What petrol to use
Discussion
Optimax gives NO performance boost for the K series engine used in the Elise range. Engines need to be able to detect the higher octane to adjust. The Elise does not have a knock sensor.
That said, I regularly use Optimax for it's cleaning properties. I have noticed no change in fuel economy or performance so I'm probably just wasting my money.
I wouldn't touch a supermarket fuel - stick to big brand names at average price and you'll be fine.
Enjoy the car, I know you will!
That said, I regularly use Optimax for it's cleaning properties. I have noticed no change in fuel economy or performance so I'm probably just wasting my money.
I wouldn't touch a supermarket fuel - stick to big brand names at average price and you'll be fine.
Enjoy the car, I know you will!
Cheers Bonce, I will be enjoying it plenty this weekend, that's why I needed to know about the petrol!
Having said that, I didn't think that the difference between supermarket fuel and standard fuel was really an issue.
I was concerned about optimax as in my previous car (ford puma) this wasn't recommended as a fuel to use each fill up (maybe only 1 in 5), and wondered about anyone elses thoughts and opinions.
Additionally, the car I'm getting is running P-zeros, so i guess any advice is to be a bit easy going if it's really wet?
Having said that, I didn't think that the difference between supermarket fuel and standard fuel was really an issue.
I was concerned about optimax as in my previous car (ford puma) this wasn't recommended as a fuel to use each fill up (maybe only 1 in 5), and wondered about anyone elses thoughts and opinions.
Additionally, the car I'm getting is running P-zeros, so i guess any advice is to be a bit easy going if it's really wet?
I've not heard anyone recommend not using Optimax on the Elise for any reason other than saving money because it doesn't increase performance.
Please go really carefully if the roads are even damp, let alone wet. If you've never owned a mid engine rear wheel drive car before It'll take a while for you to adjust your driving style to suit the Elise. I recommend Yokohama Advan Neova tyres and driver training as your first upgrades (see the other thread about tyres).
Please go really carefully if the roads are even damp, let alone wet. If you've never owned a mid engine rear wheel drive car before It'll take a while for you to adjust your driving style to suit the Elise. I recommend Yokohama Advan Neova tyres and driver training as your first upgrades (see the other thread about tyres).
I feel like I'm following Bonce around here! 
But have to agree again. If you've never driven a RWD sports car before, take your time to get to know it.
The balance of the car is completely different to a FWD car, especially under acceleration and braking. Also watch your throttle control the Elise is very responsive and can have a nasty kick down on throttle release which if you're not expecting it will catch you out and throw the back end out. Be progressive when accelerating don't just floor it, gradually build up speed, so long as you're not daft you'll feel the limits of the traction going and back off accordingly. You'll be surprise at how much quicker you take corners in the Elise!
I'm not trying to worry you or anything, just get to know the car first, you'll enjoy it more in the long run. You'll enjoy it a lot!
But have to agree again. If you've never driven a RWD sports car before, take your time to get to know it. The balance of the car is completely different to a FWD car, especially under acceleration and braking. Also watch your throttle control the Elise is very responsive and can have a nasty kick down on throttle release which if you're not expecting it will catch you out and throw the back end out. Be progressive when accelerating don't just floor it, gradually build up speed, so long as you're not daft you'll feel the limits of the traction going and back off accordingly. You'll be surprise at how much quicker you take corners in the Elise!
I'm not trying to worry you or anything, just get to know the car first, you'll enjoy it more in the long run. You'll enjoy it a lot!
Cheers all,
I will be taking it easy, and I managed to get the dealer to throw in a training day as part of the deal, soon as tyres need it I'll be changing to Yokos with all the good reports I've read (and they have been designed for the car if I believe everything I read?!).
Fortunately, as I sit here it's sunny outside, so I should get to enjoy the car today at least...
I will be spending quite a while getting used to the car, has to be said, since I've had a few test drives, you can really feel the difference in the way a front wheel drive handles corners, it was really disconcerting the first time I got back in my car!
Again, Thanks everybody
I will be taking it easy, and I managed to get the dealer to throw in a training day as part of the deal, soon as tyres need it I'll be changing to Yokos with all the good reports I've read (and they have been designed for the car if I believe everything I read?!).
Fortunately, as I sit here it's sunny outside, so I should get to enjoy the car today at least...
I will be spending quite a while getting used to the car, has to be said, since I've had a few test drives, you can really feel the difference in the way a front wheel drive handles corners, it was really disconcerting the first time I got back in my car!
Again, Thanks everybody
Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff