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2008 Tundra Crew Cab 5.7 4x4
    RC 3.5” M1 Lift 18X9 5-150.00 12 Offset Vision Turbine
    So 85 (lowest in Utah) at Costco is approved for the Tundra 5.7L?
     
  21. Oct 2, 2020 at 7:21 PM
    #21
    DVCNick

    DVCNick New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    Member:
    #51711
    Messages:
    194
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 5.7 4x4 Double Cab
    Not by the factory if the manual says 87.

    All the regular pump gas around here, all octane levels, is E10 unless stated otherwise. Your ffv or non-ffv will run fine on E10.
     
  22. Oct 2, 2020 at 7:59 PM
    #22
    HulkSmurf14

    HulkSmurf14 ...Weighted Average...

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2019
    Member:
    #34377
    Messages:
    1,905
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 Tundra Limited
    Tastefully enhanced...
    True, all will run fine...but they run better....er...you notice a slight increase in efficiency after a few tanks. Spitting hairs really tho...

    Either use only the lowest octane or the highest...the mid-grade is a waste of money and will not you nothing but less money.
     
  23. Oct 2, 2020 at 8:05 PM
    #23
    DVCNick

    DVCNick New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    Member:
    #51711
    Messages:
    194
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 5.7 4x4 Double Cab
    If the manual says you can use 87, anything higher than that really is a waste of money unless you are re-tuned to take advantage of it.
     
    Cpl_Punishment likes this.
  24. Oct 2, 2020 at 8:08 PM
    #24
    ohreary

    ohreary Party!

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2020
    Member:
    #50759
    Messages:
    131
    Vehicle:
    2020 Platinum
    87. I use the lowest octane recommended for the truck. The compression ratio in the engine isn’t high enough to warrant anything else. Put a supercharger on there and you have to bump up the octane because there is higher compression. Anything higher than 87 is wasting money and bad for the engine because it’s harder to burn off all the fuel.
     
  25. Oct 2, 2020 at 8:11 PM
    #25
    DVCNick

    DVCNick New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    Member:
    #51711
    Messages:
    194
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 5.7 4x4 Double Cab
    Not bad for the engine, just won't do any better than 87
     
  26. Oct 3, 2020 at 6:57 AM
    #26
    Albinator

    Albinator [OP] Jehovah-Nissi

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Member:
    #14279
    Messages:
    211
    Gender:
    Male
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2008 Tundra Crew Cab 5.7 4x4
    RC 3.5” M1 Lift 18X9 5-150.00 12 Offset Vision Turbine
    That’s just the confusing part. Cars are rated at sea level and 87 is the lowest at pumps at sea level, hence, the manual saying 87. Me being in Utah with a higher elevation and the pumps have the lowest at 85. So 85 in Utah is like 87 in California? So I’m good to use 85 with it not causing issues? Costco only has 85 or 91 and nothing else.
     
    HulkSmurf14 likes this.
  27. Oct 3, 2020 at 7:53 AM
    #27
    HulkSmurf14

    HulkSmurf14 ...Weighted Average...

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2019
    Member:
    #34377
    Messages:
    1,905
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 Tundra Limited
    Tastefully enhanced...
    Yes, you will be good with that octane of fuel.
     
    Albinator[OP] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top