What fuel do you use in your classic

[e21Mark]

finishing touch said:

I too use Tesco Momentum, but now realise the error of my ways.

I could be driving a 360 BHP supercar.

I usually use the same Shell garage locally, more due to habit than anything else. Anyway, my car developed a significant flat spot and began to stutter and misfire throughout the rev range. Whist stationary I could rev the engine and clear it but, as soon as the engine was under load, the misfire / flat spot would return. We spent the next few days changing everything in the ignition system and all relevant sensors. We checked fuel pressure, then replaced the pump ''just in case''. New, plugs, leads, dizzy cap, rotor arm, fuel filter, pump etc. The list was long and bloody expensive! Nothing we did made a bit of difference and I started questioning whether the ECU map could have somehow been corrupted? My E30 M3 runs a piggy back ECU and Alpha N which is known to be sensitive. It was at this point someone questioned what fuel I was running and I remembered diving into Tesco when my reserve light had come on. I had not had a problem with supermarket fuel before and didn't really consider it likely, but we drained the tank and refuelled with V power. A quick run around the block and normal service was resumed.

I realise that a large number of people use supermarket fuel in their cars with no problem. All I know is that my old E30 isn't one of them.

[TooMany2cvs]

e21Mark said:

I usually use the same Shell garage locally, more due to habit than anything else. Anyway, my car developed a significant flat spot and began to stutter and misfire throughout the rev range. Whist stationary I could rev the engine and clear it but, as soon as the engine was under load, the misfire / flat spot would return. We spent the next few days changing everything in the ignition system and all relevant sensors. We checked fuel pressure, then replaced the pump ''just in case''. New, plugs, leads, dizzy cap, rotor arm, fuel filter, pump etc. The list was long and bloody expensive! Nothing we did made a bit of difference and I started questioning whether the ECU map could have somehow been corrupted? My E30 M3 runs a piggy back ECU and Alpha N which is known to be sensitive. It was at this point someone questioned what fuel I was running and I remembered diving into Tesco when my reserve light had come on. I had not had a problem with supermarket fuel before and didn't really consider it likely, but we drained the tank and refuelled with V power. A quick run around the block and normal service was resumed.

I realise that a large number of people use supermarket fuel in their cars with no problem. All I know is that my old E30 isn't one of them.

Does it have knock sensors? Have you tried it on other 95? I'm thinking it sounds like an octane issue rather than a source one.

[e21Mark]

It was 98 RON not 95.

I avoid supermarket super unleaded and the problem hasn't returned in nigh on 2 years. I use their derv in my work vehicle though and have never had an issue.

[Jorrocks]

You can actually get 'proper' four star from a few Gummint approved outlets, but it's eye-wateringly expensive!
Mine comes from Ganderton's in Buckingham. Here's a link to the complete list of outlets:
http://www.ihsti.com/lacors/ContentDetails.aspx?id...

Edited by Jorrocks on Thursday 27th October 17:16

[Allan L]

Jorrocks said:

You can actually get 'proper' four star from a few Gummint approved outlets, but it's eye-wateringly expensive!
Mine comes from Ganderton's in Buckingham. Here's a link to the complete list of outlets:
http://www.ihsti.com/lacors/ContentDetails.aspx?id...

Yes and it may well be that it's actually more than 98 RON! Certainly when the change over happened one of the approved fuel suppliers was selling what amounted to five-star.
There seem to be a lot of outlets in that list until you think through trying to run on that fuel only - unless you have a really large fuel tank of course.

[crankedup]

I will try Shellmax for my recent Volvo Amazon purchase. The book tells me 97 Ron.

[Riley Blue]

Jorrocks said:

You can actually get 'proper' four star from a few Gummint approved outlets, but it's eye-wateringly expensive!
Mine comes from Ganderton's in Buckingham. Here's a link to the complete list of outlets:
http://www.ihsti.com/lacors/ContentDetails.aspx?id...

Edited by Jorrocks on Thursday 27th October 17:16

Did you notice the date - 14/07/2000.

The FBHVC lists 13 Four Star outlets but I suspect even that list is way out of date:
http://www.fbhvc.co.uk/legislation-and-fuels/fuel-...

Edited by Riley Blue on Friday 28th October 10:38

[Sylvaforever]

Make your own!

[Chewbacca North]

I run big old lazy V8 and I get the impression it would run on chip fat but I use Shell Vmax and have never had any issues.

[Jorrocks]

Riley Blue said:

Did you notice the date - 14/07/2000.

The FBHVC lists 13 Four Star outlets but I suspect even that list is way out of date:
http://www.fbhvc.co.uk/legislation-and-fuels/fuel-...

Edited by Riley Blue on Friday 28th October 10:38

Oops, no I hadn't! Ganderton's is definitely still stocking it at least.

[Bellini]

I also run a big old lazy (and sometimes not so lazy) V8 and was advised to use Shell Nitro or BP Ultimate.

I also empty in a bottle of ethanol reducer or ethanol protector to stop the fuel lines and internals from degrading. This was also recommended by the specialist I use for servicing.

[simontdo]

I put Shell V power Nitro+ in my Triumph Stag.

The trouble is, I read the "Shell V power Nitro+" bit but not the label that said diesel.

I can't say I'd recommend it.

[woodytype S]

I put petrol in my 61 MGA