Can I put 87 in my Supra?
In most cases, no — the Supra is designed to run on premium fuel with a higher octane rating. Using 87 octane can reduce performance and may trigger knock protection in some trims. In the United States, this typically means you should plan for 93 AKI (premium), while in Europe and other regions, 95–98 RON is common. Always check your owner’s manual or the fuel cap label for the exact requirement for your model and market.
What octane does the Supra require?
The Toyota GR Supra uses turbocharged engines that expect premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. In the U.S., that generally translates to 93 octane (AKI). In Europe and many other markets, 95–98 octane (RON) is commonly specified. The exact requirement can vary by model year and market, so always verify with the owner’s manual or the fuel cap label for your specific Supra.
What happens if I use 87 octane?
Using 87 octane in a Supra with a turbocharged engine can cause the engine to knock or ping if the timing is advanced for higher-octane fuel. The car’s knock sensors will typically retard timing to prevent damage, which reduces horsepower, throttle response, and sometimes fuel economy. While occasional use in an emergency is unlikely to cause immediate harm, sustained use can lead to degraded performance and potential warranty considerations if the engine is damaged due to using fuel below specification.
Practical guidance for driving with limited fuel options
If you find yourself with only 87 octane available, consider the following to minimize risk and return to the proper fuel as soon as possible:
- Limit prolonged high-load driving (hard accelerations, spirited driving) until you can refuel with premium octane.
- Avoid topping off with very low-octane fuel if you have a choice; fill as soon as you can with the recommended octane.
- Be aware of possible knock symptoms (light pinging, reduced power). If you hear or feel this, stop and refuel with higher octane promptly.
- Do not rely on fuel additives marketed to raise octane as a substitute for the engine’s recommended fuel — follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
After refueling with the proper octane, drive normally; the ECU will adjust timing to the higher-octane fuel, and performance should return. If knocking or performance issues persist after a proper refill, consult a Toyota dealer.
Summary
Simply put, the Supra’s fuel system is tuned for premium octane. Regularly using 87 octane is not recommended and can reduce performance or trigger protective timing adjustments. Check your model’s exact octane requirement in the owner’s manual and fuel filler label, and refuel with the recommended fuel as soon as possible if you’ve accidentally used 87. In an emergency, a short stint on 87 may be workable, but the goal should be to return to the correct octane promptly to preserve performance and reliability.
Bottom line: for best performance, stick to the fuel your Supra is designed to use, and avoid long-term use of 87 octane.
