Optimax - Opinions Please
Discussion
I have only run the 355 on Optimax so I cannot give any comparisons. I previously ran a Fiat 20V turbo plus that was not happy at full throttle on BP super [or whatever they called it]. Concluded no problems with Optimax so I use it whenver I can find it.
Slight aside but I always find that Elf super sans plomb 98 bought in France goes down a treat but that may be because I am on holiday and usually driving across France!
I am interested why you ask, have you had problems?
James
Slight aside but I always find that Elf super sans plomb 98 bought in France goes down a treat but that may be because I am on holiday and usually driving across France!
I am interested why you ask, have you had problems?
James
Hi James
I am curious as to see whether my Maserati GT would perform better with it - Going to Try to find out tonight !
I basically posted this thread to see what other Ferrari / Maserati / Lambo Drivers etc use and if they felt better response from this fuel.
Personally I use Unleaded from Texaco but steer well clear of Supermarket Fuel Period !
I am curious as to see whether my Maserati GT would perform better with it - Going to Try to find out tonight !
I basically posted this thread to see what other Ferrari / Maserati / Lambo Drivers etc use and if they felt better response from this fuel.
Personally I use Unleaded from Texaco but steer well clear of Supermarket Fuel Period !
I think my use of "quality" petrol dates from the pinking I used to get with the fiat that sounded terrible [painful even though it was not my own car!]. I have always found that filling up with 98 octane in france made the car run [or at least seem to run] very well. Since my mileage in the Ferrari is reasonably low at 5/6k pa I decided to spend a bit more on fuel than have an unhappy engine. Having said that I have never used 95 octane unleaded in the Ferrari. Did the 3200 run ok?
Used Shell Optimax since the day it became available here. Alternatives would be Esso Energy Supreme, 97 RON, Esso's top fuel grade, or BP Ultimate (RON not stated).
But then I'm a sucker for a good advert...
Seriously though, Shell and Esso wouldn't dare promote these 'clean-burn' fuels at 98 and 97 RON unless they could prove the figures. I've never tried BP Ultmate, but it sounds similar.
But then I'm a sucker for a good advert...
Seriously though, Shell and Esso wouldn't dare promote these 'clean-burn' fuels at 98 and 97 RON unless they could prove the figures. I've never tried BP Ultmate, but it sounds similar.
Filled up with Optimax - about 6/7 p more Per Litre.
I Personally felt the car to run more smoothly and at low revs (parking up) the engine was not as "Jittery"
Will be using it from now on.
Cheers for the info Guys.
However :
One thing I did notice is that I have this consistant "Ticking" noise inside the Passenger Side Wing Panel.
It sounds like something is Loose ! Not sure if its the exhaust and the Sound is Travelling but has anyone else experienced this ?
I Personally felt the car to run more smoothly and at low revs (parking up) the engine was not as "Jittery"
Will be using it from now on.
Cheers for the info Guys.
However :
One thing I did notice is that I have this consistant "Ticking" noise inside the Passenger Side Wing Panel.
It sounds like something is Loose ! Not sure if its the exhaust and the Sound is Travelling but has anyone else experienced this ?
I'm not sure that you'd be able to tell after one fuel tank (or part thereof) 
That said, I always use the decent fuel where I can.
On supermarket fuels, if the rating is shown (97RON r above, though RON is far from the be all and end all) I have no major qualms using it. Why?
It comes from the same place as all the other fuel (you think Sainsbury's has it's own refinery?) except it has less or different additives. Which may or may not be a positive thing.
On the upside, Supermarkets usually have very good churn on their forecourts.
Unless it was unavoidable, I wouldn't touch a station that wasn't busy most of the time. Fuel degrades even in the station's tanks, so if the station isn't getting much use, the fuel has more chance of being stale. Which'll be far more harmful than anything the busy supermarkets knock out.
I also find French fuel better. I suppose they make their fuel like their cigarettes! It's also substantially cheaper, which is always nice, though finding stations that are open can be a real challenge, even in populous areas at normal times of the day!
The 355 will run on 95 rated fuel, but I've never done this for long, only for an emergency splash. My 7 hates 95, even small amounts.
That said, I always use the decent fuel where I can.
On supermarket fuels, if the rating is shown (97RON r above, though RON is far from the be all and end all) I have no major qualms using it. Why?
It comes from the same place as all the other fuel (you think Sainsbury's has it's own refinery?) except it has less or different additives. Which may or may not be a positive thing.
On the upside, Supermarkets usually have very good churn on their forecourts.
Unless it was unavoidable, I wouldn't touch a station that wasn't busy most of the time. Fuel degrades even in the station's tanks, so if the station isn't getting much use, the fuel has more chance of being stale. Which'll be far more harmful than anything the busy supermarkets knock out.
I also find French fuel better. I suppose they make their fuel like their cigarettes! It's also substantially cheaper, which is always nice, though finding stations that are open can be a real challenge, even in populous areas at normal times of the day!
The 355 will run on 95 rated fuel, but I've never done this for long, only for an emergency splash. My 7 hates 95, even small amounts.
Guys,
I have a very good friend that works for shell as a fliud analayist. Optimax is above 99 RON. EVO magazine tested the fule on several performance cars and found a increase in BHP and responsiveness. The fuel does work and I have noticed a difference in my 430 maserati and 348 spider. I know some porsche owners that have noticed the difference. Its cheaper then diesel nearly.
I have a very good friend that works for shell as a fliud analayist. Optimax is above 99 RON. EVO magazine tested the fule on several performance cars and found a increase in BHP and responsiveness. The fuel does work and I have noticed a difference in my 430 maserati and 348 spider. I know some porsche owners that have noticed the difference. Its cheaper then diesel nearly.
murph7355 said:My mother used to work for Texaco and the supermarket fuel was then cheaper for a very good reason. All of the additives were left out when the fuel was loaded (it was added at the last stage before being loaded into the tankers).
It comes from the same place as all the other fuel (you think Sainsbury's has it's own refinery?) except it has less or different additives. Which may or may not be a positive thing.
These additives were designed to remove the coke (when was the lastime you heard of an engine needing a "de-coke", compared to it being a regular occurance in the 70's and 80's), but the supermarkets worked out they could undercut the main brands by getting it left out.
No idea if that is still the case, but supermarket fuel used to be very very different to branded stuff.
J
Down the road from me in Hamble (Southampton)is the tanker lorry collection depot from the refinery accross the water in Fawley (refinery used to be owned by ESSO). This holding depot is owned and operated by BP. Let me tell you that all maner of branded tankers arrive and go from this depot, from supermarkets to other well known fuel brands. I cant see the refinery sending over 5 or 6 different mixes of fuel apart from the 2 basic unleadeds that must be present. Along with the major brands there are also some very smart brand new tankers with no markings at all. Something to hide??. From this I deduce that it all comes from the refinery under the water to the holding tanks for all and sundry to collect be it Tesco or Texaco.
Ian
Ian
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