Lees65
Newbie
Posts: 24
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 09-20-24
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10-03-24 02:51 PM - Post#2874397
Good evening All, I truly appreciate all the help, but I have another question. I have a 396 big block in my 65 impala and i want the engine going strong for as long as possible and since the engine was made when gas was leaded and now we use unleaded, is it ok to use the lead substitutes in with the high octane gas, or would i be ok just using high octane gas only?
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 Shepherd
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3598
Loc: Lake George, NY
Reg: 11-11-15
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10-03-24 03:46 PM - Post#2874400
In response to Lees65
Oft discussed issue, high test is not the answer to the lack of lead. I have set to see exhaust valve seat recession in any of the restorations I have been involved in,
some evidence says engines driven hard over long stretches of time may experience this condition. That said some lead additive may be called for, but it is tough on plugs and exhaust sytems.
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 DHMelton
"3rd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 432
Loc: Central Arizona
Reg: 04-10-22
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10-03-24 04:05 PM - Post#2874401
In response to Shepherd
I wouldn't worry about it unless you put 50K miles per year on the car.
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Shepherd
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3598
Loc: Lake George, NY
Reg: 11-11-15
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 10-04-24 04:44 AM - Post#2874406
In response to DHMelton
Agreed.
Edited by Shepherd on 10-04-24 04:44 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Lees65
Newbie
Posts: 24
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 09-20-24
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10-04-24 05:22 AM - Post#2874408
In response to DHMelton
Understood!!, Thank you for the info!
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Lees65
Newbie
Posts: 24
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 09-20-24
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10-04-24 05:25 AM - Post#2874409
In response to Shepherd
Thank You for the info!!, it is much appreciated
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Magnetocheck
Contributor
Posts: 538
Age: 70
Loc: Charlotte, NC, USA
Reg: 09-05-22
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10-04-24 06:35 AM - Post#2874410
In response to Lees65
Unless you have a compelling reason not to use it, you might find that the ethanol-free gas is easier on the older fuel system components. If you have replaced everything from the tank to the carb (as I have), it is probably not a big issue, but I use ethanol-free exclusively in my Impala to try to keep it happy. High octane gas is really only necessary if you're running a high compression ratio or boost. A stock lower-compression big block really won't benefit.
BTW, "ethanol free" is never really free, but tends to have only 1-2 % instead of 10% like regular pump gas.
Bob
'65 Impala SS 396 Convertible
Member, National Impala Association
--It's weird being the same age as old people! |
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japete92
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2330
Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
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10-04-24 06:56 AM - Post#2874411
In response to Lees65
Agree with all that has been said.
But, even back when that car was new, AMACO sold their high test 'white' (as we called it) gasoline that was unleaded. It, along with SUNOCO 260 was very popular with the folks who had 'high performance' cars.
Just a little history as I remember it.
Pete
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 toro455
"9th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1462
Loc: Western NY
Reg: 06-15-02
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10-04-24 12:34 PM - Post#2874422
In response to japete92
Here's an article about unleaded gas in general. It gives some dates and it mentions how they determined what was historically normal for presence of lead the atmosphere:
https://kendrickoil.com/a-brief-history-of-un leade...
I also heard that GM started in 1973 with induction hardened valve seat areas in preparation for lead removal. All gasoline cars starting in the 1975 model year had to have a catalyst (so designed for unleaded). The article above references a later date for banning leaded fuel but that makes sense because cars sold before the 1975 MY were perceived to need it.
I remember having conversations about rebuilds and what was needed and the conversation was similar to what has been discussed here. There aren't that many of us putting tons of miles on these cars.
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rick1965
Contributor
Posts: 143
Loc: joliet ill
Reg: 12-07-16
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10-07-24 06:14 AM - Post#2874471
In response to toro455
so whats everyones thoughts on ethanol stabilizers out there.... lucas oil has a product that was recommended to me awhile back and ive been using it since , thoughts 
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 ss3964spd
"6th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 4734
Loc: Fairfax, Va
Reg: 12-21-00
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10-07-24 06:39 AM - Post#2874473
In response to rick1965
FWIW, Rick, I've never used any kind of stabilizer - even during winter storage, in the previous NM 396 or the now 489, for the 25 years I've owned my '66. Ethanol pump gas has just bever been an issue for me.
Dan
If I recall correctly my memory is excellent. My ability to access it is not. |
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