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Super Unleaded
Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 7:57 pm
by d_harris
What difference would it make to run the minor on super rather than standard unleaded?
Not that I managed to pick the wrong pump up earlier.......
Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 8:04 pm
by PSL184
I'm told that the relatively low compression Minor engine would not benefit from Super Unleaded although it would be interesting to note if you think yours has more oooomph now

Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 8:16 pm
by Leo
I run my 1098 Traveller on Super Unleaded and to me it runs smoother, not so sure about more power
Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 9:29 pm
by bmcecosse
No advantage unless you have boosted the comp ratio - then it could be worthwhile - provided the ignition timing profile is adjusted to suit! Some report better MPG - which can to some extent off-set the increased cost per litre. But I have yet to see back to back test that shows this.
Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 9:50 pm
by moggie-tom
I heard that about every third or fourth fill up it helps the engine if you use super. Not sure how or why though...
Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 10:07 pm
by Mogwai
Mine runs better on super unleaded with standard fuel its a bit unstable & runs on. Tesco 99octane seems to work best for me
Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 10:21 pm
by d_harris
Funny should should say that, it was tesco stuf....
Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 10:57 pm
by mike.perry
My wallet runs better on standard unleaded!!!!!!!
Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 5:04 am
by bmcecosse
That's the point - i have seen some claims of better MPG (even some from the manufacturers) with the Super stuff - out weighing the extra cost.
Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 11:46 am
by dalebrignall
i just think the cars run more evenley,does not improve performance,5th gear did a test recently,and unless you drive a ferrarie you get no gain at all just give mr brown more tax so the mps can do some more claiming.
Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 1:01 pm
by Peetee
That's the point - i have seen some claims of better MPG (even some from the manufacturers) with the Super stuff - out weighing the extra cost.
Me too and I'm tempted to try some. But proving this in the real world would be very difficult. When you have more power at your disposal it's very difficult to ignore it and drive the way you did without it and thereby make an accurate comparison.
Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 2:35 pm
by mike.perry
Series MM engines were designed to run on 80 octane pool petrol. Anything over 85 octane is a treat. I used to run it on 2 star when it was available, then eventually used 4 star LRP which did not make much difference to the performance but seemed to burn out fewer valves.
The workshop manual gives timing figures for the 948 engine H/C using 83 octane petrol!
Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 6:29 pm
by MarkyB
The best way to test would be with a "blind test" where you didn't know what sort of fuel was in the tank.
That would sort out dearer = must be better argument.
Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 6:34 pm
by paulk
I used to get 5mpg better on Super than normal unleaded (sainsburys).
More than made up for the 2p a litre difference
Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 6:46 pm
by RogerRust
I do a lot of miles day to day in my Volvo so use about a tank full a week, about 600 miles.
I've tried super diesel and found it does a couple of MPG more than regular. However I have another observation that I have tested a few times. If a garage sells a premium fuel then THEIR regular is rubbish so they are right, if you compare the two fuels next to each other the premium IS better. But if you compare it with ordinary diesel from a forecourt that only sells one grade of fuel then the difference is less marked.
So my advice is forget premium fuels and buy the standard one from a reputable garage that doesn't have offer a premium alternative.
I wouldn't want to accuse any manufacturer of selling a lower grade of fuel, but I'm afraid it looks that way to me.
I know Petrol is a different story I guess 99 RON fuel or what ever it's called is probably better than 96. I use Tesco 99 in my MGB and it cured its habit of running on.
Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 10:18 pm
by Matt
But with regards to the diesel issue rog it definately does depend on the engine and the injection system!
Premium fuels make no difference to my transit ;)