Which Petrol Do You Prefer For Performance?

***MikeWarner*** · 24-01-2007, 19:21

This poll is for users who buy petrol with performance in mind. Which do you prefer?

DragXE · 24-01-2007, 19:24

Some people rate that Tesco 99 stuff but I use V-Power when I race. Empty the tank first coz between shows It just sits in my garage..

Matt Allcock · 24-01-2007, 19:29

I don't know a thing about 4pot engines, but the 6pot C30SE's ECU doesn't have maps to cater for different fuel octane ratings. The Lotus has a lot more advanced ECU maps and does indeed run a lot better on otimax than standard 95ron. I have found that there's no difference between optimax and standard 95ron on my car.

It all depends on if your ECU has the capabilities of utilising 98/99 octane fuel's benefits.

Rob · 24-01-2007, 19:31

Very limited for choice up here, from that list I have either v-power or BP ultimate. v-power I have to do an 80 mile round trip for though, but is far superior to the BP stuff IMO.

Tesco have just started doing their S U/L but its about as good as a fart in a space suit.

Zoe · 24-01-2007, 20:51

Excellium every time more so when i had the vec gsi v6 loved it.

Nemesis · 24-01-2007, 21:16

Shell V-Power is the only high octane fuel I can get round here, without a trek.

J_KK · 24-01-2007, 22:27

shell normal green pump

my car was mapped for normal 95 octane, running it on optimax/vpower decreases performance. most people dont realise this.

Nemesis · 24-01-2007, 22:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_KK

my car was mapped for normal 95 octane, running it on optimax/vpower decreases performance. most people dont realise this.

Your ECU can't / won't advance the timing on better fuel? What do you drive (I assume you don't mean the 306)

Jack · 24-01-2007, 23:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_KK

my car was mapped for normal 95 octane, running it on optimax/vpower decreases performance. most people dont realise this.

How will running an engine on higher octane fuel than it's designed for decrease performance?

Surely it won't make any difference?

I'm not having a go, before Shavenwookie dives in here accusing me of being a keyboard warrior, I'm genuinely interested.

Allvaux · 24-01-2007, 23:24

I`d never, ever, use one of those mentioned for reasons I can`t say. Tesco`s fuel is supposed to be good but haven`t tried it though remember they don`t have their own refinery so have to buy it from someone else. Someone else like one (or more) of the others on that list.

J_KK · 24-01-2007, 23:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack

How will running an engine on higher octane fuel than it's designed for decrease performance?

Surely it won't make any difference?

I'm not having a go, before Shavenwookie dives in here accusing me of being a keyboard warrior, I'm genuinely interested.

exactly, it makes no difference at all, therefore why pay 5 pence more per litre for optimax.

shell normal wasnt on the list so i voted optimax, as shell normal in my car was much better than any of the bp esso or texaco fuels.

J_KK · 24-01-2007, 23:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chavtastic

Your ECU can't / won't advance the timing on better fuel? What do you drive (I assume you don't mean the 306)

no it wont, i had a 1.4 golf. not a performance car at all yet id still like the most performance out of what i have.

Allvaux · 24-01-2007, 23:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_KK

exactly, it makes no difference at all, therefore why pay 5 pence more per litre for optimax.

shell normal wasnt on the list so i voted optimax, as shell normal in my car was much better than any of the bp esso or texaco fuels.

And Costimax is the same fuel as V Power with a splash of Toluene. Allegedly.

**tathan** · 24-01-2007, 23:44

I don't think there's any allegedly in it lol.

Too much octane (in most cases) will decrease performance.

Certainly for stuff like Tesco99 which is boosted with 'bio' fuel which actually has a lower calorific value than petrol, you will lose rather than gain, unless you take advantage of the reduced tendency to knock (higher CR, more advance).

jamborc · 24-01-2007, 23:51

v power is by far the best fuel

johnhara1 · 25-01-2007, 16:02

I run my XE Corsa on BP Ultimate and BP 95 Unleaded and i havent noticed any difference in power between the 2.

At the minute its got a tank of BP Ultimate and a bottle of Redex to try and squeeze through the emissions test

Dean_W · 25-01-2007, 16:44

I usually use Sainsburys super unleaded. It cheaper than Tescos super where I live.

Jack · 25-01-2007, 17:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnhara1

Redex

Redex only contains the same additives as petrol, only in higher amounts.

Get some white spirit in there.

Kev 180iE · 25-01-2007, 17:54

I use Tesco 99, i know it's not true 99, in that it acheives that rating with additives, but it's not much more expensive that normal stuff. Can't say i've noticed a difference, but i'll keep using it, i like the idea that it's keeping my engine clean inside (even if, at a later date that proves incorrect!).

I would probably use V Power if there was a Shell garage anywhere near home or work, but there isn't.

**tathan** · 25-01-2007, 18:07

none of them are true 99. They're all refined to 95 iirc then boosted either with a toluene style stuff, or bioethanol.

Nemesis · 25-01-2007, 18:41

Is it cost effective to buy/make toluene to add to fuel?

**Benn** · 25-01-2007, 19:04

meh petol is petol...

LongLiveTheNova · 25-01-2007, 19:29

Yup /\ Lol

Steve! · 25-01-2007, 20:01

Don't get me started on this subject!

Allvaux · 25-01-2007, 22:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chavtastic

Is it cost effective to buy/make toluene to add to fuel?

Who knows mate but you`d need to be mad to do so. Toluene is a volatile product with an extremely low rate of staticity and if you`d seen what I`d seen when it goes up you wouldn`t go within ten miles of the stuff. Believe me mate it`s to be kept well clear of and left to the boffins in lab`s to play with.