Re: IML: Should I Add Lead Substitute?

[PAUL WENTINK <randalpark@xxxxxxx>]

The 1958 Imperial engine requires high octane leaded gas. If you can't 
get it, and this substitute is legitimate, than I recommend that you do 
what the previous owner suggested. 1955 was the last Imperial that can 
run on unleaded gas without adversely effecting the engine, primarily 
the valves. Your engine can be rebuilt to run on today's fuel by having 
the cylinder heads reconditioned using hardened valves and valve seats.

The damage that will occur from using unleaded gas is generally 
gradual, and wears the valves and valve seats. If the engine is spark 
knocking or "pinging" from too low of octane, then it should be 
de-tuned to run silently. If not, bearing damage and possibly piston 
damage will result. Most of this can be alleviated by refraining from 
high speed driving, but not entirely.

Regardless, of the above, lack of use will also ruin the car. It needs 
to be driven. If the lead substitute you describe prevents damage, use 
it. If not, drive it anyway, and when the time comes for engine work, 
it can be done to allow enjoyment of your car under today's driving 
conditions.

Good luck and congratulations on buying the '58.

Paul W.


-----Original Message-----
From: HOFCAG@xxxxxxx
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 1:51 pm
Subject: IML: Should I Add Lead Substitute?



About six weeks ago I acquired a beautiful '58 Southampton 4dr.  27,000 
original  miles and runs great.  No performance problems whatsoever and 
I hope to keep it that way.  The man I bought the car from has 
collected primarily 1950s American cars for many years and presently 
has over 20 in his collection.  All in excellent shape.  This guy knows 
plenty about cars and  he has strongly advised me to add "CD-2 Lead 
Substitute" at the rate of one oz. per 10 gallons of gasoline every 
second time I fill the tank with high test gas.  I've been doing that 
and everything seems fine.  A few days ago I met another man who also 
claims to know a lot about old cars and he said I should definitely NOT 
add lead substitute to the tank.  He claims that could harm the engine 
and told me to simply burn the highest octane unleaded premium gasoline 
I could find.  What do you guys advise?  Opinions?  I want to keep my 
old HEMI healthy & happy.

Keith - Durham, NC-58 Southampton




------------------------------------------------------------
See AOL's top rated recipes and easy ways to stay in shape for winter.


________________________________________________________________________
More new features than ever.  Check out the new AOL Mail ! - 
http://webmail.aol.com

-----------------  http://www.imperialclub.com  -----------------
This message was sent to you by the Imperial Mailing List. Please
reply to mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and your response will be
shared with everyone. Private messages (and attachments) for the
Administrators should be sent to iml.webmonster@xxxxxxxxx
To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm