71 Big Block - Lead?

[Ed Levine]

Should I add lead substitute to fuel? Most say no but a respected mechanic says it will make the engine last longer. Please advise. Thanks.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 71 Big Block - Lead?

Unless you are running constantly at WOT, it shouldn't be a real issue.

[Kevin M.]

Re: 71 Big Block - Lead?

That's what my respected mechanic told me, no lead, no hardened valves.

Kevin

[Michael W.]

Re: 71 Big Block - Lead?

'71 and up were built at the factory to run on no lead gas, and the 'fears' of what might happen to previous years never panned out anyway.

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 Big Block - Lead?

Mike----

Yes, 1971+ were designed to run on unleaded gas. However, a popular misconception is that they used hardened exhaust valve seats. They didn't, though. The first Corvette to use hardened valve seats was the 1973 model.

In any event, there's really no need to use a lead substitute in a 1971 model Corvette (or, even, any Corvette). If it makes one feel better, though, use a lead substitute that contains Powershield as the "active ingredient" and is concentrated (for convenience). The "CD-2" product is one product that scores on both counts.