A few months back, a Ford engineer reportedly told the media that the 2015 Mustang EcoBoost’s 310 horsepower / 320 lb-ft torque, 2.3L 4-cylinder engine loses 13 percent of its power “while retaining its peak torque” when using 87 octane fuel. Until now there has been nothing to confirm or refute these claims.
We now have Ford training materials that indicate the big power loss with 87 octane fuel is real, if slightly less severe than previously rumored. Ford’s materials state that the 4-cylinder engine in the new Mustang generates 275 horsepower on 87 octane fuel — a loss of 35HP or 11.3%.
Peak torque also takes a significant hit on 87 octane, generating 300 lb-ft, a loss of 20 lb-ft or 6.25%.
It should be noted that Ford engineers have indicated the new EcoBoost Mustang can run 87 octane “all day long” but of course enthusiasts wanting to get the most out of their Mustangs should take heed –our EcoBoost owners have reported significant and noticeable improvement in real world performance when using 93 octane.
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