11 replies to this topic

[MajorGav]

Very off topic! Apologies for talking Capri on this forum, but the Capri doesn't seem to have a decent web presence! Anyway, I read in Autocak today that a Capri 280 (like mine) will run perfectly well on Super Unleaded, without any modifications. Is this true? I'm fortunate to have a local garage in Burley who still sell genuine 4-star (love the smell!), but it would it be easier to put Optimax in. Any help or advice please?

[s1oww]

I know they wont run on diesel as i found out by filling it up by mistake . I was glad i only used the car for fielding so it was funny having loads of white smoke pooring out the back, added to the capri effect At a guess i dont think it will work as the car need the lead. Super only has a higher octane rating, nothing else.

[MajorGav]

At a guess i dont think it will work as the car need the lead. Super only has a higher octane rating, nothing else.

They were my thoughts.

Going to email a Capri specialist I know, just to be sure.

[dunky]

I believe as yours is one of the very late engines it is OK to run on Unleaded. There is a way to tell - but I can't remember!!! Try your local Capri Club International branch or visit one of their events. I use a Capri specialist MWR (Mick Watts Racing) in Burton Upon Trent for all kinds of parts and services and he will probably help you out. If it doesn't like unleaded it will run hot which you will see both on the temp. guage and by inspecting the plugs. Nevertheless, I would use 4* for as long as you you can get it then Optimax with an additive - surely you don't do many miles. If it is an 'old' engine it will need an unleaded head conversion which is expensive. Regards Keith

[MajorGav]

Nevertheless, I would use 4* for as long as you you can get it then Optimax with an additive - surely you don't do many miles.

If it is an 'old' engine it will need an unleaded head conversion which is expensive.

Cheers Keith.

I'm more than happy to continue using 4-star When I picked the 280 up, she'd been used to LRP. After a couple of tanks of real 4-star, the engine felt smoother, more responsive and more fuel efficient.

It helps to know that Optimax plus additive will be ok - at £1.20 a litre for 4-star, it does get expensive!

Thanks again.

[MikeS]

I ran an '86 2.8iS as a track car for a while a couple of years ago, am certain I asked the chap at Caprisport about running it on super unleaded and seem to recall it being OK. Ideally it wanted the 2.9 out of a Granada shoved in, but I couldn't bothered with the hassle of that when another 2.8 was only buttons to buy anyway (last one was £150). If you've got a 4 star supplier near you though I'd keep using that until it runs out. Did that myself a few times and it did run noticeably better.

[Duncan]

Guess it depends on how hard the valve seats are. If they are hardened you'll get away with it. Alternative would be to run it slightly rich on unleaded (to stop it running too hot) and live with any valve seat recession. At £1.20 a litre it wouldn't take long to save up for new heads with hardened seats (or an exchange engine). (quick calc) If you save about 30p a litre using unleaded and do ca. 4000 miles a year at 20mpg you'll save nearly £300... Probably enough for those new heads or an exchange engine in a couple of years...

[JJEuropa]

Slightly off topic but my local sainsburys is now selling Super Unleaded for the same price as normal upleaded, 80.9 I'm not complaining but how come they're selling it for the same price?? JJ

[benw]

I thought 4-star was illegal now?? At £1.20 it should be!

[Whiteboy]

Oh no use at all but I love the capri tickford 280 i used to get a lift to work from a lady who had a turbo technics conversion.

[MajorGav]

I thought 4-star was illegal now?? At £1.20 it should be!

Certain garages have been given licences to sell the stuff. Not many, about a dozen or so in the country.

The garage in Burley attracts classic cars from all over Hampshire and Dorset.

Ben, for the amount of miles I do in the Capri, it is worth the expense. My 280 was designed to run on 4-star and she's all the better for it. I also want to keep her true to the original spec, so will hold off on the unleaded conversion until the very end!

Whiteboy - do you mean the Tickford Capri (the one with the bodykit) or the 280 (standard body, Brooklands green)? Both were available with the TT conversion. Wild cars!

JJEuropa - never heard of that before. It is widely known that supermarket fuel comes with less additives and detergents, so this could be a factor.

[Whiteboy]

Whiteboy - do you mean the Tickford Capri (the one with the bodykit) or the 280 (standard body, Brooklands green)? Both were available with the TT conversion. Wild cars!

Sorry it can't have been the 280 as it had a tickford badge near the lower clock , great car for drifting.