Unleaded/super unleaded

[Sinky]

What fuel spec would members recommend.
Unleaded or super unleaded ?

 

[highlander]

Super every time, and not supermarket.

 

[MAF260]

Super unleaded. Always.

 

[Sinky]

Thanks for that. Is that because it's better for the engine or performance ?

 

[MAF260]

Higher octane fuel is the optimum for these engines. You won't feel a discernible difference and certainly won't feel any extra power, but I was told in no uncertain terms by a mad genius who tunes these engines that they run much better on super.

 

[Sinky]

Ok super unleaded it is from now on.

 

[midlifecrisis]

Tesco's is the same as Esso, all distributed by the same haulage firm from the same refineries. I use super unleaded as I suspect using lower octane damaged a catalyser.

 

[jluis]

You have a twin turbo charged engine tuned for maximum performance per liter, meaning high cylinder pressure and lots of timing advance. Higher octave fuel means the engine can run at the optimum spark advance without knocking.

The ecu will self adjust timing based on the feedback from the knock sensors so higher octane fuel might result in slightly added performance and a smoother engine running

 

[Contigo]

Had this debate many times on here and most use SUL because why not?

Some though say that as these engines are not tuned to run on higher octane fuel then there will be no gains.

It might be me imagining but mine certainly feels like it runs smoother on Super!

 

[jluis]

Octane rating doesn't damage catalysts. Lean mixtures do.

 

[Contigo]

But the 3200 is mapped for 95Ron or lower. Any gains of running 97 or 98 will be negligible or nothing.

 

[zagatoes30]

Not convinced by SUL unless the engine is specifically mapped for it.

My Q4 runs like a dog on UL but is a dream on SUL but it has been mapped that way. I can feel no difference with the Spyder, if anything it is smoother on UL

 

[Classico]

98 RON all the way, every time.

Maser specialist here in Oz advised the engine runs cleaner and smoother.

 

[CliveP1]

is there really any difference in the petrol, or is it just another way of getting us to spend that bit extra on fuel. at one time it was diesel to use being cheap, so what will do is get more people using it, so I know will put the price up. never trust fuel companies. there not in it for you (the driver).

 

[Classico]

is there really any difference in the petrol, or is it just another way of getting us to spend that bit extra on fuel. at one time it was diesel to use being cheap, so what will do is get more people using it, so I know will put the price up. never trust fuel companies. there not in it for you (the driver).

Haven't put anything less than 98 in the Maser.

But can say with authority that on the occasions I used 95 in my Audi four pot turbo and Alfa V6, there def. was a change in power delivery.

10 percent better mileage as well.

 

[conaero]

On my fifth Masetati now, ran them all on 95Ron without issue. Tried SUL several times and makes no difference, why throw money away?

 

[Trev Latter]

But the 3200 is mapped for 95Ron or lower. Any gains of running 97 or 98 will be negligible or nothing.

Exactly this. ^

Another thing to consider, although much more relevant to the older models, is that the higher octane of SUL is achieved, at least in part, by a higher ethanol level. That's fine, but the higher ethanol may have a negative effect on the rubber and plastic bits of the fuel line. It's been well documented in the biking world that plastic fuel tanks have been swelling and going porous. My Guzzi currently looks like it is starting to get measles on the tank. Whilst the tank isn't plastic on the 3200, there are going to be numerous plastic bits in the fuel line. Vehicles after about 2004/5 are deemed to be less likely to be effected due to different plastics being used. I believe it was around the late 90s/early 00s that there was an increase in ethanol in fuel generally.

From my own observations of using SUL in my 3200, it does feel smoother, but no noticeable improvement in performance or economy.

 

[CatmanV2]

I can imagine that the 3200 *might* benefit a *tiny* bit otherwise UL.

Tried SUL in europe. No notable difference. The cars are mapped for 95. If people want to spend money, though

C

 

[Contigo]

I do wonder if the ECU is adaptive though. I am going to dig through some documents when I get back from the break.

 

[EVOeng]

I prefer to use Super Unleaded mainly because of this:
http://www.groups.tr-register.co.uk/wessex/ethanol-update.html