I agree 100% B, run what the engine is optimized for. I ran 87 in my Scat one time, there was a noticeable difference on tip in. I run 93 always now, regardless of the extra expense.
I would feel the same way. I take that as if that’s what it calls for to get max performance and operate as it should then it takes premium in my opinion.
Boosted engines are very octane dependent. There's no surprise there. When the Ecoboost Mustang first came out, it was rated at 310 horsepower using Premium fuel. You could burn regular in it. However, the 2.3-liter turbo only produced 270 horsepower using 87 octane. The Hurricane I6 probably loses 50 horsepower or more with 87 octane fuel. With boost, air temperatures increase dramatically. To prevent detonation, it is necessary to either increase the octane or retard timing. The latter results in a significant decrease in power.
I'm gonna let other people be the Guinea Pigs on these straight 6 Dodge engines. I'll see how they're doing after a year or so. I've got a bad feeling about these Engines.
I think, if you run water injection, you may be able to run 87 octane and retain power. Like you said the computer is pulling timing because of knock events. Plus you'll have the benefit of cleaning the valves as well.
To do it the right way, it would need to be direct Port injected, preferably methanol. The cost and complexity would far outweigh simply putting premium gas in the tank. The real crime here though is that the operating system does not allow for the use of E85 with that engine.
