Ok anyhow. I just today purchased a 1982F150 but it has an early 1970's 351c in it..
SInce its an early model should i add lead substitute to the fuel to keep the valves in order? I heard its hard on them to use non-leaded gasoline because the seats werent built to take the pressure from it?

 

I have a 1972 Pontiac Ventura that requires regular leaded gas and in the 5 years I've owned it, I haven't put that lead additive in it and it runs like a raped ape. If you redline the engine regularily then I would say to do it, but if it isn't a race engine, it'll be ok.

 

Yeah, just drive the thing. You'll probably never have a problem unless you work it very hard. If it ever gives out just have the machine shop install hardened seats and you'll be good to go.

 

Thanks. Good info, but lol ima use it for hauling things for work... so definately lead right?

 

When I say working it hard I mean pedal on the floor straining to make 45 mph going up a hill. Just hauling a bunch of stuff around isn't overworking the engine unless you are really pushing it. If you use the lubricant you don't have to put it in every tank.

From May 1999 Popular Mechanics:

An occasional dose of lead additive (which contains no lead, just a valve seat lubricant) or a gallon or so of leaded racing gas or 100-130 avgas will keep enough lead in the system to prevent valve seat erosion. If you do try the aviation gas, don't use more than 10 percent, and be sure to get 100-130 or 115-145, not the low-lead 100LL (which is all you can get at most airports nowadays).

 

Popular Mechanics later recanted the advice to use avgas.

PM December '99

Several months ago, you suggested adding avgas to unleaded gas to restore the lead for use in older cars not rated for unleaded fuel. Avgas is not legal for road use. Anyone selling or using it for such is liable for fines. Several airport fixed-base operations staffers have been charged over the past few months for using avgas in their personal cars.

NAME WITHHELD
VIA INTERNET

Point well taken, sir. Last time I used any avgas was before this ban, and I was using it in my race car anyway. I dare say that it still is legal to use it in any vehicle that isn’t driven on the road, like race cars, but it might be hard to convince the FBO at the airport to sell you any unless you can prove that. Come to think of it, I was asked for the tail number of the aircraft when I rolled up to the flight line with the 30-gal. drum on the back of the pickup years ago. I had to make a quick phone call to a pilot friend.

There are still other remedies for pre-unleaded fuel cars, including any number of commercial lead replacement products. Most pre-unleaded cars, unless driven hard, will live a long time on unleaded gas before the valve seats wear enough to require a valve job. Then it’s a simple matter to have hardened valves and seats installed when the heads are off.

 

Thanks pal. Exactly what i was lookin for.