Jim Grant's Tech Tips
68
Pontiac Catalina and Modern Fuel
Q: I have a '68 Pontiac
Catalina with a 400 cu. in., 2 bbl., I have not started it for about 5
years. The only problem is it needs a battery and starter. Having a new
family and very little time, I'm out-of touch on this. I have done nothing
to this car. I plan to get it running this summer. Okay, I know this question
has probably been answered 4 million times, Can I run this vehicle on
today's unleaded gas without damaging the engine or valvetrain? What modifications
do I need to do?
A: Today's
unleaded and re-formulated fuel can be used in the engines of older vehicles.
The only problem is unleaded fuel doesn't provide the necessary lubricating
properties that older engines require. But that's not really a problem;
there are aftermarket additives available at nearly every automotive parts
store that can be added to the gas to provide the necessary lubrication
for your engine. Eventually the engine in your car will need to be rebuilt.
At that time have the necessary modifications made to the engine to allow
the use of unleaded fuel.
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