I guy asked me what fuel I used in my '66 Chevelle (stock 396 with mild
cam) while we were waiting for our step off time in the local July 4th
Parade. I told him regular 89 octane right now, but have used 91 and 93
octane and noticed now real difference in how the car ran. He got all over
me for not using a "lead additive". I told him I am under the theory that
the engine has been heated up and cold down so many times over the years
that the valve guides are hardened by now (I do plan on rebuilding the
engine with hardened guides in a few years when doing my restoration). His
point was that without having a lead additive that damage would be caused
to the pistons by blowing holes in them if the car back fires or pings
especially under hard acceleration. My hardly occasional back fire comes
through my carb and the car is timed that it never ping's. I do get an
occasional engine run on for a half a second which I could blame on the
lower octane. Any one using "lead additive" and any thoughts supporting
this guys comments?
Thanks,
Krister Meister
'66 SS #'s
