What fuel do you use.

[SwampySi]

I was just reading a thread in the SpeedSix forum about pinking and how low RON fuel can damage engines. It's not something I ever thought of, and as a general rule I tend to put standard unleaded in the T350.

I was just wondering how many people use high RON fuel and how many are just using Standard fuel?

[2slo]

Depends what you put it in. In my experience there was a noticeable difference in performance when running my old Impreza on 98 or 99 ron u/l. It didn't like the 95 and performance was affected. The same, to a lesser extent, on the Merc 320 I have now which runs ok on 95 but pulls much better on 98 or 99. Usually need to run a few gallons through to notice a difference either way I've found. Never noticed a difference on std or high spec derv with either of the 170cr VAG engined cars I've run although some people suggest there is an improvement in performance and mpg. I'd imagine the more highly tuned engines will show the biggest improvement.

[Hedgetrimmer]

Optimax only to avoid pinking and to ensure the engine is run on quality fuel. You should get a marginal improvement in fuel economy.

[bobfather]

Hedgetrimmer said:

Optimax only to avoid pinking and to ensure the engine is run on quality fuel. You should get a marginal improvement in fuel economy.

Agreed, Optimax (V Power) is the preferred premium fuel option for TVR's due to the additives. Many people quote performance enhancement but that's not the case in my experience, performance is virtually unchanged, it's MPG that improves.

[killsta]

Tesco99 in the 350Z. Only because the manual says I'll lose ~20bhp if I use 95!

[FreeLitres]

I'd be sticking 99Ron in your speed 6 to be honest Si.

Does it seem to run ok on the cheap stuff?

[peteA]

i use shell v power in the griff as its set up to run 98 octane...can run on 97 but it struggles on normal 95. Some (most?) modern cars have 'knock' sensors and can automatically adjust to different fuels but it takes a few miles...hundreds, not just 20 or 30. The impreza is a good example as i remember reading that you could get about an extra 20 or so bhp just by using higher octane fuel on a regular basis.

[SwampySi]

FreeLitres said:

I'd be sticking 99Ron in your speed 6 to be honest Si.

Does it seem to run ok on the cheap stuff?

It's been running fine on the cheap stuff, however after speaking to Tony at HHC I think I'll be keeping away from Tesco from now and using the good stuff.

[bomb]

My T350T was only ever fed on the very best stuff.

The Griff gets a mixture, and seems to run OK on that.

[Nth]

I always use V-Power/Momentum/Ultimate where possible. Not entirely sure why but it just feels right!

I've read that Ford themselves claim a standard ST can get easily over book power figures running on higher octane fuels, and I've also read that it makes the exhaust pop & bang more

I hardly drive it so I don't mind paying the extra few quid at the pumps to put the decent stuff in. Though I did see a 105 (I think) octane pump at a BP Garage down in London the other week, but couldn't really justify that.


I used V-Power diesel in my old Leon and never noticed anything really, other than it returned 1 or 2 mpg more when cruising long distances at higher speeds. I ran a couple of tanks through it now and then with some redex though I didn't see any benefits tbh, more a psychological thing.

[ttcool]

I always us Shell V-power. It's the best for a remaped engine and a heavy right foot! in my opinion. I also always add Miller's Octane Plus (now renamed Petrol Power ECO MAX) for another 2 octane numbers. I've used the Millers option for thousands of miles. The few who have driven my TT have said it feels very lively and willing. Crisp as a fresh packet of Walkers ready salted, I always say LOL.

Quote from the container:
Increases power and mpg
Reduces emissions
Cleans injectors
adds up to 2 octane nos.

Hope that helps

Joe

[shoggoth1]

V-power or some other form of super if there are no Shell garages around.
I've had pinking, especially in hot weather, with 95 RON fuel.

[55AMG]

Higher octane fuels do give a benefit over 95, but only in performance engines. Depending or your car you may not feel the increase in power but, you will hear it in a deeper exhaust note. Higher octane fuels burn at a quicker, more predictable rate so the explosion in the cylinders happens over a shorter time period and therefore results in a bigger bang. We're talking milliseconds but convert that into RPM and it means more oomph. As I say, unless its a performance car you wouldn't notice. I've had varying experiences from a porsche that had a 10% improvement to a golf vr6 that just felt more tourqey. My current car (CLK55AMG) feels quicker and the exhaust booms more but it is difficult to say by how much as it is quick to start with.
Taking into consideration the current price of fuel, it hardly makes a difference what you use now. As the price increases higher octane fuels become relatively cheaper. Horses for courses....

[WorAl]

Only ever use Shell fuels and sometimes BP if it is unavoidable (highlands of Scotland for example).

Ran my speed 6 on bog standard Shell fuel. It says in the manual to use high octane stuff if you're abusing the engine driving hard for prolonged periods. Now currently running my Impreza on standard Shell stuff without any problems at all. Every 10 or so fill ups, I'll fill them with V-max just to flush it through.

I heard from a little birdy at Shell that their standard fuel is 97 RON BTW and V-Max is 99+. Not sure how true that is but performance/fuel economy in my past 5 cars (2 modified Imprezas, TVR Cerb S6, Civic Type R and Audi 1.8T) hasn't been effected by it.