I am a rookie vintage corvette owner and am temporarily in over my head. I need some help with some very basic questions for starters. First, the vehicle has bias ply 7.75-15`s. These have got to go..please tell what size you recommend for this vehicle in a radial tire. Second, I understand I need the best premium gas I can get....we are at about 500 ft above sea level where car is. Should I use a lead additive? How much and any specific recommendations? Also, when the vehicle is occasionally stored for a few months should I put a stabilizer in the fuel? Your comments will be greatly appreciated>
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Re: 1967 427/435
Richard, tires; why not go with the same size in radial, try Coker Tire Co. Lead substitute wont hurt, but you dont have to be religious about it. I use it every 2 0r 3 tanks worth of gas. But thats all I drive the car per summer season anyway, maybe 4 tanks. Elevation of 500ft- mute point. Fuel stabilizer I use it in all of my equipment. Cars, trucks, tractors, etc etc [ Vintage or new stuff. ] Dont waste your money on octane booster, not enough bang for the buck. Hope this helps. Mike Chase -
Re: 1967 427/435
Yes, it sounds like you are in over your head. But recognizing that, you have a good chance to pull this off and enjoy it.
People don't buy these cars to drive much anymore. The 435 hp cars are basically high dollar investment cars. As such, getting rid of the 7.75-15s is like peeling a few bills off the roll and burning them. Stack them in the corner of the garage, each wrapped in a black garbage bag, but don't get rid of them.
I think most look at a 215-70x15 radial to maintain an appearance close to stock. The archives are full of tire information.
Gasoline. Most will agree that the octane boosters available and the lead additives are really not much help. Even 25 years ago, the really nasty, EPA-will-jail-you-forever boosters available only raised it a point or two at most. The solution is find a race track or a racing gasoline supplier, and prepare to buy the 100 octane no-lead at $4 a gallon roughly or the 110-114 octane leaded gasoline at over $5 a gallon, as of a couple of years ago. With the recent rise in gas prices, these figures could be a couple of dollars low.
Mixing a high octane no-lead with a leaded gas can usually be done around 2 parts no-lead: 1 part leaded.
Be sure to check the archives for Duke's information on mapping the ignition to the right specs. He's given it several times to many asking why they can't run on today's gas.
500 ft above sea level isn't much. Did you mean 5000?
As to a stabilizer, many swear by them. However, I've never have had problems with one sitting for a few months.Comment
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Re: 1967 427/435
My engine is a small block with 11:1 compression and original in my 68. I use 93 pump gas and do not use any additives. Your owners manual should give you information on how to drive your car. My owners manual says to use second gear when driving in traffic and less than 30 MPH and down shift to next lower gear to keep from lugging the engine above this speed. Using the appropiate gear to keep the RPM's up will help your 435 using todays gasoline. If you are going to drive your car more than show it, I would buy the best modern speed rated tire that would fit in your wheel well that will increase your saftey while enjoying the car.Comment
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