Posted by TParker (IP: 4.33.1.93) on August 05, 1999 at 18:43:52:
In Reply to: The Great Lie..... posted by TBR on August 05, 1999 at 15:43:58:
You are absolutly correct. The additves that they add to Super are there only to boost octane. All gasoline is the same basic stuff cut out from crude oil, the only thing that makes any of it different from each other is the addatives they add to change octane ratings. With out changing your compresion the octane does nothing to improve your engines performance. Even if you run racing(108-120 octane leaded) fuel in a low compression engine it will not improve performance. The only thing higher octane does is reduce pre-ignition.
: ...People often believe that using premium "makes their car run better". Even the oil companies encourage this in their marketing. This is BS! The main difference is in octane rating, which is a measure of knock resistance. There isn't a single BTU more of energy in premium. Basically using premium in a low-compression car designed for regular is what can uncharitably be referred to as a "stupidity tax". You will see no benefit, but you wallet will get lighter. Yes, premium does have some additives that may or may not be present in regular, but not enough to justify the price difference. But if you still insist on using premiun, I suggest Amoco: I own stock. I agree that lead substitue is good insurance. Installing hardened valve seats is the best way to go, but the additive is ok until you get the time & $$$ to pull the head. Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now.
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: : I have a '70 Maverick, with a straight 6/200, I always put in Chevron Supreme, what is it that the maverick should need, I like the way it performs, and don't really want to loose that, but will it run truthfully any different with regular since it is so old?
: : Also, for those of us that are running these cars, should we be putting a led substitute in with our gas, every once in a while, or every time or at all?
: : Thanks
: : John Steward