Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Possible I suppose. However, could prove a bit tricky to do that as the shell lorry fills each pump up separatley

Daz34

No they don't.
They fill up large underground tanks which feeds all the pumps.
Each underground tank contains either UL, SUL or diesel fuel.

bigsinky

98.6 ron hactually, if you believe their guff

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Still difficult to swap fuels around though.

DJNafey

What an interesting thread. Since I bought my MY96 WRX just over a year ago, I've done about 7,000 miles in it. I only ever put Optimax in it but the only place that I can get that is at the motorway service station up the road, where it 90p a litre

Not only is it bloody expensive (I'm averaging 19mpg on every tank) but it was only the other day that I was saying how I reckon my Impreza needs a good tuning session - 260bhp obviously makes it go pretty well but it's always had flat spots that I thought really shouldn't be there.

So, whilst I do understand why Optimax is best for most of us, I'm really pleased to see that some of us here are getting better results on Sainsbury's SUL. If I can save almost a fiver on every tankful and get my car to run better as well, I'll be well chuffed

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

PTMW! runs on Sainsbury's SUL almost exclusively - mainly 'cos I'm a tight git

2nd people's observations re the ECU learning as as soon as Ultimate or Optimax went near the engine, it would run rougher & light up k/link etc. Sainsbury's certainly good enough for a 13.5 with PPP only.

I used to run NUL except on track days & even then it would be Sainsburys

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

As before, you cant judge optimax, just as I cant judge sainsburys, on one tank of fuel. Everytime you start the engine, the ecu trys to adjust ignition, fuel, air flow etc, for maximum efficiency. The scoob will adjust over time( say 10 tankfuls) to whatever fuel you use. I suppose its whether you believe the hype by shell, other scooby owners views or your own wallet that helps you decide what fuel to use innitially.
Benifits will only be evident further down the line.

DarkStar66

Since I got my 01 WRX (UK spec) I've always used non-supermarket SUL. Because there's no Shell garage near me I've only tried it about three times. It didn't make a huge difference, maybe because the ecu needed more time to learn but why can't it figure out that you've got higher octane fuel within 100 miles rather than 1000?? Is it a slow learner? Anyway, after I'd used up the Optimax I filled up with good old Texaco SUL and whooosh, off I go. Much better!

DEEDEE

If Shell is 98.6 ron what does BP, ESSO and Sainsburys come out at, is normal 95 ron

chris's scooby

i think it's 97.

stevey

iTrader: (2)

bp ultimate is only 97 ,sainsburys sul is 97 not sure on the rest but think there about the same

trionic

That is why I'll be sticking with SUL even if it is sold by Sainbury's.

Since its introduction, I've had so many tankfuls of rough Optimax that I just don't trust the stuff anymore. Why should I pay a 10p/litre premium for fuel when more often than not it is no better than regular unleaded?

3/10 times Optimax is great, no det and the car really hauls. 7/10 though I can gear the car detting and it feels unhappy. I swear the frequency of bad Optimax has been increasing.

BTW, these tanks of Optimax are from different stations in my area, all with high turnover.

Using AA's Petrol Busters thing, I found out that my Sainsbury's sells SUL so I filled up there. I get consistent and very good results between fillups.

I'm not necessarily recommending Sainsbury's SUL over another brand, but in my experience it's more predictable and reliable than Optimax. Isn't that what you want if you really care about your engine's longevity?

BTW: all SUL has to be 97RON by law AFAIK. Optimax is 95RON + additives = 98.6RON (if you're lucky).

trionic

And my results are from countless tankfuls during the past 18 months. The journeys I do in the car are mainly long-distance which is great for evaluating a tankful of fuel over varying road conditions and speeds. Generally, one journey empties the tank so refills of a different fuel are "clean".

tweenierob

I have rad some crap on this thread PMSL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone needs to have a good read again me thinks.. how may people have started off slagging off Sainsburys fuel.. and now saying 'maybe it aint so bad'..

Cracks me up!

All these 'addatives' in fuels, do you think they are made to add performance? do you think that the cleaning agents in Optimax are actually good for you engine?

It comes down to what works best in your car and what you are happy to use...

PMSL @ you may be saving X ammount but you will not save when your engine goes bang.. that is the funniest thing i have heard!! what kind of adivice is that!!

You shouldnt drive your cars, just in case you have a crash

Rob

Chip

Well said Rob. Can we leave it at that now until at least next month when someone can start the thread going again as they usually do.

Chip.