fuel additive

[Jack bogosian]

Do I need to put a lead additive in each tank of gas on the 1970 vette and if so are there any you can recomend

[Duke W.]

Re: fuel additive

I question whether or not there are any additives that contain tetraethyl lead, and if any do, the concentration is probably so low that the the effect on the fuel's octane rating is minimal.

TEL is a hazardous material and is subject to strict EPA handling and distribution regulations. It is a highly toxic substance that can be absorbed directly through your skin where is will take up permanent residence in fatty tissue and can cumulatively lead to lead poisoning.

The "points" increase that are claimed by most commercial "octane enhancers" are 0.1 not 1.0, and most of the "octane enhancers" available at auto parts stores are mostly alcohol. Read the label fine print and ignore the marketing BS.

Most pre-'71 high compression engines can be made to operate on available unleaded premiums with some judicious ignition timing map modification, which usually amount to no more than a slight reduction in initial timing for non-emission controlled engines, and "lead" is not needed to protect the valve seats unless the engine spends a lot of time at high output such as hauling and racing.

If your engine will not operate detonanation free with a well engineered alteration to the timing map, I recommend a blend of pump premium and race gas or avgas, and I doubt that a blend of more than 25 percent avgas or race gas would be required for any production engine designed for street use. (L-88 and ZL-1 were not intended for normal street use.) Internal engine configuration, installed timing map, engine condition, ambient temperature, inlet air temperature, and altitude are all factors in the detonation equation. It comes down to your individual case in terms of both your car, driving conditions, and your understanding of the variables that affect detonation.

The timing map is particularly important, and if your engine is emission controlled (ported vacuum advance, TCS, etc.) it will have more tendency to detonate that the antecedent non-emission controlled engine, so reworking the timing map to the latter will usually reduce the tendency to detonate.

If you are on the road and need greater octane, locally purchase a gallon or two of toluene or xylene at a local hardware or paint store to add to 20 gallons of fuel.

Duke

[Jack bogosian]

Re: fuel additive

Thank you for all the detailed information..It amazes me how much you guys know about these cars,, I am just learning about this things and appreciate the knowledge you have to offer.. Once again thanks JACK

[Don 42616]

Re: fuel additive

Jack, I use " octane supreme 130 " It is tetraethyl. It takes 91 octane to (all thats available in Ca. )100 octane @ 1 qt. to 10 gal. info@kemcooil.com or 877 450 5877
Take care & don't spill on paint. I use a funnel & cover gas filler area. DON

[Jack bogosian]

Re: fuel additive

THANKS THAT GOOD INFORMATION AND THE TIP ABOUT THE PAINT TO

[Jean C.]

Re: fuel additive/ Sunoco fuel

I often see references on this forum regarding members using "high octane" Sunoco fuel in their Vettes. Although we do not have Sunoco staions in Texas, when I was in New Jersey and New York state last week, I saw Sunoco stations with 93 octane fuel as their Premium grade and supposedly the highest grade they pumped for the retail market. Just curious, but does Sunoco generally sell something higher than 93 octane at their service stations? I believe 93 octane is generally the standard Premium grade sold in my neck of the woods.
Best regards,
Charlie

[Richard T.]

Sunoco Fuel

Sunoco makes a leaded 110 octane race fuel that is generally available at speed shops ($6.95 per gallon in Seattle).

[Clem Z.]

Re: fuel additive/ Sunoco fuel

some places they sell 100 octane unleaded race fuel at the pumps. goggle sunoco and you can find a list of stations

[Eugene B.]

Re: fuel additive/ Sunoco fuel

Charlie,
Another data point. I buy 94 octane Sunoco for the Harley-Davidson in Columbus, OH. It loves the stuff.

Regards,
Gene

[Rob M.]

Re: fuel additive/ Sunoco fuel

In europe almost every gas station still sells 98 octane...

greetings,
Rob.

[Michael W.]

Re: fuel additive/ Sunoco fuel

Rob, I believe the rating system in Europe is different than in US/Canada.

[Duke W.]

Re: fuel additive/ Sunoco fuel

Europe uses RON. Their 98 is our 93-94.

Duke

[Grant M.]

Re: fuel additive/ Sunoco fuel

Sunoco here in Ontario sells "Gold" at all stations with a rating of 94 octane. We also have a small local fuel distributor (Stinson Fuels) that sells 110 octane from May-October (for about $2.25/litre = more than $10.00 (Cdn) per imperial gallon!).

grant

[Jim T.]

Re: fuel additive

Jack I have a 70 that I installed a GM ZZ crate engine in years ago and all I ever use is premium no lead from the usual gas pumps. My 68 original 327/350 L79 has higher compression and runs just fine on the premium no lead from the same pumps. I don't use any additives.

[Chris L.]

Re: fuel additive

So what is the stuff Jack Podell (who advertises in the Driveline) has been selling for years??? Thanks