Re: Unleaded

Posted by Highlander160 On 2016/7/6 7:28:38

I like topics like this, and it's always a good spot to remind my Packard "family" about the engine blocks in our cars. If your engine rebuilder insists on doing hardened valve seats he doesn't know Packard engineering very well. Our blocks, at least until the V-8s (which I admit I'm not hip to) were more like cast steel vs cast iron. If you want a tougher valve system use stainless valves, but leave the seats alone. Almost impossible to pound out short of abuse and neglect. Then there's the gas thing, again. Don't be afraid to add a couple degrees of timing to your ignition. Our cheapest gas is better than the best from long ago so we might as well get as much energy out of the fuel we can, right? It's basically a cliche' to say high octane fuel "burns slower". It simply resists detonation or pre-ignition. What does make an engine run hot is when timing is below specs because ignition happens "later" in the cycle. Most quality carb and fuel pump kits today are ethanol resistant. Old or NOS kits should be avoided as the older soft parts are not. If there really has to be a concern or worry it should be about your soft fuel lines. it doesn't take ethanol blends very long to hurt old rubber hoses. A company called "TECH/AFX" is building fuel lines for modern cars (late 60s and hot rods) that's compatible with ethanol fuels. Not cheap, but you'll only put it on once and forget about it. Even braided stainless can become a hazard because the rubber liner inside will deteriorate and give you something akin to those old lawn soaker hoses full of holes. We should be developing a safe hose pretty soon that's a direct fit for several models of Packard engines including the lovely depression-era cars.

Ok, carry on...