Filling up with the good stuff

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by JayG

Butt Dyno

Perception becomes reality

You get used to it by the time you turn out of the station. But that little bit maneuvering out of the station, you feel the weight in the steering and in how much gas it takes to get the car rolling in first. We have a hill leading out of the station back to the road and you feel the added momentum in the brakes then as well.

I usually fill up about every 240 miles with my 2000 S and that leaves me usually right above where the light comes on.

[Perfectlap]

You can easily tell the difference from full and empty tank. Especially if you've been driving the car for over 10 years at the half full mark and have gotten used to how it feels from 1/2 full to the final hash mark before the light comes on. I can also feel when I've got heavy cargo in the rear trunk. The suspension on these cars is like to talk to you a lot.

[Burg Boxster]

Originally Posted by Giller

That would be your opinion. Frankly, lots of members are commenting, and I think the topic of full tank vs. part tank is a bit interesting, albeit totally unscientific.

Some people think it makes a difference, others think it's just silly. Facts and figures vs. how something feels - can lead to some fun debates!

I usually keep my car full simply because I can't be bothered making the extra trips to the pumps, but I am intrigued by Jake's comment that he can feel the difference. Now I want to get out and burn some gas off to see if I can too.

:dance:

I was referencing the discussion's focus on getting ripped off re: low grade left in filler hose... That's a complete Bimmerfest-esque conversation...

In vehicles as light as the Boxster (at least 986 & 987), one should easily be able to discern changes in handling if a tank of fuel is full/half/empty via the ~ 100+ lb delta. Since you cannot, I recommend doing an AX sometime w/ each and you will learn quickly...

[Topless]

I do prefer stations with separate hoses for gas. My fill up routine is as follows:

Daily driving or taking a trip= Full tank
Canyon carving with lil Bro or DE laps at the track= Half tank
Timed runs in AX or TT= 2-3 gallons only

A full tank weighs 100lbs and I can definitely feel it when driving at the limit. Around town it just doesn't matter to me at all so I fill her up.

[Giller]

Originally Posted by Burg Boxster

I was referencing the discussion's focus on getting ripped off re: low grade left in filler hose... That's a complete Bimmerfest-esque conversation...

In vehicles as light as the Boxster (at least 986 & 987), one should easily be able to discern changes in handling if a tank of fuel is full/half/empty via the ~ 100+ lb delta. Since you cannot, I recommend doing an AX sometime w/ each and you will learn quickly...

Haven't done any AX as yet.....and unfortunately most of my area is flat and straight. Joined the PCA this year so hopefully will get out to a driver training event next year and can put this to the test.

Cheers

[san rensho]

Actually the "good stuff" is the bad stuff. Gas with alcohol makes more horsepowers because of reduced detonation and cooler combustion chamber temps than plain gas.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by san rensho

Actually the "good stuff" is the bad stuff. Gas with alcohol makes more horsepowers because of reduced detonation and cooler combustion chamber temps than plain gas.

What about on the fuel system?

[keysguy]

Wow, just getting back to read this all.

1. not putting only a couple of gallons in because I can't afford more gas and one suggested. I keep the tank topped off most of the time, and its also an excuse to go for a drive. (need to put gas in the car)

2. I can believe the 1/3 gallon in the hose and even if I'm only putting in 3 -4 gallons 1/3 gallon is not much at all. I can not believe 1/2 cup left in the hose.

3. I keep the tank topped off just like I do in my boats. Condensation and the humidity down here can cause water in your fuel, and it does not take much water now that the ethanol is in the gas to have major issues. I had Phase Separation in one of my fuel tanks on the boat. What a mess to deal with. 75 gallons of trash gas to get rid of...... I learned more than I ever want to know about ethanol in gas after that fiasco.

4. I can VERY much tell the handling of my car on a light tank vs a full tank. When I worked for a race team in the old Grand AM series we often short filled tanks based on mileage and drivers changes. 10th of a second count.

Cheer!
Keysguy

[thstone]

Silly me...

[JayG]

Originally Posted by thstone

Silly me...

Tom, so that's your secret weapon on the track!

Should probably keep a bottle in the emergency tool kit in case I get stranded and its cold outside or run out of gas

[san rensho]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

What about on the fuel system?

All modern cars fuel systems can stand the extra corrosion of alcohol mixed fuels. My manual specifically says it can use alcohol mix fuel.

[jdlmodelt]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

^ I never run with more than half a tank. I've convinced myself that less weight over the life of the car is easier on the consumables. And now you tell me I'm losing a dollar!!!

i keep mine topped off. I don't go below a quarter tank and ussually top off at 1/2 tank. It's best on your fuel pump to keep the tank topped off. It will permit the fuel pump to overheat and prematurely fail if you run on the bottom half consistently.