Optimax - Is it really any good?

[supRo]

Following on from the recent threads and Top gear (?) report..

I've been using Optimax just under a year however I have lost confidence on using this.

 

Optimax goes off quick - Didn't use the car for a week - When I started her and drove her, she was misfiring/detting. I put in fresh petrol - Sorted.

Optimax does not thave the British Standard number - Probably cos the Octane rating goes down!

I used to get the start up smoke.....I've been using Tesco 99 for 3 weeks - No more start up smoke - Could it be the optimax breaking down and causing this?

She does feel more crisper and responsive with Tesco 99

[Scoboblio]

It's not just you mate, take a look here, I said exactly the same thing;

 

http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?t=51296&highlight=optimax+blue

[JohnA]

...Optimax goes off quick - Didn't use the car for a week - When I started her and drove her, she was misfiring/detting. I put in fresh petrol - Sorted...

this is not unusual.

If you ever see a 'RON' figure on an Optimax pump, please get a shot with your mobile and post it here, because it will be rare sight indeed:eyebrows:

 

Just use Tesco99 RON, can't beat it.

[Pete]

For those lucky enough to be able to get it.

[michael]

Evo reckon the main benefit of Optimax is the cleaning agents in it, otherwise Tesco stuff comes close.

 

For the savings available I'm currently giving Tesco stuff a go, the car seems to like it which is the main thing

[JohnA]

Mine loves it.

I've had it sit for 3 weeks in the tank, still no sign of decay even at 20psi.

(He should have a Tesco forecourt around Luton I'd think)

[SkyJawa]

Big article in Evo this month about petrol lads - go grab a copy!

 

Though we know most of it - only this time Tesco 99 and Ultimate won over Optimax, Ultimate having a bit more low torque than 99 but 99 matching it for power. However in the 5th Gear report Optimax kicked Utimate ass.

 

It boils down to a fuel that works best in your car, some cars prefer one over the other, and what the fuel is made from and whether or not you have a bad batch when you fill up - sooooo many variables!! They basically recommended pays yer money takes yer choice but shop at a busy filling station lol!

[Ian C]

 

I've driven my car after it's been sat for two weeks+ with Optimax 'going off' in the tank and it's run just fine. I also have an email from Shell stating it's octane with no caveats attached.

 

Funnily enough another member on here got bad det by switching to BP Ultimate

 

-Ian

[JohnA]

Here is the product specification for the Tesco fuel.

 

If somebody has the equivalent for Optimax, then let's put them side by side and compare.

[Angarak]

I was at an ESSO garage earlier in the week filling up my other car and noticed they now do a 97 RON fuel also.

 

Havent tried it in my Supra yet though....anyone else tried it?

[michael]

Esso were one of the first to do a 'Super' I think? I remember using it in my Punto in '96 anyway.

[RedM]

Evo reckon the main benefit of Optimax is the cleaning agents in it, otherwise Tesco stuff comes close.

 

For the savings available I'm currently giving Tesco stuff a go, the car seems to like it which is the main thing

 

Whoa whoa whoa, hold your horses. Are you saying that you are using tesco 99ron?

 

If so, where is it available from up here?

[michael]

Yes indeedy my friend, I've PM'd you with the location to prevent others taking all my petrol

[outatime]

I was at an ESSO garage earlier in the week filling up my other car and noticed they now do a 97 RON fuel also.

 

Havent tried it in my Supra yet though....anyone else tried it?

 

I used to use it until my local garage stopped selling it, there was no demand.

 

The Esso stuff seemed fine, not as good as Texaco SUL or Ultimate, but it was probably in the tanks at the garage for ages.

 

I put in a can of Toluene everytime I fill up now, it makes a difference IMO.