Fuel Additives

[M W.]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a true 1964 survivor car with just over 70,000 miles on it. Anyway my question is should I use a lead additive to the gas when filling up the tank? Is there anything wrong with just using standard 87 octane or 93 octane? Any help is appreciated.

Regards,

Craig Willetts
#36551

[Joe L.]

Re: Fuel Additives

Craig-----

There's really no need to use a lead additive. You don't really need to use a lead replacement additive, either. But, if you wish to do the latter, I recommend using one that contains Powershield (CD-2 is one that does and it's concentrated so it's very convenient to carry and use---2 oz per tankful).

You'll probably need to use the 93 octane, though. However, you might try a mid-grade first. If it runs without significant pre-ignition, that's all you need.

The late John Lingenfelter once said that unleaded gas was the greatest thing that ever happened for performance. He was right. Joe Lucia says that leaded gas is great for octane and exhaust valve seat lubrication but bad for everything else in the engine and exhaust system. You should be able to get all the octane you need in unleaded pump gas and, in normal service, you don't really need the exhaust valve seat protection. So, why endure all the "negatives" of leaded gas?

Much more in the archives on this subject.

[M W.]

Thanks *NM*