lead substitute

[theguitarist]

Just curious, what does everyone use for lead substitute fuel additive on their older engines? I had been using one sold at Walmart, relatively cheap, but i noticed today that the bottle says "for off road use only" then it gives instructions for using trucks, vans, passenger vehicles, etc. So what are your preferences?

 

[sixpony]

I used it for a while when I first got my ol pony but from what I've read from other members here I decided it's not worth the hassle and expense, they say the lead is really not an issue unless you run your engine really hard such as at the track or a lot of long distance highway use. Now if I had a really low mileage original car I would probably go to the trouble, but with the mileage on mine I figure I'll probably go to a late model big log head before the valve seats become an issue. (already bought one salvage but alas it is cracked so I'll have to wait til I have the pennies for an auto zoo rebuild, not fun to pull them in the salvage yard and from what I've read it's rare to find a good one used)

 

[early ford fan]

it says 'for offroad use only'because it will toast a catilitic converter.its safe to use in an old car.like six said its not really needed.i went with the big valve hardened seat heat too on my 170.

 

[rbohm]

8) the only fuel additive i ever used was 104 octane boost, and that was to try and stop a detonation problem i had with an old plymouth. i have also used seafoam green as a fuel system cleaner. you dont need a lead substitute these days, you dont even need hardened valve seats either since modern fuels contain a lubricant for the valves that doesnt damage the emission systems of modern automobiles. dont waste your money on these things.