High Octane Fuel

[Michael 427]

This maybe an old thread, but my 427-400HP was never changed over to burn unleaded fuel any suggestions on types of fuel or additives to use instead of going through the expense to have heads done.

 

[BlackNBlue95]

This maybe an old thread, but my 427-400HP was never changed over to burn unleaded fuel any suggestions on types of fuel or additives to use instead of going through the expense to have heads done.

I've only used the CD2 (Think thats the name of it) lead additive.. used it in my 57' chevy truck and my 66' galaxie both seem to be ok never had an internal engine problem yet knock on wood.. But my suggestion if you definitley do not want to do the heads, which is the best way to go. I would suggest usuing high octane gas and the lead additive.. other wise just have the heads redone.. it would be time consuming but you can pull the heads your self doesn't take too long maybe a weekend and send them out get them back re-install the next weekend..
-Rick

 

[Charlie '64]

Michael, HV Racing fuels sells a leaded racing fuel that I and several other gear heads use with good luck. We burn C12, rated at 108 octane and it's leaded (real lead). I've shown the formulaton to a petroleum engneer who runs a large refinery in Chorpus Christie, TX for Koch Petro, and he says the lead content is high enough that 2 or 3 gals per tankful should more than suffice for the lead requirements. I usually burn 3 gals per tank and then fill er up with 93 octane pump gas and have had no problems at all. It's not cheap, but comparable with buying lead "substitute" and an octance booster, and better for the engine in the long run according to our engineer. We've used it in our vettes (big and small block) Mustangs, and a Shelby all with equal success. If you live in an area that requires emmissions testing, burning a leaded fuel may cause some problems at test time, and it's not wise to tell the local fire marshall you're storing racing fuel, but beyond those surmountable problems, the fuel works great. Good Luck

 

[Charlie '64]

Michael, had an after thought. What you do should also depends on how you drive your car. If it's a daily driver, then your best move would be to spend the $$ and have the heads worked over. Mine is not a "daily" driver but I still burn about a tank a month on average during winter and more during better weather and have not opted to spend the bucks on the heads until I have to tear it down. Let us know what you deside

 

[Michael 427]

Charlie 64
Is C12 the name of the racing fuel do they have a internet site possibly for locations in Ohio, in our areas they sell Cam 2 not sure if it has lead, I have asked but for EPA reasons they won't provide an answer. Thanks for the ifo.

 

[offshore]

what I did to my 69 was 140 deg. t-stat, use fuel additive called REAL LEAD set total spark advance to 28 deg. 93 oct. 9 years 35,000 miles later no problems. I used to burn a set of plugs every 2 weeks before. and it was only a mater of time before i lost a valve seat. I lost alittle pony or 2 but if you drop a valve seat say goodbye to your motor!

 

[Michael 427]

Offshore
Any idea where I can purchase Real lead

 

[offshore]

I buy it from my locall parts dealer but he is privately owned.(not a chain) and I get ten cases a year for my customers.but i'll look around monday it can't be that hard to find.

 

[offshore]

This is a new additive I am going to try. The real lead I use does not boost oct. just adds lead.(tel) This product adds lead and boosts oct. it also uses the real thing( TEL)! It's $30.00 more per case but from what I read it might be worth it. (Due to boost propities) If you follow the inst.I gave you you should use 1/2 oz. per.gal.93. and you won't even notice any power loss. the hp. fule is great but i like to drive my car and carrying 5 gal. of 108 behind my seat to top off is'nt going to happen! This way just bring a qt. fuel up at sunoco and go! OOOPs almost forgot this. www.kemcooil.com/lead_supreme.php

 

[Michael 427]

OffShore

Thanks I visit the internet site it's seems to be what I'm looking for, I was told by TEAM Chevelle that PEP Boy's carry lead additive

 

[JohnZ]

None of the "additives" are necessary for protection against valve seat recession, nor is it necessary to install hardened exhaust valve seats, unless you're subjecting the car to very high throttle openings and high rpm for extended periods (like road-racing) or towing a heavy trailer at 100mph all day long.

99% of the "miracle octane additives" you find in parts stores are LOADED with ethyl alcohol, which will eat conventional cork and rubber gaskets and seals, and also eats the plating off the inside of your float bowls; alcohol also attracts water, which then corrodes the unprotected inside of the carb.

The only reliable way to combat octane sensitivity (short of a compression-lowering rebuild) is to mix race gas with pump premium and/or gradually reduce total timing or the rate of your advance curve until the detonation ("pinging") stops.

 

[Mac]

99% of the "miracle octane additives" you find in parts stores are LOADED with ethyl alcohol, which will eat conventional cork and rubber gaskets and seals, and also eats the plating off the inside of your float bowls; alcohol also attracts water, which then corrodes the unprotected inside of the carb.

Are you suggesting snake oil isn't really for snakes?? But the info-mercial guy says it works and he wouldn't lie, would he??

 

[offshore]

Most of my engines do run up hill towing a load all day.thats why I USE LEAD! 572 cid.850 hp @ 5250 rpm "natural" pushing 38' boats @ 90 mph all day is'nt easy.Thats why I use Lead. not to mention any alcohol fuel additive in a boat is illegal. There is no mention of alcohol in this product (i will check further though) and there many.many additives that WILL boost. PS. ALL OF THESE ENGINES (50 +) RUN ON 93! 11.75:1 CR.

 

[Gerry]

I agree with JohnZ, while there may be some additives that may do something (NO2) the best way to take care of 427 motors that ran on high octane gas 36 years ago is to give them a healthy shot of leaded race gas (100-108 octane). I buy a 55 gal drum of Sunoco 100 octane leaded race gas (2.50/gal) and add 3-5 gals to 15 gals of Sunoco 94. So far (7000 miles) my 67 / 427 rdstr. seems to be fine. My race buddies also say this is the best way to go. Good luck and enjoy that bad boy.


Best regards,
Gerry

 

[67435animal]

All these additives including 'Real Lead' and the octane boosters are an absolute waste of money. If your purpose is to provide your engine with the octane and lead it needs, then racing fuel is the only way to go. Sunoco makes an excellent racing fuel.

I buy it locally for 5.50/ gallon - 112 octane leaded. I mix 1 gallon of racing fuel with 2 gallons of SU93 to get 99-100 octane and my car is very happy.

I use about 1 tank per month so I am not worried about my effective per gallon cost of about 2.95.

Regarding the TEL that you can buy by the case - I tried it and the car did not like it at all. I switched back to the racing fuel and it was happy again.

So, if you are going to give the car what it needs spend your money on what works - racing fuel.

Sunoco's site: http://www.racegas.com/

They list stations in Ohio that sell their 100 octane CAM II.

 

[Charlie '64]

Michael, sorry it took so long for me to get another post, my wifes father passed away over the weekend. Looks like a long road trip coming up. Anyway, VP racing fuels web site; www.vpracingfuels.com. I see several others have done the same thing and seem to agree on the racing fuel approach. All those over the counter additives scare me, never know what they might slip in 'em. Learned alot about what goes in pump gas from my petro eng. friend and that isn't real pretty. Anyway, I see VP has a regional distributor in Terre Hautte so there may be a dealer in your area. I'm sure any brand will suffice but be sure and ask for a copy of their formulation and check to see if they've put something too exotic in there. Looks like prices are pretty competitive, $5.50 per gal or I buy a 30 gal drum for 149.50. Not cheap til you add up lead substitute and octane booster. This seems to work well with factory specs for timing,dwell, plugs, etc. Good luck and keep the wave.

 

[jonstr]

Ditto the other opinions on using racing fuel. In my '69 I use Unocal 110 leaded, available from my local 76 station, but sold out of the service garage. I've been taking in three 5 gallon jugs when I need fuel (it's illegal to pump leaded fuel directly into a car), but my next purchase is going to be a 55 gallon drum, which should help with the price a little.

Jonstr

 

[Michael 427]

Gerry- 67435Animal
Thanks for the inforation on Sunoco, I think it's the best way.

 

[Michael 427]

Charlie 64,
My condolence to your wife and Thanks for answering my question on leaded fuels

 

[Mikey1]

Got 98 octane over here in Germany at every fuel station.....

...just bring the baby here...problem solved ;-)