Fuels aren't fuels, how do they differ? what do you use?

[hyper24]

In oz we only use the RON rating for fuels.

By definition, the RON rating is measured using the standard CFR engine which was developed donky years ago, the test is done at 600 rpm I believe with set intake temps yada yada, compression increased until pre determined amount of knock occurs.

Now what this means, is that it is POSSIBLE for two fuels to both have the same RON rating, eg 98. But their knock characteristic could differ widely at say 4000 rpm and at different temps.

Now I say this is possible because of the test that is used to give these their RON rating, but is this seen in the fuels we have, eg. BP Ultimate 98 being better than Shell 98?

has anyone noticed anything like this? do you have a preferred fuel?

[spinr33]

When i was a mechanic at Husqvarana we used to see issues with the high powered dirt bikes etc even 2 strokes they all ran better on BP 98 then Shell 98 people would come in and it would be playing up running rough, not reving out etc change the fuel over and they would run perfectly that happened on lots of occassions wasnt a once of thing, if you no the smell of petrol and i sniffed alot you could noticeably smell a more alcohol based fuel like metho or something in the shell when the issues arrised.
As for the difference in cars im pretty sure i had BP 98 in when i had one dyno run and then later another one on Shell 98 and their was no difference.

[Black Diamond]

I find BP 98 to be a lot more consistent than Shell. Apparently Shell only has a shelf life of around two weeks before it starts to lose its properties, hence more chance of getting a bad batch.

[OMR346]

I always run BP Ultimate (98ron) in my cars. Every time i have used Shell Optimax (98ron), it has made the car run like crap.

[SS Enforcer]

I find BP 98 to be a lot more consistent than Shell. Apparently Shell only has a shelf life of around two weeks before it starts to lose its properties, hence more chance of getting a bad batch.

Being in Melb how long do you think the BP fuel has hung around compared to Shell 98 given there is no BP refinery in VIC.

cheers

[MickmeMate]

I agree i have always used BP Ultimate except for those times when i cant get it then my choice would be Vortex 98. But Shell is shitehouse fuel i have used that a couple of times when i first bought my car and it ran crap

[Black Diamond]

Being in Melb how long do you think the BP fuel has hung around compared to Shell 98 given there is no BP refinery in VIC.

cheers

Obviously a lot longer, and just compounds the fact that its a better quality fuel and doesnt go off as quick as Shell.

Im no fuel scientist but it seems to be the sentiment amongst most people and tuners.

Cheers
John

[Grommz]

Yup i agree with johnny always found BP Ultimate to be the better of the fuels.

[Evman]

I've never ventured off Ultimate in the first place. You can get it all the way across the Nularbor as well :goodjob:

[ForbiddenSV300]

I've always used Mobil Synergy 8000 for three reasons:

1. Runs great, haven't noticed any issues
2. I can swipe my card at the bowser so I can get in and get out asap
3. There's 2 stations down the road from where I live

[XLR8 V8]

When i was a mechanic at Husqvarana we used to see issues with the high powered dirt bikes etc even 2 strokes they all ran better on BP 98 then Shell 98 people would come in and it would be playing up running rough, not reving out etc change the fuel over and they would run perfectly that happened on lots of occassions wasnt a once of thing, if you no the smell of petrol and i sniffed alot you could noticeably smell a more alcohol based fuel like metho or something in the shell when the issues arrised.
As for the difference in cars im pretty sure i had BP 98 in when i had one dyno run and then later another one on Shell 98 and their was no difference.

Shell actually acknowledged there may be an issue running Optimax/VPower in bikes without fuel injection or advanced fuelling systems, but could be solved in most instances by a change or adjustment of plugs and/or carbie jet size.
This issue was mainly due to VPower being a more dense fuel than normal.
http://www.shell.com.au/home/content/aus/products_services/on_the_road/fuels/shell_vpower/overview/

When I was running my V8 around, I personally found Caltex Vortex 98 to be the most consistent performer in my car. I tended to have a few hit and miss tanks when using BP Ultimate and went right off it after a bad batch went through that had lots of drivers (and users on this very forum) all having pinging issues at the same time.

[pah]

Hi Guys,

There's no BP refinery in Sydney. Nor is there a Mobil refinery here. When I buy BP or Mobil, am I buying their fuel or am I buying Shell from the local refinery labeled as BP or Mobil? If the Oil Co's buy fuel from each other to avoid freighting fuels around the country, we can't be sure which fuel we're buying.

My last two cars have run very well on Shell V-Power. The bike ran like a bucket of poop on this stuff, but Shell told me they changed the recipe. The bike now runs on Shell no problems. Back in 2007, the bike used to run like it had fouled plugs when I used Shell 98 RON.


PAH

[LS1FRK]

I find BP 98 to be a lot more consistent than Shell. Apparently Shell only has a shelf life of around two weeks before it starts to lose its properties, hence more chance of getting a bad batch.

BP Ultimate has always been good in my car, Shell V-Power has also been good but can vary (even using the same pump). Caltex Vortex 98 is a waste of money. Will try Mobil Synergy 8000 next!

[swingtan]

Try the search function, there are a number of threads on this topic.