Castol Valvemaster Plus and Super unleaded
Turbo Mini Forums

I have been running my standard turbo engine on Shell V-power and a lead supplement. I have had no problems what so ever, until now. There seems to be a general shortage of V-power at the moment.

V-Power is 99ron. I am looking at the alternative of using super unleaded which is 97ron and Castrol Valvemaster Plus.

The Valvemaster Plus used with normal unleaded will take it from 95ron to 97ron. So will this be the same for super unleaded, will it take it from 97 to 99ron?

I know this sounds like a simple question, but I want to make sure. We are doing the London to Birghton run, and we worried about the fuel shortage.

Many thanks, Dave

in short dave yes!

How close to det are you running?

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

Is there a shortage of V-Power?

We do not have a problem at the local Shell with three of us using it.

Saul Bellow - "A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep."
Stephen Hawking - "The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge."

No V-power at my local, but that could be coincidence.

http://www.twin-turbo.co.uk
http://www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk/default.asp

A man without a project is like a like a woman without a shopping list.

I am not sure on the detination. I have had the engine 7 years, and no sign of any pinking underload. Although I only cover 2000 miles or less a year. This will be our furthest outing so far.

We have 2 Shell garages, and they have no V-Power. I was informed there is a 2 week delay in delivery, but there is still no sign of it. Tesco also stock 99ron fuel, and they are empty by us too. I have been on a number of other websites, and I have read similar concerns.

Just a little worried, my engine has been sound so far. I best start saving for the rebuild just incase. I will let you know how I get on, and thanks for your replys.

Thanks, Dave

You could always just knock back the ignition a few degrees to be on the safe side, or turn down the boost. TBH though on a standard engine you should not find a problem with the fuel you are going to use.

http://www.twin-turbo.co.uk
http://www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk/default.asp

A man without a project is like a like a woman without a shopping list.

there is a shortage nationally of V-power at the moment, it's apparently due to them refurbishing the refinery, although who knows how much truth there is in that!

I run my mini strictly on V-power with Valvemaster Plus added as well, so in theory 101RON.

If it's a standard turbo motor on 7psi you shouldn't have a problem

Mr. Prawn, the friendly Crustacean- slowly making steps towards forced induction.

That's odd, I managed to get v-power mid week last week in Stoke, where in staffs are you Dave?

Thanks for that everyone. I feel more at ease now.

Our local Shell garage is Longford Island on the A5 in Cannock. We managed to get some from Colwich, but they were running very low on stock. They informed us of the shortage.

For info all V Power for the UK is made at the Shell Stanlow refinary up here near Chester. My mate is projects engineer there and tells me they are doing some refurb work on the catalytic cracker that makes the V Power. All work done now so should be back up to full capacity soon.

I used to work in R&D for Redex and have a little experience with octane boosters and lead replacement. Be aware not all octane boosters are born equal. If words like "up to 2" are used on the label don't expect miracles. A lot of the testing is done with low actane fuel that is easier to improve.

Most of the valve seat recession testing was done on the A series engine as it is prone to this problem when unleaded fuel was introduced. Basically using lead replacement delays valve seat recession, but will not prevent it. High load accelerates the process. Only long term option really is hardened valve seats.

Nick.