lead substitute

theguitarist

Well-known member
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?
 
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)
 
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.
 
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.
 
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