Fuel Additives

[Mark H]

I have just recently had the heads skimmed on my Stag TV8 and had a couple of valves replaced. Iasked about having them all done and upgraded to useunleaded. Thecompany completing the work stated that as the heads were aluminium the seats & valves were already hardened & I could run unleaded & didn't need any additives.

Anyway the heads are back on & the cars back up & running but am still using the additives. Whats yourexperience /thoughtson this??

[Dakman]

imported post



I too have heard lots on this subject, like the cars were aimed for the American market, who weregoing or already hadgone over to unleaded.

My own take on this is that I only intend ~3,000 miles p.a., so extra cost of any additive is not really an issue compared with any possible engineering costs. I therefore choose to replace exactly what has been taken out of our petrol since the 70's....tetra-ethyl lead, and nothing else. If you do this by means of Tetraboost, it also lifts the octane up to 97, which is what the book recommends. The difference in my Stag is amazing.

Big cautions though, this is "Dangerous Goods" in the real meaning of the words, and use of special gloves (nitryl),goggles and mask is mandated by the suppliers, and it comes via special D.G.-certified carrier. In obtaining both lead AND octane boost, (standard 95 octane fill-up), cost is quite comparable with other additives.

[DJT]

imported post

Mark H wrote:

Thecompany completing the work stated that as the heads were aluminium the seats & valves were already hardened & I could run unleaded & didn't need any additives.

That is how they should be using OE standard exhaust valves. If the company that has done the work is happy to say that, then go with it. I haven't used leaded petrol or additives in my Stag engines since 1992. The only problem was with one head that was an exchange item from one of our 'favourite' suppliers in 1992 and that burnt two exhaust valves 25,000 miles later due to cheap valves being fitted. The other (non-exchanged) head was still going strong with 60,000 miles in.

Dave

[Mark H]

imported post

Thanks for the advice. The valves were replaced with good quality items from a reputable company (Notthe frequently discussed one)soI shouldn'thave a problem.

Mark H