Fuel quality& efficiency:Optimax vs rest

Nishal Patel · 20 Jul 2005

All u porsche drivers out there

Have you guys have any thoughts about using specific fuel for performance and quality?

My brother drives a Skyline GTIR (9th in Greatest Sports cars TV programme) and was advised that Optimax is the best for preformance cars.

Since 911 is the best super car ever!! Should we be looking for the nearest Shell petrol station??

Any thoughts

Migration info. Legacy thread was 31551

Ville Leino · 20 Jul 2005

I prefer it over the alternatives when it's available.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 31552

Carrera · 20 Jul 2005

Depends on what car you drive and how you drive. On my 993, being older design and high-ish performance, I always use Optimax without fail unless I'm about to run out of fuel. For the wife's family run about 5-series, much newer engine design and not going to be driven hard, we use normal Shell or BP unleaded (never supermarket fuel). On our chipped Smart with the hyperformance turbocharged screaming engine that does 0-60 under 5 minutes, we use Optimax so it gives better mpg (so it works out same £/mile) and smoother running.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 31553

Evil Jack · 20 Jul 2005

Optimax when ever I can get it. Super unleaded every other tankfull...

But any unleaded fuel will do if it's an emergency and the fuel warning light is on - which is often!

Migration info. Legacy thread was 31554

Jay T · 20 Jul 2005

I asked this question recently at Northway, and was told that there is no discernible benifit using fancy petrol like Optimax above regular unleaded in the 996.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 31556

Ville Leino · 20 Jul 2005

I'm not sure whether there are any performance gains over what you get from a higher octane rating, but the main reason for me to use Optimax is to keep the engine clean.

I've seen tests about petrols and there is a pretty big difference between poor and high quality petrols in how clean they keep the valves.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 31557

Maxy M · 20 Jul 2005

I use main brand petrols - never supermarket. Preferably Shell or Texaco - allegedly they have decent detergent levels.

Optimax or other superunleaded? I don't have the opportunity to scream around all over the place, so ultimate performance is not an issue. I keep a fuel log and, overall, Optimax etc give no different fuel consumption than cooking unleaded. It just costs more.

Does the ordinary stuff harm you engine? Not with the usage I make of it, I reckon. Trackdays might be a different matter, though.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 31558

Mankster · 20 Jul 2005

I've been using Tesco 99 RON 3 out of 4 tanks for the 2 months (use optimax for the othe tank for the added detergents). My car definately feels better on Tesco Super and its 5p a litre cheaper to boot.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 31559

Robertb · 20 Jul 2005

EVO magazine did a proper test a while ago using a range of cars, inc a BMW M Coupe. The ran the cars for a while on Optimax and did before and after performance tests, economy tests, and even took the head off the engine to check out the cleanliness.

On all levels, the Optimax did the business.

On that basis, I always use it or BP Ultimate whenever I can- lets face it, in the scheme of running costs, you're only talking a couple of extra £ a tank, worth paying if it makes even a small difference.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 31561

Martyn1 · 20 Jul 2005

I use Optimax every fill up. Cant say what its like in comparison to others cause I only ever use it. Costs a whacking 96.5p a litre (I know as I filled up this evening), but my baby's worth it.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 31564

Darren Earl · 20 Jul 2005

I've only ever used Optimax in my previous Boxster & current 993. I'm not sure if there's much in performance but with the Boxster I did feel that the engine was a little more 'urgent'.

I'm up in the North East & when I last filled up (a week ago) it was only 90.9p per litre. Just goes to show how much it varies around the country. I think bog standard Shell unleaded was 86.9p

Migration info. Legacy thread was 31566