Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2000 12:20:16 +1100
Reply-To: David Del Ben <ddelben@AIRINTER.COM.AU>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Del Ben <ddelben@AIRINTER.COM.AU>
Organization: Air International Transit
Subject: Re: petrol consumption
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Let me add some clarifications to some of my previous comments:
Unleaded Petrol in Australia is 92 Octane.
Premium Unleaded is 95 Octane.
This new petrol - Shell Optimax is 98 Octane.
I just used to run the normal unleaded (92 Octane). At times - I tried the
Premium Unleaded (95 Octane). Didn't make one iota of difference in either
running, performance or economy.
About 4-6 months ago - Shell introduced this new petrol - called Shell
Optimax. They claim it is a 'new formula' petrol, denser than normal,
higher octane rating (98), blah, blah - all the marketing talk. My best
friend is a VW Mechanic (good to have friends like that..... huh - he he) -
and he said he tried it and couldn't believe the difference.
Going on his suggestion - I also tried it and wow......
Better economy
More power
More responsive engine
Don't think that the VW 1.9's FI systems had the anti knock sensor in them
to detect the onset of engine knocking - thus advance the timing for more
power/economy for higher octane fuel - too advanced for those days?!?!
[someone correct me if I'm wrong] - the difference MUST be in the new fuel
formula. They (Shell marketing brochures) say it is a denser fuel so pack
more energy in per litre of fuel. I believe they had to manufacture new
distilling processes - that's why the 7c/litre premium (or are they just
trying to scam us??)
I too was sceptical at first - now I'm converted.
David Del Ben
Air International Transit
Ph (02) 9830 7119
Fax (02) 9672 1018
-----Original Message-----
From: Mick Kalber [SMTP:hotlava@INTERPAC.NET]
Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2000 11:54 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: petrol consumption
>>>i've been running a test for 145,000 miles on my 88 ... using six
brands and three octanes. so far, not a nickel's worth of difference
between the 87 octane, 89 octane, and 91/92/93 octanes. well, that's
not right ... not a nickel's worth of difference in the MPG! all you
see is the difference in miles per dollar! :(<<<
kinda what I always figured, but do you feel any increased power, smoother
running engine, anything at all from the higher octanes?
Mick Kalber
Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
62 Halaulani Place Hilo, Hawaii 96720
ph. 808-935-5557 fax 808-935-0066
hotlava@interpac.net
www.volcanoscapes.com
