Better MPG with higher octane?

[mmondich]

2021 Ram 1500 5.7HEMI eTorque. Has anyone has run 87 octane and noticed a significant change when switching to a higher octane? I know the manual says no lower than 89 but other than MPG potentially being impacted, I don't have any issues. Would possibly spend the extra $$ if I knew it would yield higher MPG's. Thanks.

 

[GKIII]

The manual states 87 is acceptable. You won't notice a mileage difference but using 89 will help with spark knock under higher loads.

 

[CRAIG4FSU]

I've noticed about 1 MPG improvement.

 

[Oldphart]

I've noticed about 1 MPG improvement.

I run either 91 non-ethenol or 93 corn....Price is about the same down here. I get 19.5-20.0 in mixed driving with the MDS off.

 

[1awesomelaw]

2021 Ram 1500 5.7HEMI eTorque. Has anyone has run 87 octane and noticed a significant change when switching to a higher octane? I know the manual says no lower than 89 but other than MPG potentially being impacted, I don't have any issues. Would possibly spend the extra $$ if I knew it would yield higher MPG's. Thanks.

I wonder the same thing, as I have been driving on 89 Octane and have wondered if the Brand of Gas is a Factor such as Shell Gas vs Mobil Or Exxon.

 

[TittoPollito]

I wonder the same thing, as I have been driving on 89 Octane and have wondered if the Brand of Gas is a Factor such as Shell Gas vs Mobil Or Exxon.

I see better mileage w/ Chevron/Exxon but both are out of my way for regular fill ups so it negates any advantage. When towing my race trailer I notice about 1-2 mpg better using 89 vs 87.

 

[Shots]

I've run both, and done the math on cost v savings.
I don't have eTorque, but I do have the 5.7L. I average about 0.5 - 1 mpg less on 87. However, you have to lose more than 2 mpg before the reduced efficiency costs you more than the increased price of 89.

You'll burn less 89 per gallon, but you'll pay more per gallon for it. Using $0.30 per gallon as the price difference between 87 and 89, you will spend more over a given distance unless 87 causes your fuel economy to drop more than 2 mpg. Which it wasn't even close for mine.
Long story short, I run 87 because I spend less in the long run, even though mpg's are slightly less.

 

[Whoa_Ram]

I've noticed when I pump gas at a local RaceTrac I get about 1mpg better which is odd to me. I've pumped 93 from Costco and Sam's and I don't see too much improvement.

 

[KrustyKush]

2021 1500 4x4 5.7 here, just passing 10k miles. I've been using premium all summer. I feel like it matters most in the hot weather. Plus, most of my use of the truck is to pull a 7k RV. I don't really keep an eye on mileage, but when pulling the trailer, and burning premium, I average right around 10 mpg according to the dash readout.

Once the weather cools off I will probably go back to 87.

 

[Le_Slacker]

87 vs 89
I’ve compared many tanks of each
No change in mpg
I do notice a noise difference with 87 when accelerating or going uphill.

 

[Shots]

...... I feel like it matters most in the hot weather. Plus, most of my use of the truck is to pull a 7k RV. .....

Based on pretty much everything I've read, towing/hauling heavy is where you'll notice the mpg difference. For just driving around it doesn't sound like it makes a huge difference.

 

[Buz]

Another benefit, other than increased MPG, with higher octane is the truck will be slightly quicker. I also notice with higher octane the truck feels smoother under light to medium acceleration.

 

[Shots]

Dodge says that you'll experience "better performance" but I don't feel a difference. Not even a little bit. Not cruising around, not going up hills, and not accelerating into traffic. You must have to drive pretty spiritedly to feel a difference.

 

[1awesomelaw]

Another benefit, other than increased MPG, with higher octane is the truck will be slightly quicker. I also notice with higher octane the truck feels smoother under light to medium acceleration.

so if you had access to a 97 octane you could use that and the ride would be smoother

 

[GKIII]

Another benefit, other than increased MPG, with higher octane is the truck will be slightly quicker. I also notice with higher octane the truck feels smoother under light to medium acceleration.

It feels smoother because it's not pulling timing and/or not experiencing as much spark knock....

 

[JF19Longhorn]

I notice a small difference, but it'll never make up for the $0.70+ more per gallon it costs around here.

 

[Buz]

so if you had access to a 97 octane you could use that and the ride would be smoother

No, the sweet spot is somewhere between 89 + 91 octane which is where the engine will be firing optimally for the way it was designed.

 

[Reverse]

I've noticed when I pump gas at a local RaceTrac I get about 1mpg better which is odd to me. I've pumped 93 from Costco and Sam's and I don't see too much improvement.

I have noticed the same thing. Can't really explain it (my other brand is Shell) other than maybe there's less ethanol in Racetrac's gasoline?

 

[theblet]

I only use 89 when towing heavy. Not much difference, if any, in MPG

 

[1awesomelaw]

No, the sweet spot is somewhere between 89 + 91 octane which is where the engine will be firing optimally for the way it was designed.

so perhaps add a Lucas Oil brand fuel booster every time you fuel up brings it into the sweet spot.