Golf R - can you run on normal unleaded?

[SPD14]

I started off using Shell V Power in mine, but soon began using 95 Ron as I don't have a Tesco or Shell on my run to work. Can't say i've noticed any difference in performance or fuel economy, although i'm stuck in traffic with two kids in the car most of the time, so I don't really use it to it's full potential!

Regarding the cost, I've just filled up with BP Ultimate this morning 'cos I fancied a change. It was 123.9ppl compared to the 95 Ron at 112.9ppl - quite a difference!!

[AGK]

rich83 said:

What does it say in the petrol cap? My mk5 GTI says 95/98 meaning you can use both but best to use 98 or better

AwwDaOktanz

[Chippo1]

Just being nosey here , how long does the ECU take to learn about the new fuel on these cars if you change from 95 Ron to say 98ron , I know my Honda takes up to 100 miles to sort things out if you change up or down needing to look at knock sensor, timing etc to optimise the settings for the new fuel.

[Ross_T_Boss]

I'm more familiar with tuning on older cars so the newer stuff might be a little bit more complex... but the ECU will try to run to the limit it is mapped for, making full power, with optimum timing. If lesser octane fuel is used and it starts to knock then it'll pull timing and power. Putting the good stuff in and a short thrash should get it through the system and making a difference, a matter of a few miles perhaps.

When mapping, you give it a target and it'll try and hit it next time you have WOT. If it's too much for the fuel it'll pull timing. The power drop when it pulls timing is very noticeable, a good 30-40hp is likely!

[cslwannabe]

I've got standard unleaded in mine at the moment and the difference is considerable - shan't be doing it again!

[TonyTony]

My 2.0TSI Leon has super on the cap and so did my twin charged 1.4 Ibiza.

In the manual it says run on super but it says will run on normal with a loss of power.

I assume its the same with the Golf R.

[Chippo1]

My car is an older a honda , and that is what apparently happens as the ECU relerns the knck point etc and adjust timing and fuelling for the new octane rating , buT by all accounts that takes a few miles as the system looks at what's happening.

Maybe with a never management system this all happens a bit quicker on the Golf