Petrol Octane - understand I do not

[oli_quick]

OK, here is a question...that may make me look rather stupid, but here we go.

I was talking to a friend (an aviator) about fuel over the weekend (as you do). He told me the Octane (RON - Research Octane Number) of a fuel is it's resistance to combustion rating - i.e. 98 RON resists combustion better than 95. I can understand how this will help with knocking effects etc...but how does this give you better response/performance?

Also - is it really imperative I put 98 RON in my Cerbera (I do...cause I love her so - but often Motorways Services don't have 98 - and I worry :scratchchin:)

[Extra 300 Driver]

The way I understand it, and I am simple.

The higher the ROM the more controlled the burn, thus more power per stroke, i.e it doesnt just go bang!

[GreenV8S]

It means you can run higher compression, or more ignition advance, without getting detonation.

[bigjohnBOY]

Our Local Tesco store has just started selling 99 RON petrol ! have not tried it yet

[kojak]

bigjohnBOY said:

Our Local Tesco store has just started selling 99 RON petrol ! have not tried it yet

99 ron. Thats higher than Optimax.

[Extra 300 Driver]

kojak said:

bigjohnBOY said: Our Local Tesco store has just started selling 99 RON petrol ! have not tried it yet 99 ron. Thats higher than Optimax.

Yep!

But Shell are bringing V-Racing fuel to the UK 100RON

[kojak]

I'd be just glad of more 98 ron Optimax nearer me. Although its an excuse to go and get some petrol

[oli_quick]

All this complex polymer chain science hey! Maybe we should all just get Nitros Oxide to help get us from A to Z (shooting way past B).

Has anyone used 95 RON and noticed issues arising from using this lesser fuel?

[paulk]

oli_quick said:

All this complex polymer chain science hey! Maybe we should all just get Nitros Oxide to help get us from A to Z (shooting way past B). Has anyone used 95 RON and noticed issues arising from using this lesser fuel?

I have had to use 95 RON a number of times, the car is not so happy with it. It still goes well but will pink, a bit to much for my liking. Optimax is my preferred option. However I ran BP Ultimate in my run about with good results so may try it in the Cerb

[carl_w]

Personally I've been an Optimax convert ever since it became available. BP Ultimate can lead to confusion with disastrous consequences -- there's an Ultimate diesel and an Ultimate petrol, and it's pretty easy to put the wrong one in

[dilbert]

What's wrong with your nose man!

[carl_w]

I didn't say I'd done it

[dilbert]

carl_w said:

I didn't say I'd done it

I never said you had!

[carl_w]

Are you insinuating there is something else wrong with my nose? I'm going to feel all self-conscious now.

[dilbert]

It's allright, you can file for compensation if you want!