Remapping an import

megakid · 18 Feb 2006 at 12:18

Hi,

Beening scanning the web for various cars - most imports - where people have mentioned "Always run on Shell Optimax" - I assume this is because of the increased RON petrol in Japan.

Personally, I dont think I could dedicate myself to Shell (not for any particular reason, just I dont think I've ever stopped at a shell garage in all the time I've had my corsa - I just goto anyone I can see at the time) so I'm guessing there is a way to get it remapped to 97 RON petrol?

If so, would you need any ECU controllers (such as APEXi Power FC)? And if it can be done, how much does this type of remapping cost?

Matt82 · 18 Feb 2006 at 12:22

what car have you got?

you are correct. in japan 101ron fuel is easily available, hence even 98ron optimax is still a compromise.

over here you will find that most fuel is 95ron, rising to 98ron for optimax and tesco do sell some 99ron stuff.

depending on the car, you will be able to take it to a 'tuner' who will then be able to make changes to suit 95ron (iirc the ignition will have to be retarded a bit and you will lose performance)

megakid · 18 Feb 2006 at 12:26

Im hoping it will be a ST205 Celica GT4 - Most of them have some sort of ECU modification/controller in them already but if they didnt - could I still get it remapped (and would it be worth it?).

I dont mind buying 97 RON (Premium) as that's available pretty much everywhere. Would that substitute nicely for Optimax ? or a will it be a little bit too low (ie need remapping)?

Matt82 · 18 Feb 2006 at 12:38

what fuel is 97ron? is that super unleaded?

megakid · 18 Feb 2006 at 12:44

Matt82 said:
what fuel is 97ron? is that super unleaded?

Yes, sainsburies seems to be the cheapest seller of this around here (http://www.petrolprices.com) - my local one does 95 RON (standard unleaded) for 86.9p and 97 RON (premium/super unleaded) for 88.9p.

I even put 97 RON in my corsa due to the pitiful 2p different - I dont notice any performance difference (not really expecting to) but I do get an extra 20+ miles to a tank.

Jez · 18 Feb 2006 at 12:45

Yeah standard SUL is 97. TBH super always ran fine in my MR2, i was under the impression that the difference was neglegable between that and optimax.

Clarkey · 18 Feb 2006 at 13:12

also remember that while 100RON is available in japan, it is premium, regular is probably more like 97. Unless you have a japanese chip in and/or are running increased boost, 95 should be ok, but obviously higher is better. I don't know anything about celica's, but in the 300zx circle there is a whole range of rom's available with change for £100, I suggest you look on a celica forum.

Bear · 18 Feb 2006 at 14:35

You can map a car to what ever fuel you want accept you will lose power if you map for a lower RON fuel as you have to retard the ignition to prevent det, especially on a turbo car.

I would put the highest RON fuel in the car as added protection against det because I value my engine, but if its mapped properly then it shouldnt be a problem what ever fuel you use.

Personally I dont understand why you would want a performace car and be a skin flint with the fuel you want to put in it. :confused: