Petrol for Tam
Discussion
Petrol seems like a bad thing to try and save money on in a race-engined car...
OPTIMAX! 
KK
When I picked up my Tamora I was told by Michael Caine (of Le Mans fame) to use Optimax.
Wherever possible I will use Optimax, second choice BP Ultimate, third choice super unleaded. However, I wouldn't worry if occaisionally you use normal unleaded because you can't get the others, perhaps put in half a tank and top up with the others when you can get it.
I previously had an Exige and was told because the engine didn't have an anti-knock sensor and was set up to use normal unleaded, using a higher octane would make no difference. I don't know if this applies to the speed six but I followed the above with the Exige to be on the safe side (it did pink on lower octane fuels) and to get more performance albeit probably it was all in the mind.
Enjoy the Tamora tomorrow, I've had mine just over two months now and it is my second TVR. Be prepared for the inevitable TVR teething troubles it is unlikely to be perfection. Running in is an absoloute pain, constantly changing gear either up to drop the revs or down to prevent labouring the engine.
After the first service is when you really start to enjoy the car, the initial niggles should be sorted out, the body should have "settled" on the chassis meaning less creaks and rattles and the engine will begin to feel much looser and the gear change less stiff.
Let us know how you get on and what your first impressions are
Regards - David
When I picked up my Tamora I was told by Michael Caine (of Le Mans fame) to use Optimax.
Wherever possible I will use Optimax, second choice BP Ultimate, third choice super unleaded. However, I wouldn't worry if occaisionally you use normal unleaded because you can't get the others, perhaps put in half a tank and top up with the others when you can get it.
I previously had an Exige and was told because the engine didn't have an anti-knock sensor and was set up to use normal unleaded, using a higher octane would make no difference. I don't know if this applies to the speed six but I followed the above with the Exige to be on the safe side (it did pink on lower octane fuels) and to get more performance albeit probably it was all in the mind.
Enjoy the Tamora tomorrow, I've had mine just over two months now and it is my second TVR. Be prepared for the inevitable TVR teething troubles it is unlikely to be perfection. Running in is an absoloute pain, constantly changing gear either up to drop the revs or down to prevent labouring the engine.
After the first service is when you really start to enjoy the car, the initial niggles should be sorted out, the body should have "settled" on the chassis meaning less creaks and rattles and the engine will begin to feel much looser and the gear change less stiff.
Let us know how you get on and what your first impressions are
Regards - David
My dealer told me they have had a number of problems with Tamoras (and presumably other S6 cars) caused by using cheap unleaded - they advised me to always go for optimax or BP ultimate.
Specifically, I had the ECU chip replaced in mine in an attempt to cure a nasty pinking accelerating past 5,000rpm. This has cured it but only if I use optimax or bp ultimate (actually the latter seems to be a bit better) - otherwise the dreaded pink comes back!
Specifically, I had the ECU chip replaced in mine in an attempt to cure a nasty pinking accelerating past 5,000rpm. This has cured it but only if I use optimax or bp ultimate (actually the latter seems to be a bit better) - otherwise the dreaded pink comes back!
Los Angeles said:
Normal Uk petrol is about 91 octane, whereas most high performance engines need 94 upwards, so it's best and safest to use premium brands.
I think you might be confusing people here LA...
The octane rating is pretty much what it says on the tin. If a Shell petrol station and a Tescos Petrol station are both selling 95 Ron petrol, then thier resistance to pre-ignition (knock) is the same...
Where the two differ is in the quality of the fuel, ie how efficiently it will burn, and the type of additives within the fuel (such as those which help to keep the valve heads clean....).
Can go on a bit more, but I think I'll stop here and wait to be shot down in flames...!!
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