THE IMPORTANCE OF HIGH OCTANE FUEL - 98 RON

Hi all,

We did some performance tests recently to demonstrate the difference between standard premium unleaded and super unleaded fuel such as BP Ultimate and Shell Optimax. The reason for the test was so that we could demonstrate to people why a tuned car, and indeed a standard car, should use 98 RON petrol.

This test was done with an ECU upgrade on an 1999 C70 T5, in comparison with the standard ECU. The results were indeed stagering, and will be detailed soon on the Volvo Tuning UK web site. But to summarise, the results indicated that on 95 RON fuel, the max power from the upgraded car was down by up to 40 bhp compared with running it on 98 RON fuel. This is because the highest performing ECU upgrades are designed for 98 RON fuel. Don't get me wrong, the cars will run fine on 95, but the difference in power is simply huge. For sustained power, you simply must use the highest RON fuel you can find, which in the UK is 98 RON. Germany is lucky enough to have 102 RON!!!

I will keep you informed on this thread when this feature will appear on the web site. Then you can read about this issue in much more detail.

For all those wondering where you can get 98 RON - you can use either BP Ultimate of Shell Optimax. It is slightly more expensive than premium, but you will get better economy as well as the full performance potential of your engine, especially when tuned.

Adam.