Optimax...no better than ordinary supermarket petrol?

MRMike · April 22, 2004, 08:23

m http://homepage.ntlworld.com/johnnya/ma ... tm#optimax m

Interesting reading...

Anonymous · April 22, 2004, 09:54

I don't like the stuff personallly. I don't have any shell garages near me so i've always had to use esso super unleaded. When i came down to MK to tune, i did all this on a tank of this. On the way home i was running low so i thought i'd try the optimax. On the way back i actually had to alter the timing on my e-manage because i could hear pinking.

Not to say it isn't better for NA but if i've got to take timing out = less power then i'll leave it for others.

scottee · April 22, 2004, 14:34

can I just be stupid, but what is pinking? Should i be using super unleaded in my non-turbo or just normal?

Anonymous · April 22, 2004, 14:51

All I know is that my car feels a lot more responsive since I put Optimax in. So much so, that even the WTB commented on it!

I haven't got a clue about the technical side of engines or petrol, but I trust my senses 100%.

Anonymous · April 22, 2004, 15:02

I use optimax wherever possible, mainly due to it being shown to at least clean the fuel deposits from the engine.

In terms of improved performance, I can't honestly say that I have noticed any difference.

It does seem surprising that Shell put out all that advertising about it turning your allegro into a porsche, without being able to back this up properly... s:? :? s:?

MRMike · April 22, 2004, 15:47

Well as I mentioned before i'll never put Optimax in again. Shell won't aknowledge what it puts in to make it 98 ron..the most commonly used additive is Tetra Lythal which will eat a cat. Two mechanics have said not to use it..and this article adds further doubt in my mind. Plus I've been having good results on BP ultimate

Comer · April 22, 2004, 16:11

Hmmm I wouldn't mind knowing what petrol was regularly used by those owners of cars which have experienced pre cat failures. Unfortunately I don't seem to be able to create a poll.

MRMike · April 22, 2004, 16:19

Well i've always used Optimax before my cat failure, every time. Not again. I had an interview with Shell recently..and he laughed when i started waffling about Optimax and the premium pricing it had acheived..he basically admitted there was no difference

Liz · April 22, 2004, 18:34

I have taken mine off of Optimax for a few reasons, running on Shell normal unleaded and can honestly say I think that it runs alot better and seems more responsive. Just my 2p worth.

Anonymous · April 23, 2004, 09:06

The MR2 will never gain power from it, might clean it a little better but I don't even bother with it in my VX. Just no point.

GSB · April 23, 2004, 10:45

Quote from: "MRMike"the most commonly used additive is Tetra Lythal which will eat a cat.

So do screwdrivers. s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

I run my car on whatever comes to hand when the fuel light comes on, with the exception of Supermarket fuel, which I wouldnt put in my lawnmower. I run on either regular or super depending upon which pump is free at the time, and Optimax If I happen to have pulled into a shell station. I used to try and run on Optimax as far as possible, but even in London, theres hardly any shell garages near me. s:roll: :roll: s:roll:

Personally I dont think theres a link between optimax and cat failure.

juansolo · April 23, 2004, 11:01

I run the Westie on it because it's an old engine designed originally to run on 4* and I had the thing set up on it. But I flipped back to regular unleaded a while back and to be honest, couldn't really notice the difference. I used to think it made a noticable difference but I think it was mostly psychological.