FinFanatics: I don't have an octane problem, so I can't address that, but as far as the "lead" thing goes, don't worry about it unless your engine has had a valve job and run on nothing but unleaded since. The lead "pounds" it's way into the seat, and onto the valve face, and it will remain there until someone "grinds" it off. What's there will provide sufficient "cushioning" unless you run at very high RPM's all the time, or the engine is subjected to extreme loading constantly - (Heavy towing). My 383 in '59 has been in the car since 76 with no ill effects - however my tow car (71 T&C) burned a valve after about 25K of towing (6000lb load) - might have happened anyway, the milage was about 130k. (well maintained engine). There are "lead additives" on the market - but I don't know how good they are - my daughter's 318 Duster hammered the valve seats into the head to the point of a no-start, no-compression situation about 12k after a rebuild on non-hardened seat engine, so it does happen. DaveG. |