Petrol v Performance in the F-Type

Tel

Tel

New member
Out of interest I have been running a totally unscientific test of three different products; Esso unleaded 95, Shell <font color="#545454" face="arial, sans-serif" size="2"><span style="line-height: 18px;">V-Power Nitro+ rated at 99, and currently on a tank of BP Ultimate at 98 RON.</span></font><div><font color="#545454" face="arial, sans-serif" size="2"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br></span></font><div><font color="#545454" face="arial, sans-serif" size="2"><span style="line-height: 18px;">All of the petrol has been purchased from busy garages, so the fuel should be fresh as a daisy.</span></font></div><div><font color="#545454" face="arial, sans-serif" size="2"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#545454" face="arial, sans-serif" size="2">I'm noting MPG, soot at the tailpipes and G under acceleration, and of course any noticeable differences in general driving characteristics.</font></div><div><font color="#545454" face="arial, sans-serif" size="2"><br></font></div><div><font color="#545454" face="arial, sans-serif" size="2">Before I post my hopelessly poor results, I would like to hear from anyone else about their fuel <span style="line-height: 18px;">experiences.</span></font></div></div>
 
Hi Tel,<br><br>I've filled mine up with Texaco Premium Unleaded which is rated at 97 RON. I wasn't sure that the 95 RON stuff would be good enough! I've soon found that sooty tailpipes clean up a treat with Megulars Metal Polish. Can't be having dirty pipes but appreciate that I have only two to clean whereas you will have four!<img src="http://www.ftypeforums.co.uk/images/converted_files/smileys/smiley36.gif" border="0" alt="LOL" title="LOL" /><br><br>Regards.<br><br>Scoobydoo<br>
<edited><editID>scoobydoo</editID><editDate>2014-09-03 21:45:53</editDate></edited>
 
Hi tel,<div> </div><div>I have found over the years that the only way to really tell which is best is to start with a baseline, say ASDA standard fuel, run 5 tank fulls and note the results, then run the fuel as low as possible and fill up with the different types of fuel angain 5 tank fulls of each. This is necessary as the net result of mixing fuels is to reduce the properties. Fifth Gear did a quite scientific test of the different fuels;</div><div> </div><div>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTaBngvsPrc</div><div> </div><div>This provides a very good example of what can be gained, 2.5% more power for a 240bhp golf, thats more than 10BHP diffence on our Jaguars, but to be honest, it just drives better.</div><div> </div><div>Personally I would not use anything other than Shell Nitro+ as anything else just makes the car feel broken !!! I even run my lawn mower on it !!</div><div> </div><div>Speak soon</div><div>Jamie</div>
<edited><editID>Selborne</editID><editDate>2014-09-04 11:29:47</editDate></edited>
 
OK guys 'n gals - Here we have the official results for the ultimate in scientific petrol tests in a 5L V8S F-Type:<div><br></div><div>1st Place - Shell Nitro</div><div>2nd Place - BP Ultimate</div><div>3rd Place - Esso standard</div><div><br></div><div><i>Testing conditions:</i></div><div>These were undertaken within laboratory conditions on a secret 'B' road with calibrated voice overs from the other half e.g ''slow down'' ''s***'' etc:<img src="http://www.ftypeforums.co.uk/images/converted_files/smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0" alt="Wink" title="Wink" /></div><div>Acceleration was in a controlled 'stamp your right foot to the carpet' manner, as hard and fast as you can.</div><div>TCS was left on!</div><div><br></div><div><i>Findings:</i></div><div>Shell Nitro gave an acceleration G meter reading of 0.71</div><div>BP Ultimate 0.69g</div><div>Esso 0.64g</div><div>Livestock are 'moved' by the popping on overrun!</div><div>Dynamic i does have its uses</div><div>My daily driver (not the F) has nothing when I floor it</div><div>TCS almost kept me in a straight line</div><div>Other half now uses the grab handle on the dash</div><div>I was lucky the old bill weren't around!</div><div><br></div><div><i>Conclusions</i></div><div>For the extra few pence, I think it's worth it. The Shell does give the feeling of a little more responsiveness in the daily driving, around town and out on the twisties. I'm not sure I'd put it in my mower though - that's just too posh <img src="http://www.ftypeforums.co.uk/images/converted_files/smileys/smiley36.gif" border="0" alt="LOL" title="LOL" /></div>
 
Hi Tel,<br /><br />Thank-you for sharing your scientific findings! I shall use Shell Nitro from now on. I bet Selborne soon gets his grass cut running his lawnmower on the stuff! <img src="http://www.ftypeforums.co.uk/images/converted_files/smileys/smiley36.gif" border="0" align="middle" /> . Will allow more time to drive his F-Type so win, win really!<br /><br />Regards.<br /><br />Scoobydoo
 
Thought I would 'revive' this thread so that some of the new folks can use the info...<div><br></div><div>Also, out of interest I filled up ¾ with Tesco Momentum 99 RON. I thought that Shell Nitro was, good, but I think this has definitely sharpened things up a bit. Feels like she has more power too, not that it is really needed. I'm hoping it's not a psychological trip!</div><div><br></div><div>I'll report back on the amount of soot buildup (idea of the additives that are being burnt). I have just been inside the exhaust tips with Scratch X to get back to shiny st/steel.</div>
<edited><editID>Tel</editID><editDate>2015-10-20 20:01:08</editDate></edited>
 
Hi Tel,<br /><br />I've tried the Momentum from Tesco and was also very impressed with it. I only have two pipes to keep clean though. <img src="http://www.ftypeforums.co.uk/images/converted_files/smileys/smiley36.gif" border="0" align="middle" /> <br /><br />Regards.<br /><br />Scoobydoo
 
I use Costco higher level petrol, don't know what it is called but still cheaper the Shell Nitro or equivalent Esso or Texaco equivalents
 
Thought I'd revive an old thread with some recent results after a year of motoring and various fuels tried.<div><br></div><div>Ranked in 1st - Tesco Momentum. Really brings out the crisp/sharp throttle response. 1.2G best recorded.</div><div> 2nd - Shell Nitro. Just not as good kick in the back acceleration as the Tesco</div><div><span ="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> 3rd - Texaco Supreme. Really noticeable decline in performance.</div><div><br></div><div>Remember to factor in that I have tried my best to use stations that I know are busy, and therefore the fuel is hopefully as fresh as you can get it. Also given the ECU time to adjust fuelling by emptying as much of the tank as possible and refilling to the brim.</div><div>So, whilst it's by no means a scientific research, it is some real life results.</div><div><br></div><div>Be interesting to hear any comparisons form other FT owners. And, has anyone dared to try any octane boosters yet?</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>
 
Good to know - I try to only ever put V POWER in mine. Hard to do when you're off the beaten track but almost always I'll go find a shell station :)
<edited><editID>SammyV6S</editID><editDate>2016-11-08 10:58:50</editDate></edited>
 
I'm pleased to read positive things about Tesco Momentum as it is the same price as diesel at my local store making it distinctly cheaper than Shell.
 
Interesting stuff. Thanks for reviving this thread. <br /><br />I used to use Shell V power in my Lotus Exige as they specifically recommended a higher RON. Do Jaguar recommend a higher RON for the V6 F-type? Haven't noticed anything in the manual but will have another look. <br /><br />I'm happy to spend a bit extra if it makes a difference and have a Tesco nearby so will give Momentum a try. Guess it's generally better for the big cat to feed it with higher quality cat food! <img src="http://www.ftypeforums.co.uk/images/converted_files/smileys/smiley4.gif" border="0" align="middle" />
 
Forgot to mention... <br /><br />I've not had any issues with sooty deposits on the exhaust tips thanks to Gtechniq C5 wheel armour. I had plenty left after doing my wheels so put it on the exhaust tips too. Any deposits just wipe off and water actually beads on the exhaust. Would highly recommend this to keep your exhausts looking shiny! <img src="http://www.ftypeforums.co.uk/images/converted_files/smileys/smiley16.gif" border="0" align="middle" />
 
Locally Momentum is cheaper than V-power so the car inevitably gets the Tesco stuff. On the odd occasion I do have to get a tank full of V-power I can't tell the difference. Not quite sure why Tesco are significantly cheaper than Shell (or Waitrose selling Shell) for essentially the same stuff but they are.
 
We don't get Shell in Northern Ireland, and the tesco's don't do the high octane stuff (despite advetertising that they do). We do get a shed load of random brands that use the same supplier though, and BP, so I use BP high octane. But on one or two occasions I've filled up with supermarket juice, I can't say I've noticed much difference though.
 
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