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Wed Feb 09, 2005 9:57 am

my car (1970 1500) only takes leaded 4-Star fuel. Only a few places around where I live (Basildon, essex) sell it. What should I do? Use LRP or get a new unleaded engine?

Wed Feb 09, 2005 10:19 am

as far as i know the only thing you need to do so that it will run better on regular unleaded would be to change out the heads to ones intended for unleaded. other than that i don't think you need to change anything.

Wed Feb 09, 2005 12:14 pm

You can usually (at least around here) still buy lead additive, so that you can run a tank of unleaded fuel, and put in the additive so it doesn't hurt anything.

Wed Feb 09, 2005 1:19 pm

Since the beginning of VW and Porsche air cooled engines, the valve seats have been of a hardness to accept unleaded fuel. I used to have the data in print, but I wouldn't know where to find it now.
Why do you say it requires higher octane fuel? Does your 1500 have dome-topped 1500S pistons? Even if it does, you can set the ignition timing within the acceptable range to run lower octane unleaded fuel.

Wed Feb 09, 2005 2:19 pm

Your engine will be absolutely fine running any unleaded fuel. As has been said, the valve seats are more than compatible for use of it.

Thu Feb 10, 2005 8:20 am

1967 1st year for hardened valve stems. they can run 87 octane can use 87 in all unmodified beetle engines.it would take years for valve recession in 66 and older..