Shell vs. Exxon
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 2
From: Tampa FL
Shell vs. Exxon
Saw on the news tonight that the government (or whoever does it) just released the detergent ratings for the top tier detergent gasolines.
Shell topped the list for hi-octane while Exxon scored tops in regular octane (87-89). I think Exxon scored second in hi-test and Shell scored second in regular octane.
They measured the detergent factor of all the participating gasolines. What was really interesting is how low some of the others - Citgo, Racetrack, Speedway, etc., - scored.
Detergent factor affects deposit build-up on the valves and other parts. More deposit build-up equals less gas mileage and a less cleaner engine, according to the report.
Shell topped the list for hi-octane while Exxon scored tops in regular octane (87-89). I think Exxon scored second in hi-test and Shell scored second in regular octane.
They measured the detergent factor of all the participating gasolines. What was really interesting is how low some of the others - Citgo, Racetrack, Speedway, etc., - scored.
Detergent factor affects deposit build-up on the valves and other parts. More deposit build-up equals less gas mileage and a less cleaner engine, according to the report.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Conway Arkansas
I just got my 08 vette about 2months ago. It only had 5000miles on it. I dont know what the previous owner (Middle age woman) used, but I've put nothing but Shell 93 octane in mine. Helps that I get $.10 off per gallon via my Kroger card.
BTW...gas is $3.84/gal for 93oct here. $3.74 with the Kroger card. Whats it where you live?
BTW...gas is $3.84/gal for 93oct here. $3.74 with the Kroger card. Whats it where you live?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,548
Likes: 176
From: Upstate NY
Saw on the news tonight that the government (or whoever does it) just released the detergent ratings for the top tier detergent gasolines.
Shell topped the list for hi-octane while Exxon scored tops in regular octane (87-89). I think Exxon scored second in hi-test and Shell scored second in regular octane.
They measured the detergent factor of all the participating gasolines. What was really interesting is how low some of the others - Citgo, Racetrack, Speedway, etc., - scored.
Detergent factor affects deposit build-up on the valves and other parts. More deposit build-up equals less gas mileage and a less cleaner engine, according to the report.
Shell topped the list for hi-octane while Exxon scored tops in regular octane (87-89). I think Exxon scored second in hi-test and Shell scored second in regular octane.
They measured the detergent factor of all the participating gasolines. What was really interesting is how low some of the others - Citgo, Racetrack, Speedway, etc., - scored.
Detergent factor affects deposit build-up on the valves and other parts. More deposit build-up equals less gas mileage and a less cleaner engine, according to the report.
Oh no! My gas is on the crap list!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 902
Likes: 7
From: Hanover Maryland
I just got my 08 vette about 2months ago. It only had 5000miles on it. I dont know what the previous owner (Middle age woman) used, but I've put nothing but Shell 93 octane in mine. Helps that I get $.10 off per gallon via my Kroger card.
BTW...gas is $3.84/gal for 93oct here. $3.74 with the Kroger card. Whats it where you live?
BTW...gas is $3.84/gal for 93oct here. $3.74 with the Kroger card. Whats it where you live?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,514
Likes: 235
From: Currently somewhere in IL,IN,KY,TN,MO,AR,MS,AL, or FL
I like Shell and use a lot of it but you have to change up occasionally. Each detergent formula has strengths and weaknesses. Shell does very well but your engine will run even better if you use one of the other Top Tier stations to get the small amount of junk Shell leaves. I run a tank of Conoco every 6 months or so and my engine is smooth as glass. No "cam lope" here.
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Lifetime NCM Member #2482
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 1
From: West of Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '11
Not that I'm partial or anything (retired from Shell a year ago), but Shell's V Power is the best! Shell's premium fuel is and has been tested for years by Ferrari. So for a high performance engine, I believe it's the best choice. I have never put anything but Shell, and an occasional tank of Chevron, in my gas tanks (assuming one or the other were available at the time). And, unlike Exxon, we never got a discount so that wasn't why. I believe they offer the best premium grade of fuel. 
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 10
From: Austin, Texas
I'd like to see a link to the site as well. I'm curious as to how Chevron, or Texaco, stack up. I've tried to use Chevron exclusively in my C5, due to the fact that the techron helps greatly with the gas gauge issue, but have a Shell station right outside the entrance to my development that I drive by every day...
Not to hijack the thread, but do the C6's have a similar gas gauge issue? I'm new to the C6, having just bought one for my wife.
Not to hijack the thread, but do the C6's have a similar gas gauge issue? I'm new to the C6, having just bought one for my wife.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,515
Likes: 255
From: Rochester New York
I'd like to see a link to the site as well. I'm curious as to how Chevron, or Texaco, stack up. I've tried to use Chevron exclusively in my C5, due to the fact that the techron helps greatly with the gas gauge issue, but have a Shell station right outside the entrance to my development that I drive by every day...
Not to hijack the thread, but do the C6's have a similar gas gauge issue? I'm new to the C6, having just bought one for my wife.
Not to hijack the thread, but do the C6's have a similar gas gauge issue? I'm new to the C6, having just bought one for my wife.
Iuse techron twice a year better to be safe than have to pull the car apart.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 3
From: Arlington VA
Since I dont know if I will drive my car for long periods of time, I put SeaFoam in every tankful. It will clean out anything left behind by the bad gas, and she starts easy and purrs like a kitten within a second or two even if left for months.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '11
Not that I'm partial or anything (retired from Shell a year ago), but Shell's V Power is the best! Shell's premium fuel is and has been tested for years by Ferrari. So for a high performance engine, I believe it's the best choice. I have never put anything but Shell, and an occasional tank of Chevron, in my gas tanks (assuming one or the other were available at the time). And, unlike Exxon, we never got a discount so that wasn't why. I believe they offer the best premium grade of fuel.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 3
From: Arlington VA
BTW I agree that Shell is likely a cut above. If there was a station anywhere near where I store my car I would buy it but unfortunately I would have to drive about 20 minutes. I store my car out in the boonies so the drive to the twisties is shorter, hehe.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Truth is, most gas start's off the same, with most top tier brand's adding more comprehensive detergent packages to the tank truck's being sent out to delivery. A lot has to do with with quality control at the service station's themselve's(such as water, ext), and worth paying a little extra at the top tier's to me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,110
Likes: 7
From: Pottsboro; Sometimes Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '12
I ALWAYS use 93 octane SHELL.....it's GREAT!!! In my Yukon I use 93 (top shelf) from Walmart.....it contains 10% Ethanol......that's reason I do NOT use it in my Z06. I used it once, and she did NOT like it. I could tell the power loss as well. I cannot tell difference in Yukon.
Tim
Tim