For those who've tried Shell Optimax fuel...

[JasonS8]

...what are your opinions/experiences, in terms of performance and fuel consumption?

It's supposed to be >98 ron (at last a proper grade of fuel for the UK!). Was getting quite expensive trotting over to France to fill up! Until Optimax, we had to suffer 97 ron.

[caro]

My experience of Optimax (in a Chimaera 450) is consumption goes down, performance I think improves a bit (but it could be wishful thinking ) and for some reason it starts first time more often!

[go-go]

My experience is non plus ultra. Here Shell calls it V-Power. With turbo-s with detonation sensors it's a superbg thing. Like adding 0,1 bar to the compressors.



Whoooosh

>> Edited by go-go on Friday 8th February 12:35

[hertsbiker]

My turbo likes it.
I get worried by the amount of additional power! - seems like too much for just a change in petrol.

Am I being over cautious?

C

[DIGGA]

Never like to look at fuel consumption (vulgar topic!), but in my Griff 500, there is a definite, positive change with Optimax.

I'm not 100% sure there's more power (though that may be the case), but the engine seems happier & more responsive.

[.mark]

Tried it. Didn't notice anything different, except a lighter wallet.
Only a 4.0 Chimaera though so maybe not enough BHP to notice the increase. Plus mine was/is (finds tree) running like a dream anyway so now I'm back with normal unleaded.
Am I missing something?

[go-go]

Depends on the engine type. Some get's more power. But, seems that there's an additive for valve cleaning.

[dan]

Like DIGGA I've no idea on fuel consumption.. Christ I didn't buy a 5ltr V8 cos I was worried about gas miles, but I do find the car runs a bit smoother.

[apache]

tried it, ecu liked it and the damn thing pinks if I attempt to put anything else in (it's the highest octane in the UK) car is smoother and I get the impression it is more economical

[REV-EREND]

My Griff 500 absolutely loves it.

Now for a few Jeremy Clarkson style supleratives :

It's like the difference between chalk and cheese
or between Motorhead and Celine Dion
Quiche & Vindaloo
etc
etc..

Consumption ... was'nt that a disease in the 18th centuary...

Rev.

[DIGGA]

So it's pretty conclusove as far as Griff 500's go then.

And I'm reliably informed it's just as effective in Tuscan Speed Sixes - when they're not doing an impression of that 1970's Hillman/Chysler rattly engine (anyone else remember the horrible noise they used to make?).

[pdavison]

I use it in my S3 - I actually find I get a marginally better fuel consumption. I'm not sure whether the performance is improved, but the car feels more responsive and also a little smoother.

It's also cheaper than Super Unleaded so it gets my vote !

Cheers

Paul

[jacko500]

My Chimp 500 loves the stuff! It makes it much more eager to rev. Fuel consumption is shit but TVR owners dont compare fuel consumption figures down the pub. That pleasure is left to BMW owners!

[Mikefield]

I've used the optimax in my Honda Fireblade powered race car, and it seems to run smoother and have better mid-range. Now I use 76 oils RM+ (100 octane).

Mike,
PS they sell methanol too if you're brave enough.
www.76racing.co.uk

[adamb]

Cerby 4.5 with unusual mapping.

Optimax has made the car overrun a lot less. I used to get non stop overrun unless throttle was fully open but now only get it on deceleration.

Does seem a little smoother too.

[Tuff Noodell]

I tried it, it tastes bloody awful but the car ran better.
Again, i'm not sure about performance, but definitely smoother and less pinking.

[Fatboy]

My brother notices the difference in his Saxo VTR, says you can definately tell the difference between Optimax and regular unleaded..

Not tried it myself though - don't think it would make much difference to my old carb'd golf

[bennno]

i put a tank full of optimax in my 996 earlier today and it is definately gives a noticeable boost in performance over normal 95octane. Mind you it does say in the handbook to use 98 octane for best performance, but if you use 95 the engine will readjust to suit..

Does this apply to a cerby, as mine said next to the filler cap '98 OCTANE ONLY'??

Bennno

[campbell]

Well I have done over 2000 miles with Optimax in my MR2 and I have notest nothing different in the engine performance, but the car does a rolling road tune and I think this will prove if the stuff has worked or not so when the car is sorted ill let you all know the results.

[reardrive]

quote:
when they're not doing an impression of that 1970's Hillman/Chysler rattly engine (anyone else remember the horrible noise they used to make?).

Yes, I remember that. Sounded particularly horrid when coming from the back of a Matra-Simca Bagheera but somehow seemed to suit the Rancho.