Lead substitute?

Getting ready to fill the newly blasted-out tank on the '62, fire it up, check for leaks in my plumbing, all that good ****.

I was curious about how many of you use the "lead-subsitute" additive for engines manufactured before the advent of unleaded gas? I heard it was a wise thing to do... any comments? I'm running a stock 390 Thunderbird w/ the original 4bbl. Tell me quick, I'm filling it up this weekend!

And I did finally get some pics shot, just havent been to Walmart yet to get them on CD... stay tuned

 

Bttt

 

My old man has a damn near cherry '56 Thunderbird that he runs lead additive in. As far as I know the motor was last rebuilt about 30 years ago by my uncle and it still gets driven almost daily in the summer months. Runs like a top and has always had lead, as far as I know.

 

Never used it. Never had a problem.

 

I read somewhere that unless your working your engine hard(racing,towing)you don't need it.

 

if it knock's use it

 

i was always told that the lead was added to gas to slow down the explosiveness of it, kinda keep it under control.when lead isn't used they subs***ue something else, in some cases it was nickle.If you rememeber in the "Old" days they sold "white " gas & it was more money.
So anyhow, I don't really think its need & think the "lubes the valves" is a bunch of ****, cool gas going over the intake valve is lube enough.
jimV

 

Thats what I've always heard, I do throw it in on occasion.

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47341&highlight=lead+additive

Check this out-MIKE

 

Thanks so much... I've already bought a case 'cause i was told it was needed in every tank... It sounds like every third tank or so would be fine, just to use it up. The valve-seat problem was what I was warned about, but we'll take our chances!

 

I use a touch of Marvel Mystery Oil for good luck, that's all.