KC-Vette

I recently acquired a '72 Coupe with full documentation which includes the standard 350 ci engine. I am well aware of the need to supplement my fuel with a lead additive for valve seat and guide help/protection for this car. With our gasoline of today, what would you suggest? Also, what is everyone's thoughts on the Octane levels?

Thank you in advance!

7T1vette

72's were produced after the EPA got its paws into the auto industry. There is no need for a lead additive to 'save' your valve seats. GM was hardening seats well before any requirement of removing lead from gasoline.

Eliredandblack

For what it’s worth, I have been adding oil additives when changing the oil on my 73 small block. I believe most people agree that it helps with our older engines.

cv67

http://www.wildbillscorvette.com/OctaneSupreme01.htm

Duane4238

Also, read your owner's manual and make sure you're using the correct octane fuel. Even the base engine models don't use regular 87 octane. I think at least 91 is suggested. I always fill up with 93, as my station only has the 2 choices.
Duane

MelWff

you have a low compression engine with hardened valve seats, Nothing is needed.

Nowhere Man

Do your wallet and car a favor by only putting gas in your gas tank. Buy the lowest octane gas that does not make your engine ping under load.

7T1vette

I stand outside my front door every eveining and produce the loudest Tarzan yell I can muster, in order to keep the elephants away. It's working....

HeadsU.P.

We all pretty much use an oil additive. Its called zinc. But that's a different story than a gas, lead substitute additive.

I can remember when lead was removed from pump gas. About a year afterwards the rocket scientists said the lack of lead would damage the valveseats. That was how many decades ago? I am still waiting for any documentation that that damaging event has actually taken place.
Its B.S.

Nowhere Man

buy the right oil and you wont have to worry about a thing.

HeadsU.P.

I do! Lucas Hot Rod Classic. But it still has an additive right?

Nowhere Man

What additive? Oil with a API service rating for diesels engines has everything you need.

HeadsU.P.

The additive is zinc. Like millions of others use with Flat Tappet cams.

Nowhere Man

It’s formulated in for the right API service rated oil.

7T1vette

I thought this thread was about lead and valve seats....not zinc and cam lobes....

KC-Vette

Thank you to all who responded. I will continue to fill up with 91 octane, and only use top tier oils when its time to change oil.

Nowhere Man

Brand means NOTHING pay attention to the API service rating

Bergerboy

My understanding, is that the lack of lead is less of an issue than the presence of Ethanol.
For my '69 SB350, I use mostly 90 octane pure gas (no ethanol).
My routine for a tank on E, is to first put about 5 gallons of premium race fuel (110 octane, leaded) at $7.69/gallon (zoiks!) at the BP station in my town.
Then top it off for the remaining ~10 gallons with the 90 octane pure gas. I use Sunoco at about $4.50/gallon, but you can find an App that locates stations that sell pure gas via your phone's GPS.

7T1vette

Some folks buy caviar, but I doubt that it has any better nutrition than other MUCH less expensive foods. So, if you feel that your car deserves better and/or runs better by putting fuel that is multiple times more expensive that what the manufacturer states that it needs, so be it.