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Austin Healey LEAD replacement in gasoline

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S

Smooth

Freshman Member
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Hi !

I'm new to the Austin Healey scene :smile: So excuse me if I ask a 'stupid' question.. Here we go: I was wondering if you add a 'lead replacement product' to your gasoline when you fill your tank?
I do it with my Triumph Spitfire, the engine benefits from it since in those days there was lead in the gasoline, but nowadays all gasoline is lead-free..
But perhaps the Austin Healey 3000 engine (which is a far more 'heavier' engine) doesn't need that?
Either way I think it wouldn't hurt.. But perhaps it would if you don't do it..

So all info on this subject is welcome! Thanks in advance!

Kind regards,
Joe
 
Joe, there have been numerous tests and articles on this subject comparing the various different kinds of 'lead' substitutes and whether they make any difference. The best solution is to have the conversion done to the head itself. My current car has this but my other cars didn't. I came to the conclusion that if you are driving your Healey on the road in a 'normal' fashion a lead supplement isn't really necessary.
 
Thanks Derek! Appreciate the response!
I searched this forum but didn't really find a thread that easily (search terms: lead, replacement, austin, healey..)..

I think it'll do as long as you don't 'over-do it' and drive 'normally'.. On the other hand: adding it probably won't harm.. And a conversion to the head is something to add to the agenda :smile:
 
DerekJ Said:

"I came to the conclusion that if you are driving your Healey on the road in a 'normal' fashion a lead supplement isn't really necessary".

I also agree for these cases it is a waste of $$$$$.
 
I have a '62 Tri-Carb and a '67 BJ8 and I am able to get ethanol-free gasoline. I pre-mix my gas - 6 gallons of non-ethanol to .6 gallons of Avgas 100. The Avgas is, for now, still leaded, and the mixture seems to make the car run much better. I started getting spark knock with 89 octane non-ethanol so I added the Avgas and the spark knock stopped before I could get out of the station parking lot. When I can get 93 octane non-ethanol I don't have to add the Avgas, but I might keep doing it just for the lead content.
 
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