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

[914043]

Two more thoughts, one I faintly remember sodium filled valves as part of the solution second since modern day premium fuels don't really refer to octane rating but more so to knock retardant additives is there really a difference between grades as far as power output. Thanks for all the responses its greatly appreciated. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Superhawk996]

Two more thoughts, one I faintly remember sodium filled valves as part of the solution second since modern day premium fuels don't really refer to octane rating but more so to knock retardant additives is there really a difference between grades as far as power output. Thanks for all the responses its greatly appreciated. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Sodium valves have nothing to do with valve recession solution.

Sodium valves were used to try to prevent exhaust valves from burning. Sodium valves are still in use today on high output engines as a way to remove heat from the valve head, transferring it down the vale stem, into the valve guide and ultimately the head.

Likewise octane rating has nothing to do with power output on its own. Octane rating just allows for higher compression ratios (more power) and more timing advance.

You will not get more power running 93 octane in a 914 than you will get on 87 octane. Where octane rating comes into play is the ability to run more timing advance without getting Detonation that destroys engines fast! On a modern car timing is altered automatically in real time via the Knock Detection sensor(s). Timing try’s to run as advanced as the timing map will allow, if detonation is detected, timing is retarded until it stops.

On a 914 you can get more power (in some situations) by advancing timing. The problem is it is set there and can’t be adjusted in real time. If you start getting detonation and ignore it, piston melting, piston holes, etc come next.