90xxx 302w
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 813
Likes: 1
From: foristell, missouri
90xxx 302w
i am getting an original 71 302w with original 90XXX miles. is it true that you have to run the lead stuff thru these because of the valves? i am going to rebuild it eventually but i might run it stock first just for kicks.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 36
From: British Columbia
Unleaded fuel for early 302
I remember being worried about this issue back when Tetraethyl lead was phased out. I have a 1969 351W in a car that of course did not have hardened exhaust valve seats. But I 've put on many thousands of miles on it since then, with no problems. I haven't used any additives, just the cheapest or second cheapest grade of unleaded gasoline.
I think you will be fine. When and if you rebuild it in the future you can look at the valves and seats and install hardened seats if there are signs of recession. In the valves that is, not the economy.
I think you will be fine. When and if you rebuild it in the future you can look at the valves and seats and install hardened seats if there are signs of recession. In the valves that is, not the economy.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 774
Likes: 1
From: East Tennessee
I read a lot of the older 302 that used to run on leaded gasoline will ping on today's gas unless you use 93 octane. Sure, depends on the engine, but that was the general consensus. It definitely won't hurt to try.
Compression is important. Now, I have a 1950 Ford 8N that has been running on 87 octane for my 23 years of life, and it still cranks on the first try. Sure, 6 or 6.5:1 compression ratio... So I don't have much to worry about in the way of pinging.
Oddly, the ONE time I put a couple of gallons of 110 leaded gasoline in it, it gained a good amount of power. And I love the smell of racing fuel :-)
Compression is important. Now, I have a 1950 Ford 8N that has been running on 87 octane for my 23 years of life, and it still cranks on the first try. Sure, 6 or 6.5:1 compression ratio... So I don't have much to worry about in the way of pinging.
Oddly, the ONE time I put a couple of gallons of 110 leaded gasoline in it, it gained a good amount of power. And I love the smell of racing fuel :-)
