Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Can I use a higher gas grade than 87?

Hi, I have been using 87 gas grade and I wanted to know if it is okay to use a higher gas grade in my 1999 Tour LX? The Manual says to use 87 grade because the engine was supposedly built for 87. Also I notice that the gas goes through my car like water and i really dont drive that much any suggestions for this problem

As for grade, sure you can go higher safely, but it's just a waste of money if your car runs smoothly on 87.

If your gas milage has been hurting lately and you have some milage on your car, then I'd replace the o2 sensor. It'll help bring some of the milage back.

Anything higher than 87 is a waste. IIRC The higher octanes are for higher compression engines like the SVT and would probably cause you to have even worse gas milage because they are manufactured for a longer burn. Is this right???

The higher "octane" gas is really for cars that need it, BUT you can use it with no problems (except making your wallet lighter). BUT if you car is 'carboned up' ie: all short trips at low RPM then you may need a higher grade gas to run well.. 89 will do. Best, if you DO drive short distances and few long trips to put a 'carbon cleaner in the tank once every few months... I suggest TECRON. It will clean out the crud buildup in the cylinders and your injectors.
A PS: if you drive fast and hard a lot, premium gas used faithfully WILL improve you performance as the engine management system will give you the best timings with a steady supply if 92+ My 96 V6 LS was definitely faster with a 92+octane diet.
Also 92 at quality brand service stations have cleaners right in the gas.
I used to buy whatever brand was the cheapest and had various problems with the quality of gas. Now I buy from ONE station, Amoco, and have great performance all the time. Gasoline brand matters in Contiques.
Remember the standard gas mileage for V6 is only 22mpg city, and if you use the Air conditioning along with stop and go short trips that will drop to 17mpg or less!!!!

You can use a higher octane gas ... octane is an energy rating of the burning fuel. The higher the rating, the hotter it burns and burns more efficiently. You should get better acceleration. I've burned either 89 or 91-92 grade - no engine problems and I get 3-4 miles per gallon better mileage, on average.

You basically recoup your .10-.15 per gallon in mileage or in a cleaner burning fuel. Additives aside, you are not wasting your money unless the station is cheating you and selling you regular gas in the premium pump.

Besides ... you use about 600-800 gallons of gas a year, that's $60 to $80 more per year at .10 a gallon more.

Try it and see ... if you feel it makes no difference, go back to 87. I figure if gas goes up to $2 or more a gallon ... then I'll switch back if my pocket feels too light. Make sure your tires are inflated properly, if gas mileage is an issue.

I'm not a mechanic, but never heard of any issues of using a higher grade fuel for a car that says 87 octane is good enough.

my95contour

Thanks for the feedback! I was just curious is it okay to use STP fuel injection cleaners?

Just a note certain PCM's programs will take advantage of 89, but nothing higher.
At least while traveling I kept noticing at least 2MPG better on a certain portion of grandson visit trip.
Asked the service manager and he told me about the software's + or - variables. I know that's not the proper term but it does allow 89 to be taken advantage.
My same 89 tank/trip just last month I got (no AIR I-80 around Chicago into Indiana) I got 31.8mpg 98 Mystique LS Duratech. Steady driving (egg under the pedal) 65-85 and plus around Chicago. almost forgot on I-39 had to show wife where the speed limiter and what it did. 108-110 and it was still accelerrating very strongly. Funny thing when the fuel cut-off hti the ATX shifted down to 3rd and tried to climb more????? Wife called it off :rolleyes:

Us old farts still like to crank it up, but got to make this car last forever. Thanks to CEG members sharing of info, water pump, DMD, etc, it sure has helped counteract Ford's bottom line bean counter vehicle design. Of course even the ole Japanese products are being hit by this so called global economy.????

Paul
N8BUU

Paul

I have a '97, 2.5L, ATX with over 147K miles now. From day one, I only used Sunoco and Mobil. I would drive miles out of my way, or on fumes to get these brands of gas. I usually buy 92 octane. I tried 87 octand when I first got the car (new) and it pinged most of the time. 89 would also do it sometimes, but 92 would never.

As for getting 22 MPG, or even worse 17 MPG, I don't have the foggiest how that person could get mileage that crappy. Worse mileage that I ever got was 24.5 with just about all city driving. Best highway mileage has been just over 30, with an average of about 26.5 most of the time.

Probably has underinflated tires, filthy air intake, throttle body and UIM, oil that is 10,000 miles old and seized rear brakes.

I actually ran 89 sometimes and it seemed to be a bit smoother. If you do mostly freeway driving, stay with 87.