Back in the day, the choice was simple: your pride and joy ran on standard or super, and if you wanted more, you would browse the shelves at the local servo for the bottled additives that were available.
While bottled additives are still available, you can give your car a lot more care by the fuel you choose to use. Ampol’s Amplify Premium 98 fuel is a perfect example of getting better performance per kilometre without needing to add anything more to the tank.
According to George Kourtesis, Fuels Product Marketing Manager for Ampol, the Amplify range includes a multi-function additive that cleans and protects the engine and fuel system from the unwanted deposits that are formed during the internal combustion process as the vehicle is driven.
The Amplify additive is based on advanced deposit control technology and includes detergents to clean the fuel system for optimum fuel flow and a corrosion inhibitor which protects metal surfaces and prevents the formation of abrasive and damaging rust particles. It also includes a friction modifier to create a barrier between the moving metal surfaces to prevent engine wear.
“We all know when you burn something, there is something left over. In a car, that means deposits which block the system. They disrupt the flow of fuel into your engine and can result in the car hesitating while accelerating, the engine running rough, and a higher fuel use.
“New cars electronically adjust the fuel mapping and injection time to suit the octane. So if you fill up with 91 and you have a performance vehicle, the car’s computer will actually monitor the combustion process and adjust it so it doesn’t damage the engine. The car can run but not at its peak. If you put in 98, it will do the same thing, and obviously the car will run better.
“In classic cars, you don’t have that system. Classic cars need to be tuned to the fuel being used. So, if your car was designed to use standard petrol and you want to use 91, to get the most out of the car you would have to tune the engine to suit that fuel.
“But if your vehicle was designed to run on super petrol, then you need to be using a higher octane unleaded fuel and I recommend Amplify 98 Premium Unleaded.”
George notes that most people who own a muscle car, or any type of classic car, are unlikely to use it as a daily drive. It’s something they care for and look after and when it does come out of the garage, they want it to run as efficiently as possible as well as performing at its best. He personally believes Amplify Premium 98 is the best choice of fuel for these cars, because it starts well, idles well and runs well.
And if maximum performance is important, George recommends tuning the car to the fuel you want to use and then sticking with that fuel. Tuning the car to suit also means better management of its emissions, making a Sunday drive more environmentally acceptable. When deciding on which fuel you will use, it also makes sense to choose something that is easily accessible and right for your budget, considering the value of your car.
The full range of Ampol Amplify Premium Fuel (the range includes diesel) has been formulated to meet the Australian Fuel Quality Standard. As of 2025, all fuel sold in Australia must have lower levels of sulphur, bringing us into line with the Euro6 emissions standard.
As the environment becomes more of an issue, those standards will only get tougher but George says Ampol’s customers have nothing to worry about. Research and development is underway.
Ampol has access to the world's best additive technology with an active development program in Europe focused on the ever-tightening vehicle emissions regulations and renewable fuel options. Additionally, Ampol validates the performance of its premium fuels in local vehicles and under local conditions ensuring all its Amplify Premium Fuels do what they are supposed to.
“The Amplify fuel additive doesn’t contain octane or cetane enhancer as such. It’s not like after-market boosters, or getting a bit of a bounce happening by drinking an energy drink, sadly,” he chuckles. “What it does is restore the vehicle’s engine by removing the residues of combustion and leaving it clean, so it runs more efficiently.
While he is aware that premium fuels take a bit more out of the budget, he makes a valid point with the reminder that Amplify doesn’t just restore engine power, it cleans as well. In other words, it’s false economy to use cheap fuel if you’ve made a serious investment in a classic car.
In saying that, it’s important to know that fuel is not just a ‘day job’ for George. As a passionate motorcycle owner and rider, he really cares about the fuel he uses. He is genuinely interested in meeting the needs of all Ampol’s customers, including those who have something a little special in their garage.
But don’t just take our word for it. Check out the video below and you’ll hear what some classic car enthusiasts have to say about their choice of fuel and why it is key to getting the best performance.
The Amplify Premium Unleaded and Diesel range is uniquely formulated to ensure your engine stays clean and performs at its peak. For more information visit https://www.ampol.com.au/your-vehicle/petrols-and-diesels/additives
.jpg&q=70&h=226&w=176&c=1&s=1)
