Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance Octane for Non SVT

I searched the posts, most of the octane discussion is SVT.
The manual says 87 octane, but I swear that 87, 89 makes it ping. Should I fill with 87 and just wait for the CPU to correct?
Any ideas?

2000 SE MTX Black

You should be able to run 87 octane with no problems. If you need to run a higher octane (or go back down for that matter), for the computer to properly re-learn the spark timing curve, you will have to reset it.

It is possible that your intake manifolds are clogged up with carbon, causing the car to not be able to breathe well, requiring the premium fuel.

If you look at the how-to's in the mods/parts section on the main page you will see directions for an intake system rebuild. It really isn't very hard to do, just time consuming.

Its also a good time to change your PCV valve and spark plugs. Might as well while you're in there... I know my car ran better afterwards...

If you just bought it, check to make sure it's not chipped. I know it'd be very unusual to not know that when you bought it, but you might want to take a peek.

Thanks y'all,
The car only has 40k on it, it's very clean, I will check the intake and do the plugs, etc.

Run 89 on the Duratec.

Me2 on the 89

i run 90 octane on both cars... the zetec likes to knock on lower octane but at 90 it seems to do just fine

87 baby. Especially in the winter.

From what I've read from rather knowledgeable CEGers is that the Non-SVT Duratec likes 87..anything more and you get a nice dirty fuel system.

But I could remember wrong; I've been throwing 87 in.

87 unless it is chipped.