Discussion
Sometimes I have ideas, and this is one for today...
Each time I think I might splash out on Super, I end up at a garage that doesn't sell it, but has LRP instead. Logic tells me it should have higher octane rating than ordinary UL, but how does it compare octane-wise with Super and Optimax, and more importantly will it harm the engine? (Griff 500 minus furry bits)
Each time I think I might splash out on Super, I end up at a garage that doesn't sell it, but has LRP instead. Logic tells me it should have higher octane rating than ordinary UL, but how does it compare octane-wise with Super and Optimax, and more importantly will it harm the engine? (Griff 500 minus furry bits)
I have read somewhere (can't remember where, may have even been my Tuscans handbook) never to use LRP in a car that doesn't specifically ask for it. I'm sorry I can't tell you anything more specific (my memory is terrible!) but whatever it was that I read, I'm left with no doubt that LRP is a bad thing for all newer TVRs!
quote:It may not be lead, but it has other chemicals that take it's place & also destroy the catalyst. It wouldn't harm the engine, but it would harm the catalyst(s).
I have wondered the same thing many times. Why wouldn't it? It doesn't have lead !
Not a good thing. Don't do it. Not as bad as my brother's car after he put diesel into it from a mis-labelled pump. (he noticed the smell fairly quickly & went inside to ask.) "Oh yes it's diesel, just fill up the rest of the tank with petrol & run it through". The car made it all the way to the edge of the forecourt before spectacularly blowing up
Ahh the joys of a company car...... cheers,
craig
It may not be lead, but it has other chemicals that take it's place & also destroy the catalyst. It wouldn't harm the engine, but it would harm the catalyst(s).
Oh Yeah..... duhhh !! Don't know why I din't think about that. I must be getting old !
That's OK, part of the fun in driving around the country side it always being on the lookout for a Shell station.
'It may not be lead, but it has other chemicals that take it's place & also destroy the catalyst.'
But what about cars that don't have catalysts? Besides, as every car made in the last 9.5 years (ie most of them), you'd think they'd put a warning on the pumps if the price of an error is an expensive new catalyst.
>> Edited by simpo one on Sunday 21st July 10:51
But what about cars that don't have catalysts? Besides, as every car made in the last 9.5 years (ie most of them), you'd think they'd put a warning on the pumps if the price of an error is an expensive new catalyst.
>> Edited by simpo one on Sunday 21st July 10:51
quote:
But what about cars that don't have catalysts? Besides, as every car made in the last 9.5 years (ie most of them), you'd think they'd put a warning on the pumps if the price of an error is an expensive new catalyst.
I think the LRP pump nozzles are still the larger size, so they wouldn't fit into the filler hole on a modern car...
Bengie
A dealer friend of mine had an LRP Griff for sale, had a giant drum in the boot for the gas. Apparently he reckons it drove just as good as a standard de cat. Eitherway, I wasn't entirely convinced, besides TVRs ans LRP don't seem to go in kudos terms. What next? Turbo Diesels in Tuscans????? 
Have run all 3 of my Wedges on LRP over the years without any problems and to be honest I cant tell the difference between LRP and Optimax in my SEAC at the moment (running 8 degrees advance). In theory Optimax should be slightly better as its 98 octane - I think LRP and normal super are 97.
There might also be a difference in fuel consumption but I cant think why anyone running a 4.2l V8 or similar would be the slightest bit interested in MPG!
There is however a slight difference when I treat myself to a tankful of real petrol!
There might also be a difference in fuel consumption but I cant think why anyone running a 4.2l V8 or similar would be the slightest bit interested in MPG!
There is however a slight difference when I treat myself to a tankful of real petrol!
'There is however a slight difference when I treat myself to a tankful of real petrol!'
You mean Optimax or real leaded?
Just think what we could do with the 100 octane stuff they ran Spitfires on... mind you if WW2 happened tomorrow the lefties would still be bleating about pollution/friendly fire/damage to bunnies etc etc...
You mean Optimax or real leaded?
Just think what we could do with the 100 octane stuff they ran Spitfires on... mind you if WW2 happened tomorrow the lefties would still be bleating about pollution/friendly fire/damage to bunnies etc etc...
'I ran my wedge on LRP and it pinked itself pinkdom.'
How did that compare with plain UL though? Was it better or worse?
Obviously there's an inter-car difference cropping up here, as someone reported using LRP in a Griff 500 with no (noticeable) effects. If I tried a tankful as an experiment, would it do any harm?
How did that compare with plain UL though? Was it better or worse?
Obviously there's an inter-car difference cropping up here, as someone reported using LRP in a Griff 500 with no (noticeable) effects. If I tried a tankful as an experiment, would it do any harm?
quote:
If I tried a tankful as an experiment, would it do any harm?
If you have a cat, yes. It would flip onto its back and die. The tyres would start to melt and the bodywork would come out in boils and pus would exude from all orifices. Probably gather that only unleaded is suitable for a catted car.
Would I use it in a decatted car? No. There is no known standards or formulations for this stuff. It is designed to protect valve seats which in your case do not need protecting. None of the classic car clubs etc recommend it which is something to set off the warning bells.
If you are worried about cost, then get Mark Adams to chip it for U/L. My Griff has that and runs on U/L unless it has been a good boy and it gets some Optimax as a treat.
Steve
When I first filled up my car a few months back after picking it up from AB, I forgot there was no leaded 4 star available and filled up using LRP thinking that would be ok. Needless to say the car didn't like it. Optimax has an effect but the car still pinks midrange - but never from cold
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