Shell Optimax

[nubbin]

I''ve tried this in the Chimp, for a bit of fun - Blimey! It makes a big difference. The engine runs smoother, power''s definitely up, and the idle speed has dropped by 300 revs! I normally run ordinary unleaded, so that may account for the difference, but the performance is definitely noticeable. Recommended. Edited by nubbin on Wednesday 26th September 10:13

[chimpboy]

Is optimax available in normal unleaded and super unleaded varieties, or is it just super? I might try some after your recommendation, its just that I only pay 79.2p for Esso Super at the moment. I can't believe my luck, its only 0.3p more than unleaded at the same garage. Most other garages sell super for about 84.9 in my area, how much is optimax where you fill up?

[Don]

I've been trying the Optimax stuff. Two tankfuls so far - seems good. The only reason I'm bothering is that its the replacement for Super Unleaded at Shell stations and I pass two regularly. Shell claim its 98.6RON so really it is just what is usually called Super Unleaded. In short - its OK but this is just a marketing exercise, really.

[JonRB]

I filled up with Optimax at the Shell garage just South of Reading (just North of M4 J11) yesterday, and it was 79.9p/L.

[chimpboy]

98.6 RON is good, Super used to be 98 RON but its 97 now. Just like unleaded was 96, now its 95. Even though some pumps still have the 98 RON stickers on them the fuel will most likely be 97. So if optimax is 98.6 RON then thats a step in the right direction. Super in Japan is 100 RON, their standard unleaded is 98. And its probably a lot cheaper, I'm not bitter though Edited by chimpboy on Wednesday 26th September 12:34

[gervaised]

i've put a couple of tankfuls through and have noticed a difference. smoother, especially at low revs, and it seems a bit more responsive. i think that there's a bit more to optimax than just a higher ron.

[JonRB]

I'd agree with that. I've found the same thing.

[McNab]

Sent a message to Porsche GB asking if Optimax was 'Porsche Approved' (!!!) They acknowledged the message and came back a day later to say that Porsche AG felt that Optimax would (a) give cleaner running, (b) optimise power levels, and (c) they were 'unaware of any effects on catalytic converters'. What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander (have I got that right?), so it sounds OK for TVRs and Porsches. I wonder which is the goose though....

[philr]

Ok, time to add my two-peneth. I tanked up with Optimax at the weekend and managed to go through the whole tank. MPG seemed to be more or less what I would normally get with Super-UL, may be at the higher end. Its hard to say with out doing an exact like for like run. I too felt that the engine was a bit more positive in general, especially low down. (It would be interesting to know the technical reason for this) It was even a penny cheaper than the usual Sainsbury's priced Super. I'll definitely be using it again - purely on the grounds of scientific research and an excuse to get out in the TVR again. The only down side is a lack of Shell garages near me. Phil

[DIGGA]

Fed Optimax to my car on Saturday. Can't give a really good 'full throttle' opinion because the weather really was lousy (didn't fancy reversing thro' any hedges), but I'm certain the engine feels smoother, and possibly stronger. 83p/litre, A5\A460 Cannock, Staffs Marcus & Ocean Haze Griff 500

[nigel2]

After reading all this I squeezed in 2/3 of a tank when I saw a Shell station. What a difference. It really works!

[Ozer]

I agree, at 79p a litre on the M32 services in Bristol it cant be beaten. I certainly noticed the difference this weekend when I filled up with regular Texaco SUL. The difference from the previous weekend when I was running Optimax was staggering, not only in terms of performance, the whole car felt smoother and quieter on the Optimax. Edited by Ozer on Monday 1st October 18:15

[mel]

quote:83p/litre, A5\A460 Cannock, Staffs Marcus & Ocean Haze Griff 500

Thats bloody obscene !!!!! I'm paying 76.9/litre and have been chucking in optimax for about a month now can't say I noticed much at first but is does seem a little smoother not massive difference though. I've also been running it in an endurance ZX7RR race bike (rules say "pump fuels" and that does seem sweeter, had it re jetted and dynoed to suit and its a big thumbs up plus 1.5 bhp top end and smoother curve, can't be 100% its the fuel as repacked exhaust at same time. Edited by mel on Monday 1st October 19:11

[tractorboy]

..tried it in the Griff today and noticed the difference straight away, smoother revs which seems to pick up a little quicker..feels like leaded 4 star!!.. ....82p a litre with the sort of obsene profits that Shell make sours the thing slightly though.i.m.o......

[DIGGA]

Am I paying top whack at 83p/l? or has anyone seen it for more? 'Spose that's what you get for driving a performance car in an ex-mining town. It may well be 'grim up North', but it's not too good in the Midlands! Marcus & Ocean Haze Griff 500

[mel]

Well I suppose being in the South East has to have some plus points we might not be able to buy a house for the price of a nice car but the optimax is cheaper !!!! ( first bloody thing I've come across cheaper doon soooth) How does it compare to normal unleaded? We are at 2p / litre more.

[Sparks]

My local shell has : U/L @ 75.9p Optimax 79.9p Thats in Leicester. Sparks

[philr]

I managed to get Optimax at 81.9p /l at Shell in Cobham, but that is cheaper (and better fuel) than from the "discounted" (?) Sainsbury's Super UL at 82.9 /l. Still looking for more Shell garages in this area - any recommendations ?

[holbrooknr]

85.9 p/litre in Cardiff and thats only for normal SUL, havent seen Optimax around here yet.

[thb]

79.9 on the road from Rotherhithe to Greenwich (and the stuff is great!) If you have a look on Shell's website, you can find your nearest garage that sells it