Any harm to vintage engines running unleaded fuels. Options

[914043]

Back in the day when they took lead out of gas there was a lot of concern that without the cushioning effect the lead had on the valve face there would be bent and broken valves. Since my car fits those criteria and will be driving soon what if any concerns should I be aware of?? Fairly technical but Thanks for any help that might save me a damaged engine. Best to Ya

[bbrock]

BTW, I've also read that all aluminum heads used hardened seats but I don't know if that is accurate. Anyone know?

[Superhawk996]

BTW, I've also read that all aluminum heads used hardened seats but I don't know if that is accurate. Anyone know?

True. I’m sure there is some exception somewhere. It would make little sense to go to the expense of using aluminum as a head material and then to try to thrift the valve seats with cast iron seats.

Another way to look at this: if VW was using steel seats (and they were) in their engines - why would Porsche cheap out and use cast iron? No way that was happening.

The whole topic of valve recession back in the day was largely spun up based on concern for turn of the century - 1970s domestic iron with cast iron heads and/or the even more archaic side valve engines that had the valve seats cut in a cast iron block.