WHAT FUEL FOR MY CAR
Discussion
The Esprit was sold in the USA which has had unleaded since early seventies but I am sure others can verify whether the car is OK on unleaded.
Unleaded has caused major problems when introduced into New Zealand. ~1997
- Variable Octane rating (suposedly 96 but it ages rapidly) Plays hell with my supercharged Lancia, don't fill the tank if you aren't going to use the car for a couple of weeks.
- Dissolves some fuel lines (it did this to my sisters VW Golf)
- Is slightly 'thicker' so many cars run lean on it and benefit from fitting larger jets.
- Doesn't evaporate as well. Shouldn't be a problem with Esprit but older front engine cars should spend a longer period of year on Winter air intake setting.
- Don't waste money on Valvemaster additive. Useless!, especially cast iron heads ---- personal experience, head destroyed in 2 years despite additive. The only way to protect a car is hardened valve seats. Currently getting my S1 Landrover done, $NZ300 (100GBP)
Unleaded has caused major problems when introduced into New Zealand. ~1997
- Variable Octane rating (suposedly 96 but it ages rapidly) Plays hell with my supercharged Lancia, don't fill the tank if you aren't going to use the car for a couple of weeks.
- Dissolves some fuel lines (it did this to my sisters VW Golf)
- Is slightly 'thicker' so many cars run lean on it and benefit from fitting larger jets.
- Doesn't evaporate as well. Shouldn't be a problem with Esprit but older front engine cars should spend a longer period of year on Winter air intake setting.
- Don't waste money on Valvemaster additive. Useless!, especially cast iron heads ---- personal experience, head destroyed in 2 years despite additive. The only way to protect a car is hardened valve seats. Currently getting my S1 Landrover done, $NZ300 (100GBP)
pomoz,
you can definitely use unleaded fuel in your '87 HCI. It has hardened steel valve seats as standard equipment.
No other adjustment is really needed, but if you find the driving performance has slipped, you can add in some ignition advance, up to 28°. Also, shoot for the highest available octane to prevent detonation. Happy Moroting! Jim'85TE
you can definitely use unleaded fuel in your '87 HCI. It has hardened steel valve seats as standard equipment.
No other adjustment is really needed, but if you find the driving performance has slipped, you can add in some ignition advance, up to 28°. Also, shoot for the highest available octane to prevent detonation. Happy Moroting! Jim'85TE
Hi Alex.
I use Super Unleaded without any modifications.
Occasionally I use LRP 4 star.
I bought my car from Paul Matty and was advised that Super Unleaded was the fuel to go for.
I remember that the HC motor was reported to be very susceptible to octane rating at the time the car was current.
I've not had any problems with Super Unleaded, but I've not covered enough miles to have destroyed the valve seats.
I think I'd be more worried about pinking than valve seats, but I find that mine runs ok on super unleaded.
Having said all this, you have a higher CR than me...
By the way, did you check your VIN and engine number against mine?
Pat.
I use Super Unleaded without any modifications.
Occasionally I use LRP 4 star.
I bought my car from Paul Matty and was advised that Super Unleaded was the fuel to go for.
I remember that the HC motor was reported to be very susceptible to octane rating at the time the car was current.
I've not had any problems with Super Unleaded, but I've not covered enough miles to have destroyed the valve seats.
I think I'd be more worried about pinking than valve seats, but I find that mine runs ok on super unleaded.
Having said all this, you have a higher CR than me...
By the way, did you check your VIN and engine number against mine?
Pat.
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