What lead replacement additive do you use?

[Rally Pack 2000]

Do any of you guys you lead replacement additives of have you all modified valve seats so as not to have to use them? If you still use them what brands do you use? There are many names on some of the European ones I have seen which all seem to use the same bottle so wondering if they are the same just rebranded Like Valvemaster and Motorex? The Australian made one I have been using for years has been discontinued like many products I used from the same company after the takeover of Fuchs in America.

[Johnny Boy]

I think unless you thrash the nuts off your engine, valve recession on low yearly mileage cars is not an issue.

I've never used it . Just check your valve clearances. They will get less if you have a problem.

I've never used it since we went over to unleaded in the UK. Never had any issues on any of my leaded fuel cars.

There was a lot of talk about having to retard the ignition timing, back in the day, but I never had any issues.

These days with the crap e10 fuels you need to advance the static ignition timing to  15 -17 degrees , and restrict the total advance, if you want to get any performance back.

😞

Edited August 24, 2025 by Johnny Boy

[guido]

I used it many years ago. Recently looked for it. I had from STP. But not finding any. Wynns has it. But as i spoke to a dyno guy he said as Johnny Boy told already, not to worry to much. Only thing i would not do is get Ethanol in the fuel, So that is a no-go for me. But unleaded can be drivin.

If you persist on having leaded fuel, you buy leaded fuel, no substitude for real leaded as was. it is racing fuel by the most today. And expensive. I can buy it at least 4 € per Liter

Edited August 24, 2025 by guido

[Vista]

I don't use it on the Fords as they both have hardened valve seats, I use Castrol Valvemaster plus in the Alfa as a precaution though

[Rally Pack 2000]

12 hours ago, Vista said:

I don't use it on the Fords as they both have hardened valve seats, I use Castrol Valvemaster plus in the Alfa as a precaution though

Valvemaster plus is the one with an octane boosting additive isnt it? Is there really much of a boost in the time ratios you mix with fuel? It does seem to get good reviews.

When we switched to unleaded fuel we briefly had a Lead Replacement Petrol and they specified which engines had hardened seats and which would suffer valve seat recession. 1.3 and 1.6 Kent engines Escorts didnt need to use it while Pinto engines definitely did. When they abolished the Lead Replacement Petrol you were advised to start using the additive, which I always have. It was an every day car then but the car still has the original head and camshaft it came out of the factory with in 1979. In Pinto terms thats pretty good. So I cant see myself quitting using the product which I think has helped extend the life of my head over the years. But just the brand I always used has given up production and need to switch to another equally as good. Hence my question on finding a good one.

[guido]

Also good  for classic cars It is by brand called Liqui Moly. You may search for that one if you like.

[Rally Pack 2000]

That was actually the brand I was going to switch too as I use a number of their other products, oil and engine flush that sort of thing but there is one product from there line they dont bring in to Australia! Yep Led Replacement additive! LOL

[Vista]

23 hours ago, Rally Pack 2000 said:

Valvemaster plus is the one with an octane boosting additive isnt it? Is there really much of a boost in the time ratios you mix with fuel? It does seem to get good reviews.

When we switched to unleaded fuel we briefly had a Lead Replacement Petrol and they specified which engines had hardened seats and which would suffer valve seat recession. 1.3 and 1.6 Kent engines Escorts didnt need to use it while Pinto engines definitely did. When they abolished the Lead Replacement Petrol you were advised to start using the additive, which I always have. It was an every day car then but the car still has the original head and camshaft it came out of the factory with in 1979. In Pinto terms thats pretty good. So I cant see myself quitting using the product which I think has helped extend the life of my head over the years. But just the brand I always used has given up production and need to switch to another equally as good. Hence my question on finding a good one.

Yes, it does have an Octane booster

[Rally Pack 2000]

On 26/08/2025 at 18:57, Vista said:

Yes, it does have an Octane booster

Do you know how many points it increases?

Im guessing that most dont bother with this stuff.? Have most undertaken rebuilds and installed hardened seats at the engines refurbishment? I guess with Kent engines and modern engine replacements not requiring it and with the standard Pintos in cars now there is a limited need for it?

[guido]

I just received two bottles of Liqui Moly lead substitude. Just want to test it for myself. Half a liter in total, and as per direction for use

it is 10 ML at 10 Liters of gasoline mix. So 500 ML may go a long way with just 800 miles a year for me.

[accord83]

I use Millers VSP Plus as it includes octane booster. Don't ask me about ratios, I just pour it in like a barman with the trembles!🤣

[Rally Pack 2000]

9 hours ago, accord83 said:

I use Millers VSP Plus as it includes octane booster. Don't ask me about ratios, I just pour it in like a barman with the trembles!🤣

Yes I have never been able to do the ratio they suggest of 1ml of the additive to 1L of Petrol. In order to ensure its mixed throughout the tank you have to add it first without knowing how much fuel you are going to put into it. So without doubt Im more than double dosing!