Notices
ScoobyNet General General Subaru Discussion

How many of you have found no difference by using Optimax

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 10:14 AM
  #1  
IN THE STICKS's Avatar
IN THE STICKS
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 0
From: I'm still around in deepest Essex, now with a Fiesta ST-2
Question

As it says, how many of you have found that Optimax made little or no difference (sorry to dig up another Optimax thread)? I tried it a few months ago, reset the ECU and used it for a few weeks but didn't seem to notice any difference .Thinking of giving it another go ,but thought I would see what you lot think .
Standard UK MY99
Thanks
Dave.



[Edited by IN THE STICKS - 6/6/2003 10:15:27 AM]
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 10:21 AM
  #2  
Andy McCord's Avatar
Andy McCord
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 2
From: Preston
Post

I would say that i havent noticed much of a difference between Esso SUL & optimax,(STiV) not totally sure but does the UK99 ecu learn upwards though??
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 10:22 AM
  #3  
RB5320's Avatar
RB5320
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 0
Post

no difference whatsoever in mine. To be honest, I have never noticed any difference on the few occasions that I've had to put some NUL in.

Steve
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 10:24 AM
  #4  
IN THE STICKS's Avatar
IN THE STICKS
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 0
From: I'm still around in deepest Essex, now with a Fiesta ST-2
Smile

I think the MY99 ECU does (but I stand to be corrected ) but I did do the famous ECU reset at the time .
Dave.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 10:34 AM
  #5  
Andy McCord's Avatar
Andy McCord
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 2
From: Preston
Post

Dave, doing an ecu reset will only put your ecu back to the factory settings i.e 95Ron, hence prob why your getting no gain?? but if it is capable off learning upwards, then maybe given time....
you might gain
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 10:39 AM
  #6  
Leslie's Avatar
Leslie
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 39,877
Likes: 0
Post

It shows on the Knocklink Dave, thats why I stick with it.

Les
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 10:39 AM
  #7  
wos 69's Avatar
wos 69
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
Post



I notice difference but have mapped for optimax.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 10:43 AM
  #8  
IN THE STICKS's Avatar
IN THE STICKS
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 0
From: I'm still around in deepest Essex, now with a Fiesta ST-2
Thumbs up

Thanks Andy , so perhaps I'll give it another go and stick with it without a reset and see if it 'learns'
Thanks chaps
But it still seems a few of you notice no change though !

[Edited by IN THE STICKS - 6/6/2003 10:44:25 AM]
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 11:46 AM
  #9  
jongould-work's Avatar
jongould-work
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
Post

i wouldnt of thought the difference would be as noticable on UK cars compared to jap cars, as UK is mapped for 95/98, jap is mapped for 100
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 11:58 AM
  #10  
killemonthecorners's Avatar
killemonthecorners
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Thumbs up

i do notice some difference in fuel economy and it seems to run a little smoother but the latter could just be my imagination.
i run a standard MY97 uk turbo
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 12:03 PM
  #11  
RB5320's Avatar
RB5320
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 0
Post

I should have said that while I cant notice any difference performance-wise I definitely get better mpg running SUL or optimax so presumably the engine is running more efficiently.

Steve
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 12:53 PM
  #12  
Riftzone's Avatar
Riftzone
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
Thumbs down

found sul worse mpg than nul and no performance difference - test done as scientifically as poss - same route, same driving style, enough fuel between the switch for the ecu to learn:-

http://www.riftzone.fsnet.co.uk/scoobown.xls
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 01:01 PM
  #13  
EvoRSX's Avatar
EvoRSX
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
Post

Did you know that Optimax has only been tested by Shell comparing it to normal unleaded and no tests have been carried out comparing it to super unleaded....

Andy
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 01:09 PM
  #14  
IN THE STICKS's Avatar
IN THE STICKS
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 0
From: I'm still around in deepest Essex, now with a Fiesta ST-2
Smile

Interesting reading thanks chaps .
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 01:18 PM
  #15  
Gordo's Avatar
Gordo
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,227
Likes: 0
Post

fek all difference in my P1
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 01:39 PM
  #16  
IN THE STICKS's Avatar
IN THE STICKS
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 0
From: I'm still around in deepest Essex, now with a Fiesta ST-2
Question

How about Optimax against Normal unleaded ?...big difference or not ?
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 01:42 PM
  #17  
ptholt's Avatar
ptholt
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 0
Post

There may be no great benefit noticeable benefit when driving, but for those owners running more boost or modding the extra octane rating does make a difference.

Thats why cars that are mapped to run optimax only and large doses of booster get better results than those not, bob rawle will confirm that running optimax (and booster) will allow him to increase ignition advance far beyond running nul (which he would probably not map for!).

Think of it as a safety measure not necessarily a performance increasing one.

[Edited by ptholt - 6/6/2003 1:43:38 PM]
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 01:49 PM
  #18  
EvoRSX's Avatar
EvoRSX
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
Post

pt,
I have to agree with that but the problem is that that is not how Shell are marketing Optimax though.

Shell appear to be marketing it more along the lines of it will clean up your engine and provide better responsivness from the cleaning effect rather than from the octane rating but most 'performance car enthusiasts' tend to expect the increase in performance to come from the higher octane which may not be the case.

I've asked Shell quite a few questions about this and I am still awaiting a few responses.

Andy
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 02:12 PM
  #19  
ptholt's Avatar
ptholt
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 0
Post

ahhh im with you now, i took the above the wrong way.
admittedly in my own sti5 there was not much noticable difference in the driving seat, the only time any obvious improvement coming from the increased advance it allowed the car to run.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 04:29 PM
  #20  
Wurzel's Avatar
Wurzel
Scooby Senior
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 9,708
Likes: 73
From: Wildberg, Germany/Reading, UK
Cool

I use 100 RON Vpower and have noticed no difference from Optimax 99 RON or SUL 98 RON.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 05:10 PM
  #21  
minister of speed's Avatar
minister of speed
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Question


I "thought" MY02 went better on Optimax in preference to unleaded

but "I know" it goes best on SUL. (deffo feels perkier - can I say that?)

Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 06:58 PM
  #22  
*Sonic*'s Avatar
*Sonic*
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 10,026
Likes: 15
From: R.I.P Piphead, at least you are home now :(
Post

No noticeable difference between SUL & Optimax, I stick to Optimax, as its a lot cheaper round these parts

in my old MY99 Sport, I noticed quite a difference between SUL & NUL tho



Reply
Old Jun 6, 2003 | 07:13 PM
  #23  
dump's Avatar
dump
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Question

Hi All

I got a 94 import, whats the best for me to use. Do i have to reset the ecu just put optimax in 10 mins ago.
Reply
Old Jun 7, 2003 | 09:32 PM
  #24  
DaveBlueRA's Avatar
DaveBlueRA
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
From: Derby
Post

I had to put normal unleaded in once and it didnt like it one bit. Was poppin, bangin and flamin.
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2003 | 01:19 AM
  #25  
Beastie's Avatar
Beastie
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,397
Likes: 17
From: Scotland
Talking

I put Optimax in and max boost decreased by 0.1bar. Car was down on power. Emptied tank (only used one tank of Optimax) and put SUL in and reset ECU and car back to normal and boost pressure restored. Car always run on SUL normally.
This was a MY99 with PPP.
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2003 | 11:25 AM
  #26  
Scooby96's Avatar
Scooby96
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 0
Post

Anyone tried using Optimax or similar with an Ecotek device? Or anyone tried it without any octane boosting?

Whats the price of getting an ECU mapped to 100RON?
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2003 | 12:22 PM
  #27  
sg72's Avatar
sg72
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 975
Likes: 0
From: East Lothian
Post

I don't think anyone would chance mapping a punters car to run on 100 ron in this country.

Too risky.

You may just forget to put that octane booster in.Go for a Razzz.

Pop goes the weasel.
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2003 | 01:28 PM
  #28  
MadMark's Avatar
MadMark
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 17,732
Likes: 0
From: South Bucks
Thumbs up

My 03 WRX is much smoother and has better throttle response with Optimax compared to Normal Unleaded. Not much of a difference with other companies SUL.
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2003 | 01:37 PM
  #29  
nickysplendid's Avatar
nickysplendid
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: CRICKHOWELL
Post

it made a huge differance on my golf vr6. it flies up to the red line in 3rd (110mph)...in fact i've been using optimax ever since.
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2003 | 01:47 PM
  #30  
IN THE STICKS's Avatar
IN THE STICKS
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 0
From: I'm still around in deepest Essex, now with a Fiesta ST-2
Question

nicky Is that compared with normal unleaded or super ?
Reply



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:17 PM.