Am I understanding correctly that you can't get 87 octane where you live? The reason I ask is because our trucks are really designed for 87 and putting higher octane in them doesn't really take full advantage of the better anti-knock properties, since the compression ratio can't be raised (without a blower, that is).
You MAY feel like the truck is more "lively" using the high-priced stuff, and, it IS possible you might break even or do slightly better economy-wise, but you'd better do the math. If the high priced stuff costs 10% more than regular, do you get 10% or better mileage? And, do you feel you are enjoying driving it 10% more?
If the truck is your daily drive, do you stand on the accelerator when the light turns green? Are you trying to beat the other guy to the next red light?
Sorry if I'm sounding like an old fart here
(of course I am), but your wife sounds like she isn't eager to throw money at the gas pump. I'm not either. I also expect my truck to last well into the 200K range, and I think it will if I don't abuse it.
I have a Level 1, 87 octane economy tune for everyday driving and a Level 2 87 octane towing tune. I've left the Level 3 tune alone and have never used it.
I wanted tunes that would eliminate the throttle lag when I stepped on the gas and that would give me good passing power, even when towing. I also wanted to have these advantages without having to spend a fortune on gas. These seemed like practical goals to me. Bill's two custom tunes gave me that and I couldn't be happier.
If your goals are different, that's cool too. Just identify them and state them clearly to Bill. He'll do the rest.
- Jack