Hi everyone! Just got rid of my 98 Ram 1500 4x4 for a 2007 Dakota Quad cab 4x4. Just so happens it has a 4.7 high output V8. Tell me...is it worth it to run prem. fuel in it?? Read that it is recommended but not required.......

 

hey man, welcome to DF! post some pics of your truck for us to see when you get a chance. my 4.7 is the non HO but i think most guys on here do run premium fuel in their HO's as long as their wallet agrees..I dont think running regular does any damage to the engine/fuel system though

 

I remember some of the guys with the HO motor running regular gas saying their truck wasn't running right.
We had them switch to premium fuel and they definitely saw an improvement.

Welcome aboard.

 

you can run regular but then i would install a 180tstat. or just run premium with the stock tstat, or both. I need to run premium b.c of my aggressive tune.

 

Thanks for the replies...Going to run premium in my next tank and see how it runs. I was concerned if the mileage improves or not. As far as I know this motor is stock... 80,000 on it. Runs good, really takes off. (did not realize what I had until after I bought it at Alden GMC-Buick)

 

I have had several vehicles that recommend (not require) high octane (I resist the label "premium", since the only premium aspect of it is the price). I find that I have more success with a lower octane in the colder months and for long-distance non-stop runs, but lose a bit of performance in the hotter weather.

YMMV as they say.

 

Mine runs MUCH better with premium, and it's "not required" only because of all the fancy electronics they put in these things now-a-dayz. From all I've read and learned from trying different fuel's is that when you are running 87 the computer compensates and holds your engine back, which is why it doesn't seem to run right, the truck is protecting itself.

The simplest proof to me was that I cannot squeel my tires running 87, but I easily can when I've got 93 in there. For the record 91 is recommended, but it's hard to find gas stations that sell that mix, for me anyway.

I do actually get worse gas mileage running 93 than 87, but she runs much better so I feel like I am avoiding repair costs, plus she's more fun to drive when everything is performing smoothly, so some mpg loss exist between the pedal and the seat...

Myself, now I'll only run 87 if I'm really having cash problems.

89 seems to be working okay, but I haven't been running it much, luckily I've had some decent cash flow so I've been able to keep buying premium, but I went for mid-grade recently and I may try it more with it being snow season, not like I'll be passing/etc with ice all over the roads.

I guess, you could save a bit of coin and buy half 93 and half 89 when you filled up, so you'd get a rough 91 mix... Do it in that order though, that way when you start your 89 pumping, you get the premium thats still in the pump hose. Many motorcycles run premium as well, and that bit in the line is why I like filling up after them.

Also, the owners manual says to run 91 for the regular 4.7's when towing, so if you ever tow anything I'd FOR SURE run premium.

 

Elite---Thanks for the reply. I have been using 93 (91 not found around here either) and have come to the same conclusion as you. It does run better. Smoother and more responsive = more fun to drive. I did find a Mobil station with a reasonable price. Sooooo, premium it is, with great effort being made to keep the foot out of the floorboards. Except when necessary, of course.

Just had the first warrantee repair done. Dealer replaced the sway bar links and bushings. I had noticed excessive clunking and looseness in the front end during test drive, so I let them know about that right away. All good now... Dan

 

I generally alternate between 89 and 91. Yesterday's 91 fill was $90. Not so much fine to drive when it's parked . . .

 

be prepared to have to replace those parts again. the factory parts are junk. when you get out of warranty, I recommend you replace with quality aftermarket parts (sway bar end links, outer tie rods, ball joints).