I just picked up a 2012, 5.0.

Is it true that the car will automatically adjust to whatever grade of fuel is used? And if so, is there any other recommendations/words of wisdom with using different grades and/or switching from one grade to another.

Thanks in advance.

 

Yes, the knock sensors will pick up any detonation and automatically retard timing to adjust for the octane used, it does it nearly instantly upon the first sign of detonation.
You'll make full power on 91+ octane but it's perfectly safe to run 87 octane. I ran 87 for the first 30k miles on mine but have been running 93 octane the last 25k miles as I've noticed that I get about 1.5 mpg better fuel economy on 93...and also a QuikTrip was built near my house, which means great quality fuel at a great price.

 

Awesome, thank you so much for the info. I've been pumping 91 octane; I was going to go a little lower if gas prices took off again, but was concerned about running too lean. Ford really thought about everything on these babies.

Thanks again.

 

I have noticed the same results with my car.

 

+1. to optimize the performances, buy a tuner. you'll notice the differences

 

You wouldn't have an issue with running too lean by running lower octane unless you have a tune that is poorly written, the injectors are going to meter the same amount of fuel regardless of octane. The only thing that could possibly happen from running lower octane is the risk of detonation, which will occur, but the knock sensors will pick up any detonation and nearly instantly cause valve timing to be retarded in order to eliminate it. That's why Ford says it's safe to run 87 octane. However, if you are going to run 87, I'd only buy from a top tier company and/or a station with quality fuel. Mom & Pop stations usually buy the cheapest fuel available meaning that fuel quality will suffer, you could end up with a lower octane fuel than is advertised, which in turn, could end up causing damage.

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the knock sensors caused the PCM to retard the spark timing, not necessarily the cam timing.

 

Correct. Cam timing is derived from rpm and throttle position i think.