Discussion
Hi folks, quick question, there is a guy posting on the general TVR and gossip forum who has just ordered a new Tamora. He says that his dealer has advised him not to use Optimax as it 'glazes the ports over'! Opinions please?
I have always used Optimax and have never heard this said before. Thanks as ever.....
I have always used Optimax and have never heard this said before. Thanks as ever.....
Tuska said:
He says that his dealer has advised him not to use Optimax as it 'glazes the ports over'!
Come again? Ask him to ask the dealer to explain what 'glazing' is in this context, it's often used to describe an effect that occurs when two metal surfaces rub together, but I'm struggling to think how this would apply to ports or how this would be a bad thing. Maybe it's something to do with the valve seats? If so it sounds like TVR have managed to invent a new type of problem.
I agree with GreenV8S, can you please ask your dealer for more information?
I use Optimax mainly because, in for a penny, in for a pound, i want max performance. But if Optimax is going to turn into 'Formula Shell' then i will have obvious concerns....
To be fair, i would probably have to drive as well as Vicky Butler Henderson to notice the difference the extra few RON optimax will give you.
(which i cant, i'm sure the lovely VBH would beat me round a track driving a Transit Van.....)
I use Optimax mainly because, in for a penny, in for a pound, i want max performance. But if Optimax is going to turn into 'Formula Shell' then i will have obvious concerns....
To be fair, i would probably have to drive as well as Vicky Butler Henderson to notice the difference the extra few RON optimax will give you.
(which i cant, i'm sure the lovely VBH would beat me round a track driving a Transit Van.....)Ok I have been to Peninsula today to have a good look over the Tamora they have in the showroom and a drive in a T350 pre my own Tamora arriving and I can confirm that there is a yellow label above the fuel filler cap that states "Use 95 Ron Unleaded Fuel Only"
I didn't grill the dealer too much on why that was now the case, but I saw it in black and white (well red and yellow actually). This was on the 2005 Spec Tamora with the black top engine.
I didn't grill the dealer too much on why that was now the case, but I saw it in black and white (well red and yellow actually). This was on the 2005 Spec Tamora with the black top engine.
I would like to add my tuppenthworth (for whats its worth)
Under running in N/A engines (non turbos) in general shouldnt need high octane fuel, ie TVR Speed six , once run in you might on occassions stress the engine enough to benifit from additional anti knock that higher octanes offer. N/A engines usually need higer octanes when their running lean, operation under higher ambient air temps or being stressed (track use etc)
So even when run in general punting about shouldnt need more than standard 95 unleaded. High octane fuel burns slower and its potentially possible to get less HP from it if the lesser octane fuel can be burnt at optimum ignition advance without engine knock. so use super unleaded or whatever only if
1) you plan on raggin the bejesus out of your engine
2) it so hot it pinks on part thorttle
3) you like to spend you cash on fuel
PS not sure if TVR ignition is knock sensin but if the factory says 95 is ok then I'm happy.
PPS a lot of high hp jap turbos engines need 98 cos they'll eat pistons if not fed it (lots of fuel and air squeezed in at relatively low revs usually helps this )
Under running in N/A engines (non turbos) in general shouldnt need high octane fuel, ie TVR Speed six , once run in you might on occassions stress the engine enough to benifit from additional anti knock that higher octanes offer. N/A engines usually need higer octanes when their running lean, operation under higher ambient air temps or being stressed (track use etc)
So even when run in general punting about shouldnt need more than standard 95 unleaded. High octane fuel burns slower and its potentially possible to get less HP from it if the lesser octane fuel can be burnt at optimum ignition advance without engine knock. so use super unleaded or whatever only if
1) you plan on raggin the bejesus out of your engine
2) it so hot it pinks on part thorttle
3) you like to spend you cash on fuel
PS not sure if TVR ignition is knock sensin but if the factory says 95 is ok then I'm happy.
PPS a lot of high hp jap turbos engines need 98 cos they'll eat pistons if not fed it (lots of fuel and air squeezed in at relatively low revs usually helps this )
I know when I had my Turbo Subaru it said 98 Ron Only. I think the same was on my 2.7 Boxster and M3, but I must admit that I am not entirely 100% certain on the last 2 cars.
The only other thing I can think of is that it is something to do with 2005 SPEC SpeedSix's?????
I am new to TVR's so I don't know a great deal about the engines and I wouldn't profess to be an expert.
All I do know is that when we were going through the decision making process before buying the Tamora I asked the question about it needing to run on Super and was told No definately not because of it causing the ports to glaze. I then saw the sticker yesterday confirming 95 Ron Unleaded Only.
Edited to say, I would hate anyone to start running their Speed Six on 95 Ron Unleaded without checking with their dealer first. As mentioned above it could be just the latest 3.6 spec cars.
I will report back with my experiences, my car will be doing around 20K a year so it will be interesting to see what happens.
>> Edited by alloypearltam on Sunday 11th September 11:54
>> Edited by alloypearltam on Sunday 11th September 12:18
The only other thing I can think of is that it is something to do with 2005 SPEC SpeedSix's?????
I am new to TVR's so I don't know a great deal about the engines and I wouldn't profess to be an expert.
All I do know is that when we were going through the decision making process before buying the Tamora I asked the question about it needing to run on Super and was told No definately not because of it causing the ports to glaze. I then saw the sticker yesterday confirming 95 Ron Unleaded Only.
Edited to say, I would hate anyone to start running their Speed Six on 95 Ron Unleaded without checking with their dealer first. As mentioned above it could be just the latest 3.6 spec cars.
I will report back with my experiences, my car will be doing around 20K a year so it will be interesting to see what happens.
>> Edited by alloypearltam on Sunday 11th September 11:54
>> Edited by alloypearltam on Sunday 11th September 12:18
I agree with what was said above, my M3 actually stated over the speedo that only 98 ron unleaded should be used.
With regard to whether the difference in fuel makes a difference to performance, I would say that especially in my Tuscan, it certainly did.
I suppose the result may be different depending on the exact settings for each car but in a direct comparison between the two I would say that there was a marked increase in engine smoothness through the rev range. Being critical of my own scientific assumptions I have thought about the placebo effect making a difference, but there was a number of times where I had gone from one fuel to the other and noticed the difference, especially where I had gone from a full tank on one, where I had had a good chance to get used to the performance then immediately changed to Optimax or vice versa.
Where Optimax was undeniably better was smoothness from starting. Where on 95 ron my Tuscan was very ragged from cold, the Optimax seemed to 'tighten' this up to a point where I could work my way off the driveway quite easily without very carefully feathering the clutch so that it did not constantly feel it was about to stall.
Would be good to see what everyone else thinks.
With regard to whether the difference in fuel makes a difference to performance, I would say that especially in my Tuscan, it certainly did.
I suppose the result may be different depending on the exact settings for each car but in a direct comparison between the two I would say that there was a marked increase in engine smoothness through the rev range. Being critical of my own scientific assumptions I have thought about the placebo effect making a difference, but there was a number of times where I had gone from one fuel to the other and noticed the difference, especially where I had gone from a full tank on one, where I had had a good chance to get used to the performance then immediately changed to Optimax or vice versa.
Where Optimax was undeniably better was smoothness from starting. Where on 95 ron my Tuscan was very ragged from cold, the Optimax seemed to 'tighten' this up to a point where I could work my way off the driveway quite easily without very carefully feathering the clutch so that it did not constantly feel it was about to stall.
Would be good to see what everyone else thinks.
probably just coincidence............Did a decent run on Sunday 232 miles. Had some Optimax in the tank to start off with but filled up on 95. I can honestly say absolutely no difference at all and if anything the car seems to idle better. I will continue to use 95 for the next couple of tankfulls and then I'll do a couple on Optimax and compare mpg. The comparisons may not be as scientific as some would wish
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