Shell V-Power test

[Rick Rae]

Originally Posted by n0rt0npr0

...I regularly see a 4-5% increase when I switch from random fuel brands to one strict brand. This is due to the computer not having to err so much when adjusting fuel trim and timing from the different brand formulations.

That's interesting, because I've read so many times that, for the most part, "it's all the same gas" and only the additives differentiate one brand from the next. Your experience implies the additives make a pretty significant change in fuel behavior. (That, and/or differing percentages of ethanol).

I wonder if this could be tested by staying with one cut-rate brand or station for a while? Might be tricky since, unlike top-tier stuff, who knows which truck filled their tanks this week. Worth a try, though!

Awesome results so far!

Thanks, though I dunno how much it's really worth, given all the variables. For example, the car's about to go into the shop for timing belt/tensioner/water pump replacement and 100K service. You just know they're gonna idle the heck out of the thing, and then there's the changes from the maintenance too. But if anyone gets something useful out of it, or it prompts someone else to try a controlled experiment, it was worthwhile.

Rick