What do you drive?

[unfnknblvbl]

Alright lads, serious question time.

Since I've had it, I've only put Premium (95 or 98) in my MR2. I'm sure it's mostly marketing wankery, but I figure that as the car is ageing, running a higher-octane fuel is a good idea. Plus I have a seriously leaden foot, so the better fuel economy is welcome

Since moving to Tasmania though, I can't find straight premium anywhere. The only thing I've found is a 95/98-octane E10 blend, which completely staggers my mind - is that octane rating for the total fuel or just the 90% petrol component?

Anyway, fuel economy aside, I've heard horror stories of people running ethanol blended fuel - from split fuel lines to rotted injectors to cracked head - but it's all anecdotal (aside from this gem).

What are people's thoughts on this? Do I just suck it up and get the 91 straight fuel, or do is it actually safe to go with E10 and the higher octane rating in a car of this vintage?

...and surely having 10% ethanol blended in completely counteracts the benefits of the higher octane base fuel, right?

[Madmya]

My car hates 91 octane, chews through it like a mother fucker. My understanding is that the octane is for the petrol component only, so I'd take that as being 98 octane mixed in with ethanol. I'd want to avoid that like a mofo too, but I'm with you, everything bad I've heard about the fuel is just heresay from people. I don't know anyone that's actually had a problem directly from the fuel.

[General Chaos]

Caltex or BP should be selling straight 95/98. Pretty sure shell do as well but they are less common in Tas.

Edit: Below link says there is a Caltex up your way with vortex 95 and 98. Which is pretty much all I ever put in my MR2 and now XR5.

http://www.caltex.com.au/HelpCentre/Pag ... anner.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Are you going to a liberty chain?

Your car is an NA or turbo?

Anyhow octane rating of E10 blends is total octane. So their fuel would be:
91base + ethanol = 95
95base + ethanol = 98

*both being less efficient than straight petrol.

Should you use it in you old MR2? Probably not. There is an official website that tells you if your car can support it. Eg the rubber etc will cope but even then I think the ethanol will tend to clean out your engine and that gunk is going to end up in filters etc...

[unfnknblvbl]

Ahhh. Good to know. My car is an NA - I've read that some of the turbo owners are turning to E10 (or higher) blends for a (perceived?) increase in power output, but I'm not convinced it's actually worth it in the long run. Maybe I'll switch if/when I need to get the engine overhauled.

Also, thanks for the Caltex link - that must be the only servo in Devonport I haven't tried!

[t0mby]

Tbh I don't think I ever ran 98 in my turbo MR2 but in my MX5 (NA) I did all all the time.I found economy the same as lower octane fuel but noticed a slight decrease when using lower octane. That said my timing was advanced from 10 degrees to 14. If you don't know what that is then might be best to Google it. You might be surprised although I am not sure if the 3GE would benefit from advanced timing off the top of my head. It's a simple 5 min job though if required.

[General Chaos]

The NA enjoys 95. Don't waste your money on 98. In fact I think my mate treated it to 98 once and it was pingy..

Honestly I reckon you could get away with 91 if the manual says so.

[AgOnNy]

Dropped a deposit on a FJ Cruiser today, will hopefully have it in a couple of weeks.

[t0mby]

Looks nice Ags! Good luck!

[AgOnNy]

Looks nice Ags! Good luck!

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not!

[t0mby]

Nah man it's great, love the colour. Are those the factory wheels or aftermarket?

[Madmya]

Yeah man it looks rad. Pretty sure they're just options tombstone.

[AgOnNy]

Didn't realise you can't read...need pictures eh?

[Cletus]

Don't listen to the trolls, Ags. The car looks awesome. Is the tinting legal or a bit darker? It looks a bit darker than legal to me but it might just be the light.

[Rorschach]

Been the proud owner of a 2003 model Honda Accord for the last three years. Will buy another Accord in 2015. About to inherit a 2006 turbo diesel Mitsubishi Pajero GLS. Will come in handy out west. Sorry, nothing sexy about the vehicles I own. Check and make sure that FJ isn't subject to a recall, Toyota put a notice out in America recently.

[Cletus]

i considered the FJ Cruiser just before committing to my SR5 the year before last. I think they look tough but classy.

[Lepo5]

"tough, but intelligent"

[AgOnNy]

IMAG0993.jpg

[cloud]

Nice colour dude!

[General Chaos]

Yeah nice colour gramps

[unfnknblvbl]

Welp, that's my clutch gone. Can't wait for the bill.

[unfnknblvbl]

...is this what I get for teaching the missus how to drive a manual in my car?

[Madmya]

Yes.

[unfnknblvbl]

It's just the master cylinder! Phew!

[cloud]

FPV are announcing the news tomorrow about the last GT...Getting my deposit ready!

[General Chaos]

Yeah you should be inline for a 351 R Spec FG.

Been very tempted to front up for some sort of GT but also thinking the FH XR8 won't be far removed from the current 335 GT's.

Also keeping a close eye on the new mustangs.