V8S - leaded petrol/LRP only?
Discussion
I am about to purchase a 1992 V8S and the vendor has told me that it takes leaded petrol or LRP only, both of which seem pretty thin on the ground. Can anyone advise as to whether it is possible to convert the engine to take unleaded fuel, or, if not, what they do (ie - is any particular additive to unleaded fuel favoured)?
Many thanks,
Martin
Many thanks,
Martin
pstruck said:
I run '92 V8S on Super Unleaded (generally stated as being 97 RON). It really likes Optimax though (98 RON) if I can find a Shell garage.
Ditto - except 1991 (November) pre-cat V8S. Had to use 'ordinary' 95 RON unleaded to top up last week - couldn't find any super unleaded on the Isle of Wight, grrr. Car didn't like it much, and pinked. Isle of Wight roads are cr*p too, and we ended up with a smashed n/s headlamp to boot!
aphelion said:
I run '92 V8S on Super Unleaded (generally stated as being 97 RON). It really likes Optimax though (98 RON) if I can find a Shell garage.
Ditto - except 1991 (November) pre-cat V8S. Had to use 'ordinary' 95 RON unleaded to top up last week - couldn't find any super unleaded on the Isle of Wight, grrr. Car didn't like it much, and pinked. Isle of Wight roads are cr*p too, and we ended up with a smashed n/s headlamp to boot!
Right, so 'ordinary' 95 RON unleaded is what I should fill up my precat 91 (August 1991) V8S with? But if I can find super unleaded, then use that?
Depends on how engine is tuned - ours had a tendency to pink anyway. Much better now set up by Peninsula after 12k service. But we go for super or Optimax any time over 'ordinary' 95RON as it runs much, much better. Sometimes a bu99er finding super though - especially where the best driving roads are - in the far north of Scotland! The waiting will be worth while - you'll have a grin-induced face-ache for weeks! 
mgp1969 said:
UKBob,
Were you the guy who bought the V8S from Henley TVR on Saturday?
No. I found a few privately, liked one enough to buy it, and went for it when C14PPY decided to retract his (very generous) offer of driving a long way and showing me his. Its all agreed, but we have not exchanged car for cash yet. Was henly the burgandy one, belonging to dave, the RO for the south west? I cant remember the name of the place selling his... could have been henly, dunno.
mgp1969 said:
Henley one was brg. "Mine" (soon, I hope - going to the Peak District Friday and don't want another Peugeot 206 hire car!) is storm grey.replies.
Peninsual, thats it
So whats your best quote from Peninsual? Mine was £9500 including a the drive shaft which needs to be changed... just so you know, if you are talking higher dosh levels with them.mgp1969 said:
I am about to purchase a 1992 V8S and the vendor has told me that it takes leaded petrol or LRP only, both of which seem pretty thin on the ground. Can anyone advise as to whether it is possible to convert the engine to take unleaded fuel, or, if not, what they do (ie - is any particular additive to unleaded fuel favoured)?
Many thanks,
Martin
There's an unleaded FAQ on www.tvrbooks.co.uk. Basically he is talking rot.
Steve
All V8 engines used have hardened valve seats, therefore they can use unleaded / super unleaded. The cars were set up to run on super and I can't see much point in running mine on anything other than the best fuel available. Some will run on unleaded only, but 'you takes your chances' with pinking. For the same reason I run Mobil 1, I use Optimax.
Pre-cat cars like mine will run quite happily on LRP, or leaded (if you can find it), providing you boost the octane to compensate for the lower rating (as per unleaded).
Hope that helps,
Z
Pre-cat cars like mine will run quite happily on LRP, or leaded (if you can find it), providing you boost the octane to compensate for the lower rating (as per unleaded).
Hope that helps,
Z
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