Don't pile drive me (Leaded vs. unleaded) gas.

[TexasTorred]

Hello E-Body and fellow Mopar fanatics,

Quick question. (Yes, I did do a search so plz don't pile drive me

Leaded vs. unleaded gasoline. Always wondered what you all are running with your e-bodies. Did you or do you have to lower the compression ratios (or 'harden' the engine valve springs) to run pump (unleaded) gas?

Or crunching up some pencils and adding to your tanks LOL. Thanks all.

greg

 

[burntorange70]

Can't buy leaded gas any more. Either have to put in some kind of additive (don't know if they even have such a thing) or hardened valve seats. I put in hardened seats my self.

 

[DetMatt1]

If I can still remember correctly the lead in gas was simply a lubricating agent for the valve seats. Replace your valve seats if that has not already been done and you're good to go. Lead additives are still available in the auto parts stores around here suprisingly, but they haven't used lead in pencils for some time as well, graphite, which does nothing for your valve seats.

 

[TexasTorred]

If I can still remember correctly the lead in gas was simply a lubricating agent for the valve seats. Replace your valve seats if that has not already been done and you're good to go. Lead additives are still available in the auto parts stores around here suprisingly, but they haven't used lead in pencils for some time as well, graphite, which does nothing for your valve seats.

Thanks Save me buying more school supplies with graphite in them

Take care...
greg

 

[Aussie Challenger]

If I can still remember correctly the lead in gas was simply a lubricating agent for the valve seats. Replace your valve seats if that has not already been done and you're good to go. Lead additives are still available in the auto parts stores around here suprisingly,

Lead was a cheap way of raising the octane rating of the fuel as well as a lubricant, there are now different chemicals (read expensive) used to raise the octane rating but they don't lubricate the seats.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

I use stellite seats for the exhaust valves & just run unleaded

 

[Aussie Challenger]

I use stellite seats for the exhaust valves & just run unleaded

I have them fitted when I am building a motor for propane (LPG) but more now in our older vehicles to stop exhaust valve recession.

 

[R/T4speedconv]

For the longest time we only had unleaded gas here in the USA. The Chrysler Flathead 6 was built for unleaded up to 1959. I would not worry about the gas now days (except for ethanol ) and just run the car. If you end up with valve trouble have the heads re-built and put in harden seats then and you will be set for life.