Running against the wind

[Bill B.]

Are we running against the wind? Please chime in with your comments.

Bill

[Michael G.]

Re: Running against the wind

I too have been watching the "winds of change" and the direction they blow. I honestly believe that the day will come when societies and organizations such as this will have to join forces to fight new legislation hell-bent on turning our vintage vehicles into "off the road" ornaments to be only seen, and not heard. With just the historical significance (as they see it, not me) we could find ourselves in the firing line. And remember that there is a large portion of enthusiasts out there that might not care. They buy them up, fix them up, and put them on display with no intension of fouling a plug. Just my two cents of paranoia. Mike

[Robert R.]

Re: Running against the wind

Legislation isn't turning our vintage vehicles into "off the road" ornaments, we do it to ourselves when we become afraid to enjoy the intended purpose of these cars.
To drive and have fun with it.
You could save that original 12.5 to 1 comp engine that needs 100+ leaded octane and put in a current available engine that will run on todays fuels.
It all depends on you. It's your hobby to enjoy either way.
Bob

[Philip C.]

Re: Running against the wind

I owned a American (AMOCO) gas station back in the 70s in Rhinebeck N.Y, and all my friends and customers used American White gas which has no lead in, we used it for years in all types of cars with no prolbems. When the fair grounds had (and still has) its car shows, we were very busy they all used it, street rod guys, big block corvettes, I put 80,000 miles on my 69 GTO and I never bought gas any place else for it. The amount of mileage we put on today does it really make a difference, Phil 8063

[Michael W.]

Re: Running against the wind

Bill,

The valve seat myth is just that- a myth. It's just taking some people longer than others to admit it.

The ethanol issue can be dealt with by use of modern gasket and seals.

The oil issue has truly been beaten to death with all sorts of solutions provided.

I don't know of any real issue that would stop someone from driving their car.

[Richard D.]

Re: Running against the wind

I owned a American (AMOCO) gas station back in the 70s in Rhinebeck N.Y, and all my friends and customers used American White gas which has no lead in, we used it for years in all types of cars with no prolbems. When the fair grounds had (and still has) its car shows, we were very busy they all used it, street rod guys, big block corvettes, I put 80,000 miles on my 69 GTO and I never bought gas any place else for it. The amount of mileage we put on today does it really make a difference, Phil 8063

Yes. I remember that my father would only use Amoco high test also. Used it in a 65 Pontiac Catalina we had its whole life (7 years, to about 85k miles or so) and never had any problem whatsoever. Was a 389 2 barrel, advertised HP at 290. Was either 10:0 or 10:5 CR I believe. Was actually a very strong running car for a family 4 door sedan. Used to blow off all kinds of muscle cars with it from that era.

[Bill B.]

Re: Running against the wind

Michael G. - I can see this approaching in the near future but pray that legislation will grandfather us in because we are not a threat to the environment in such small numbers. I also believe that the collector trailer queen enthusiasts find pleasures in their own way. But strongly believe there are more enthusiasts that prefer to drive & show that will fight this legislation so all can enjoy in the experience of what it was meant to be, 'driven'.

Robert R. - I believe that we shouldn't have to remove our original engines. I appreciate the nostalgia of that era and strongly believe we should be able to enjoy the way it was meant to be driven. let us enjoy history without sacrifice, but thats just my opinion.

Philip C. - Yes, I also ran AMOCO Ultimate gold most of the time in the early to mid seventies in my 67 Chevelle 327/425+ @ 12.01 et. 107 mph 11:00:1 cr. and never had a valve issue. But then maybe the valves were coated previously using other leaded gas...I don't know!!!

Michael W. OK, I'll try to be more optimistic.

Richard D. Looks like we all used AMOCO......SUNOCO 260 used a blend of octane (RED) that stained the inside of my 750 dual feed double pumper w/mechanical secondaries......went through a can of Gumout every month, but when I changed to AMOCO gold same performance no more (RED) stain. ahhhh the good old days!!!

Bill

[James W.]

Re: Running against the wind

Let's not forget that it's just not 70s and 80s era cars that are affected. Up until 1993 any GM car will have issues dealing with ethanol in gas and will use flat atppet engines, even my LT5

Jim