Unleaded or SUPER Unleaded?

[alkers]

I have a 1982 Leaded 2Lt

I was at the petrol station the other day, and decided to treat the van to some SUPER Unleaded. However after realised that I didn't know if it would do a vehicle intended to use leaded any good at all.

Does anyone out there know if it is better / worse or equal to basic Unleaded?

I occassionally add REDEX if van is behaving!

[kevtherev]

assuming you have an air cooled van at 2lt..

then it will make no difference to the van but will affect your wallet..
as for that other snake oil additive.. I wouldnt bother with that either

[Red Westie]

Super unleaded has a higher octance rating: all this means is the fuel has a greater resistance to pre-ignite 'knock' or as some people call it 'pinking'.
Hotter running/higher performing engines tend to 'need' a fuel that has a higher octane as those are the engines more likely to pre-ignite their fuel because of that extra heat.
On the other hand, fairly low stressed engine designs, don't need the higher octane (greater resistance) as they tend not to suffer from this condition.
Using Super in an engine that doesn't require it does no harm at all. However, using normal 95 Ron in an engine that DOES need higher octane may damage the engine long term. One tankful is unlikely to have an adverse effect (other than hearing it pink under load when hot)
FYI: just to clear up misconceptions and myth. High octane does not mean increased power.

Martin

[CovKid]

As I said once before, the basic T25 lump is only an upgraded beetle lump which would run quite happily on leaded 3-star! The 2.1 is slightly different but stick with the cheaper unleaded. You'd be wasting money using higher octane.

[alkers]

Thanks for that - I'll keep the 2p / litre for my beer fund!