What octane gas do you use for your Tundra?

so just found out that my Tundra can use flex fuel but on this forum there seems to be more that say dont use it so far i just use 87 but have not ever filled up completely yet and when i do that i was going to try to use flex, if the savings was good.. now i dont know if i want to try. i mean if the vehicle is designed for it i dont see how it would be not good to use.

 

Just because we can doesn’t mean we should. It’s desigend to tolerate it. Your body could handle bacon cheese burgers every day for a while, but it doesn’t make it a good idea!

If you do decide to use it, follow manufacture instructions: when changing octane add it to a 1/4 tank of what you’ve been using

 

Here at elevation; 85 from Costco

 

thanks and of course I would follow manufactures guidelines.. but where i disagree is is why not should i do it or why is it not good? if it was not meant to be used why would the company design the engine for it? i mean they know the tudras dont get the best gas mileage so they designed it to be able to take the flex fuel so that you will saving money on fillups since your burning more gas, this is just my 2 cents.

 

It’s basically the same engine as I understand it. I’m not a mechanic so maybe someone else will come along and give a better or more correct response, but here’s my thoughts:

It’s not cheaper at the moment, but I think it was for a while there. Price per gallon may be cheaper but I believe it runs around 20-30% less efficiently. So unless it’s 20-30% cheaper you’ll actually end up paying more to go the same distance.... and, if I’m right, causing more harm to your engine.

The engine has better seals, and the fuel system is stainless steal. The ethanol would eat through the components of a standard fuel system.

It’s not as good as standard fuel because it doesn’t burn as clean. Gunks up the engine / fuel filters / etc which could cause components to fail more quickly or raise the likely hood of failure.

But as with most things - it’s your truck, do what you want. I’d just do more research before tinkling it through MY engine.

 

Costco or Chevron 91 whenever possible, not sure if it really makes a difference but I feel better afterwards. Until I look at the receipt...

 

This is why I told myself I would fill up at half tank and not empty. LOL

 

87 all day everyday except on our anniversary, then she gets a bottle of the finest chevron with Techron (additive) I can find...

P.S. I own my own gas station so the price doesn’t dictate the octane choice.

 

87 when prices are high and 87 is a pretty low octane. 91 everytime I can afford it. There are a lot of benefits running a 91 octane. I also try only going to Chevron for gas. It has the most detergents. Benefits are going to be less engine wear and engine performance that lasts the life of the vehicle therefore it will last longer. Horsepower also naturally deteriorates from normal use of a vehicle.

 

Sigh.......4 pages of info and people still don't get it.

 

87 and Top Tier Gas only. Usually Exxon. Anything higher is a waste of money.

 

I think I get it. Higher Octane makes for a smoother running engine (less pings/knocks) due to better explosive timing inside the combustion chamber.

And, stay away from ethanol.

Do I get an A+?

 

B+ You forgot that using higher octane than the manufacturer recommends is just wasting your money.

 

unless you have a Supercharger on top of your intake, using 91/93 is a total waste of money. But hey, at least you feel good about it, and that's what really matters here.

 

everybody gotta feel good.

 

I am very fluent with the sarcastic language.

 

Toyota says that it doesn't call for premium 91 octane as long as it is top teir gas you are good to go. But... in older vehicles premium 91 octane can be used to prevent knocking and pinging. At 11 years old I'd consider my Tundra an older vehicle even though it is the newest and nicest vehicle I've ever owned lol.

 

87 octane is what I run, people using 93 are wasting $$$$ IMO. That is if you are stock, supercharged, different ECU tune, yes use the good stuff.

Also 93 octane is stupid expensive in my neck of the woods, usually 60 to 80 cents more a gallon. My old 1992 Lexus SC300 called for premium, it was stock as a rock(2JZ-GE) and did 17-18 in town, maybe 22-23 on the highway. The 2JZ with no turbos is a great motor except it has a drinking problem worse than George Jones and only swills the best single malt. The fuel bill on my Tundra has been less than my Lexus due to the 87 vs 93 price difference.

I usually fill up with 87 at my local shell. Its top tier gas and my Kroger fuel points are good there. Its also the same price as the Thortons across the street and I know that is kind of suspect fuel in terms of the quality/quantity of cleaners/additives they put in it.

 

Enthanol free at kwik fill in NW Pa 90
Octane at selected stations

 

I still don't get guys that complain about the 91/93 being too expensive. I fill up at Costco and the 93 I get there is around the same price that I would get 87 at regular gas stations. At times, it is actually cheaper depending on the gas station location. It is not an excuse.

I actually feel the difference and you can't tell me any different. My butt dyno is pretty calibrated too, as I used to play the horsepower game with turbos and what not.

 

87, 100% gas.

 

That's also another aspect, as we don't see any gas in IL that is 100% gas. If it was 87 100% gas, and not mixed with any crappy ethanol (up to 10% although supposedly they aren't supposed to put any during summer time) maybe it wouldn't be such a drastic difference, but who the hell really knows. I sure don't... And than you have DAP tuning that proves it that it 87 pulls timing hard.

 

That's a bummer! We're definitely lucky down here. There is 100% gas all over the place and at different octanes.

 

+1, and i love the ones that thing it is better fuel

 

Yeah, I dont think it's better, I know it's better on MY truck. Do whatever your butt pleases, but we have the tuner on our side so it is not just placebo.

Btw, the manufacturer has to market this engine as an 87 or else it wouldn't sell. Same engine on Lexuses requires 91 or higher, and I doubt it has even anything on tuning as it could be just timing, but this could be a question for DAP to answer.

 

My employer is a member of the top tier gasoline group. We run the same additive package in the same amount on all octane levels.

 

Butt dynos are always 100% accurate at all throttle positions, rpms and loads.

 

Unless your butt is off and uncalibrated that is... It also helps to be free of fecal matter like some butt dynos might be. Maintenance and a free mind is key....