Fuel Vs Performance Gains

[Driven By Shine]

HI Guys I'm after some help, but real world on the road help not marketing hype

I'm getting the XR6 turbo tuned next week by the guys at Hi Torque and I'm wondring how much difference at the wheels does the various different fuels make to the power.

I understand that premium 98 is best for performance or a higher octane fuel but if the car is tuned to the given fuel of choice how much difference would there be between say 95 and 98 octane fuels.

My thoughts are around a couple of KW is this a fair assumption or am I way off the mark.

And it's not a cheap skate question I'm just curious.

Thanks in advance.

Chris

[400KwXr6t]

If its not a cheap skate question I would go the best available, just due to the chance of detonation and the scarry rebuild BANG!

I know if I put my "economy" tune in it feels slower and soft, then go back to the big tune 309rwkw the car just feels like an untamed animal a complete different thing.

I guess its when you tune it to a fuel its when you feel the difference from a standard car I cant answer sorry.

On a side note whats with WA and the lack of 98 at shell stations? I've got like BP I have to go to between subi and rocko cos shell dont sell 98 OCTANE. (and dont like caltex)

[Driven By Shine]

that's what I wasnt sure about if there was a "BANG" that could possibly happen from the lesser fuels.

I have filled up today with V Power 98 in preperation for the tune.

It just got me thinking, I have used all sorts of fuel in it from E95, PULP95, PULP98 and never have I felt any difference. In saying that though I have no idea what FORD tune them for. I also carry a bit of gear round for work (approx 200 - 300kg) so maybe this is why I cant notice the difference. Then again maybe I just dont have the foot against the firewall enough.

Chris

[Racerx]

My understanding is that pump 98 octane fuel wont give you anymore power unless you tune the car to take advantage of the higher octane fuel. Using higher octane fuel lets you tune the motor to a higher state of tune, ie more boost, before detonation becomes a problem.

[Driven By Shine]

this is what Im wondering but If the car is "tuned" for 98, how much better then if the car is "tuned" for 95?

roughly im not expecting exact as I know there are many many variables but it just had me thinking today, and now Im curious as hell.

Chris

[NVT]

Hey mate,

Usually you get 3 Tunes - A 91 Tune (Stock), a 95 and a 98. There is also a valet tune with some flashers I believe that limits the Revs.

I have a Ford flasher 1, and I have Factory and 3 presets.

Usually you will get something like; (For a STOCK T with a custom Tune)

Factory - 91/95/98 Fuel 240kw/~180rwkw

Valet - Limits Revs to about 2500rpm

95 Tune - Probably a 10psi Tune that will give maybe 200/210 rwkw?

98 Tune - Probably is a 12psi Tune running between 220 and 240rwkw.

So yes, there is a substantial difference between the tunes with the fuels that you use. The 98 tune will give the most power.

I hope that answers your questions.

Cheers,

Dan

[Driven By Shine]

Well..................normally you would be right. But this CAPA flash box I got handed to me (long story) and yes its unlocked, but it has no tunes on it.

So I am getting a tune for my ute, but I was offered one tune for $XXX to get the 3 tunes was a fair bit extra. So I opted for just the one. As I figured I would barely change between the three tunes anyway.

Bring on the 98 tune with 12psi

Im quite excited as well, cant wait for monday.

Chris

Edited 26/06/09 01:05 PM by Driven By Shine

[Racerx]

Just remember if your running a tune that requires 98 you have to run 98, if you try to use a lower octane fuel you will run the risk of engine damage due to detonation.