I've followed the unleaded/fuelstar/valve-master/NZ threads for the last
few days
and here's my 2 cents worth...
I think many of you will agree with me - if you want to run your triumph
on unleaded fuel,
get hardened valve seats installed. Don't rely on additives (unless it's
lead) to do it for you.
Performance on unleaded ? - here's the next problem. Here in NZ where
leaded was 'removed'
from the market a few years ago, many of us have struggled to keep our
high compression triumphs
running as well as they did on leaded fuel. The oil companies offer an
additive - 'valvemaster'.
All I can say is - spend your money on hardened valve seats. The
unleaded product is the same
octane rating as the old leaded fuel - 96. Still the performance
difference is noticeable and now
we have to put up with sooty spark plugs that need cleaning every few
thousand miles and engines that
pink badly under load.
As for the fuelstar product - I have not tried one but know of plenty
that have with good results
relating to performance - cleaner burn, no pinking etc. I will consider
buying one for these reasons.
Whether or not they protect your valve seats is questionable. (
fuelstar cost ? - about US$110 for a Spitfire and
US$150 for a TR )
New Zealand is the oil companies 'testing ground' for unleaded - not too
big to cause major problems,
not too small to produce statistical data.
Maybe we've been spoilt too long with lack of emission control gear and
high compression engines.??
As always IMHO.
Peter Cebalo
73 Spifire Mk IV ( hardened valve seats and octane booster )
Auckland, New Zealand ( Land of Unleaded fuel )
|