283 engine hardened seals or not

[Susan M.]

I am restoring a 57 corvette. Should I install hardened seats? Thanks Susan

[Joe L.]

Re: 283 engine hardened seals or not

I am restoring a 57 corvette. Should I install hardened seals? Thanks Susan

Susan------


You don't need them. Plus, whenever hardened seats are installed there is a risk of ruining a cylinder head. There's also the risk of the seats becoming loose and falling out. Neither risk is worth taking for the minimal benefit that hardened seats provide.

[Susan M.]

Re: 283 engine hardened seats or not

thanks Joe. That's what I was thinking but there are contradictory recommendations out there! Regards, Susan

[Joe L.]

Re: 283 engine hardened seats or not

thanks Joe. That's what I was thinking but there are contradictory recommendations out there! Regards, Susan

Susan-----


The only engines that really need hardened exhaust seats are those that are run at high power settings for extended periods of time. For example, a gasoline truck engine for a truck that's hauling heavy loads up an extended grade. Also, industrial engines that operate at high power settings for extended periods like those used for irrigation pumps, etc. No Corvette engine is ever operated under these conditions.

1971-72 Corvette engines were designed for use with unleaded fuel. However, none were factory equipped with hardened valve seats.

If using unleaded gas with cylinder heads makes you nervous, then use a lead substitute. The best kind contain an "active ingredient" called Powershield manufactured by the Lubrizol Corporation. You won't find this on the label of commercially available lead substitutes but I can tell you that Alemite CD-2 is one that does contain Powershield. It's also highly concentrated so you only need to use a few ounces per tankful. Don't misunderstand, though: you DO NOT need to use an additive. Use it only if using unleaded fuel in your 1957 makes you nervous. It should calm your nerves, if nothing else.

[Susan M.]

Re: 283 engine hardened seals or not

Thanks again!