Optimax Query

[pinkney]

I currently use 97RON Super Plus unleaded in the 4.5. However I keep seeing references to 'Optimax' in many posts and how it can improve the running and performance of the car. As I gather from the posts (please correct me if I'm wrong) Optimax is a fuel sold at Shell service stations with an Octane (RON) rating of 98+. As there is no reference to this in the handbook I am wary of using it. Can anyone vouch for 'Optimax' and confirm that it is better for the car than 'ordinary' 97 RON.

P.S. Can't find any local stations that sell 98 RON.

Any other info on Optimax would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Dan

[spaceman]

Pinkney
In the June 2002 issue of EVO magazine they have a positive article on Optimax. This has the 98 octane rating, where as most other super unleaded petrols I have come across are only 97. The fuel filler on my 96 4l HC says 98 octane only. Mine runs just fine on Optimax.

Regards
Space

[pinkney]

No Shell garage in M'bro (closed down last year!), closest one is about 20 mins drive away. What about 'Octane Booster' - Any good?

[ninja_eli]

My car runs on Optimax now and it actually improves the economy, haven't noticed any improvement in performance but the car does idle nicely. I have been through about 8 tanks of petrol so far and after the second refill, which was BP, I now use Optimax religiously

Optimax apparently keeps the engine bits clean.

[dannylt]

You won't get more ultimate power from the fact that is has higher octane unless you remap the engine management. But it could well keep the bits cleaner. Standard 4.5's are mapped for normal unleaded. Early 4.2's only were super. The 4.5 Red Rose is switcheable.

[Silver Cerbie]

I have a 4.2 97 cerbie. And IMHO my car runs better on the optimax. As mentioned in earleir posts it's not like an amazing performance issue, just an overal better run.

[anonymous-user]

There's a shell garage in Darlo that is fitted out with Optimax!

I tried it in my Griff 500 and it sorted out a worrying pinking problem.

[GarryM]

quote:
There's a shell garage in Darlo that is fitted out with Optimax!

I tried it in my Griff 500 and it sorted out a worrying pinking problem.

Me too - not just a coincidence then!

[Darrens]

quote:
No Shell garage in M'bro (closed down last year!), closest one is about 20 mins drive away. What about 'Octane Booster' - Any good?

Are you sure there's no Shell Garage in M'bro, I work on alot of petrol forecourts and I'm sure there's one, I'll have a look through recs and let you know.

P.S I Use Optimax and it runs like a dream, alot smoother low down.

Regards
Darren

[pinkney]

Fatbutt, do you happen to know whereabouts in D'ton? I might look out for it next week at the Crofts track day (might see you there).

Darren, as far as I know in central Middlesbrough there are no Shell stations left (was one listed in YP but this has since closed down). I have been told that there is one in Yarm and one in Guisborough, and although these would be OK for the occasional fill-up, they are both a bit out of the way for regular fill-ups (40min round trips for both). If you can let me know of any in central M'bro that would b great - I'm still asking people in the region, but so far no luck.

Cheers Guys

Dan

[spaceman]

Try the shell website to locate your nearest shell station. Most of them sell Optimax.

Cheers

Space

[anonymous-user]

Its on Woodland road which is not far from the big "Reg Vardies" roundabout.

Take a look at lycos.multimap.com