Fuel additives

[KML1976]

Hi everyone,

I've recently joined the forum as I've just bought my second Stag.....trouble is, I sold my first over 20 years ago!!

Back then, they used to run on leaded petrol. The guy I bought this one from recommended that I use Miller's VSPe Powerplus when I fill with super unleaded, but trawling round the web I'm finding lots of folk merely saying super unleaded alone is sufficient (with a few even using normal unleaded).

Can anyone advise what is best?

Many thanks.

David

[therat04]

Hi everyone,

I've recently joined the forum as I've just bought my second Stag.....trouble is, I sold my first over 20 years ago!!

Back then, they used to run on leaded petrol. The guy I bought this one from recommended that I use Miller's VSPe Powerplus when I fill with super unleaded, but trawling round the web I'm finding lots of folk merely saying super unleaded alone is sufficient (with a few even using normal unleaded).

Can anyone advise what is best?

Many thanks.

David

Hello David i use super unleaded in my stag but still put in Castrol Valve Master Unleaded Fuel Additive from Rimmers to be sure, i have not had any issues in the 4 years and 16000 miles i have owned the car.
There are lots of different makes of additive out there but i am sure they are all much of a muchness...welcome to the forum and enjoy...Steve

[Kevin Garrod]

I've only ever used ordinary unleaded.
The Stag was designed to run on unleaded for the US market.
If you use super you can run with more ignition advance but to me it's a waste of money along with additives.

[DJT]

Welcome back to Stag ownership and the SOC Forum.

There are plenty of opinions on this subject, but mine is based on 25 years of experience. The Stag engine was designed, and built, to run on ordinary unleaded. I've run two Stags on this since I had my first engine rebuilt in 1992. The only problem encountered was a couple of burnt exhaust valves on the one head that I got on an exchange basis from one of the big suppliers. It had been rebuilt with non OE valves Those valves were replaced with unleaded type and the valves in both heads were fine when the heads were again removed some 50,000+ miles later, having been run on supermarket unleaded. I've run my current Stag on the same fuel for getting on for 7 years (over 20,000 miles). I took the heads off last year; the valves were all fine and suitable for re-use.

If I were you I'd ditch the additive and fill up with unleaded.

[marshman]

I've only ever used ordinary unleaded.
The Stag was designed to run on unleaded for the US market.
If you use super you can run with more ignition advance but to me it's a waste of money along with additives.

+1

[Jeff]

+1

+2

[MandM]

+2

I use normal unleaded with a dash of Redex, only cos I can, just feel happier with it.

[robbo]

I use normal unleaded with a dash of Redex, only cos I can, just feel happier with it.

Same here. Mine also seems to like a drop of redex. Perhaps it's a yellow thing
Rob

[LAMBRETTLAD]

I use an additive ,just always have on older cars ,It's cheap enough and does give a octane boost (?)

[Another Peter]

You don't need an additive. They were made to run on unleaded.

If you add an additive you are just wasting your money on something your car doesn't need. The only benefit is the placebo effect in your mind and the increased profit for the manufacturer and retailer.

[fedex]

After all these years of running Stags this is the first time that I have heard this. At the moment I have lead balls dangling in the tank I put a dash of redex in. Then to top it off I use super unleaded. Bang goes the myth and the balls can be hung up in the garage, cheers all.

[pagan]

I always thought that motors with alloy heads, used hardened valve seats and valves to compensate for using alloy instead of cast iron.
So the lack of lead when unleaded was introduced was a mute issue.

As for the cast iron heads, we used to use hardened valves and seats when rebuilding and modifying the heads anyway.
usually because of higher compressions and fuels used.

Allan

[fedex]

Hello david and welcome, sorry I didn't say that first off but I'm amazed at this new revelation, as you can see I'm in Cardiff if I can be of help please give me a shot, cheers roger

[Gresley]

I have not used an additive in mine and in my experience all has been well so far.

[KML1976]

Firstly, may I thank other members for being so welcoming (I think I'm going to like this forum).

Secondly, I appreciate all your replies which have certainly provided food for thought.

I daresay it'll be a few months before I develop a 'feel' for my new Stag, and in the meantime I will play it safe and follow the advice of the individual from whom I bought the car.

Particular thanks to 'Fedex'. I will almost certainly be in touch at some point in the near future as quite honestly, I dived in at the deep end with this purchase and may well need a few pointers as to where to place my trust when (not if) things go awry.

Thanks again everybody.