Lead substitue

[starlifter1]

the original owner said to use lead substitue but since tha heads are aluminum arent there steel inserts for the valves or is this for the valve guides and if this is good should you allways use it? but wont the lead substitue gunk up your injectors, regulators and anything else ????????????????

[Mike Kast]

what year is your car?

[starlifter1]

1977 2.7

US or Euro model?


I must admit that I don't know about 2,7s, but I can tell that Euro 1984 3,2s need lead replacement. 85s and on don't.

[ChrisBennet]

Leaded gas in unnecessary. Porsche has been using hardened valve seats since some time in the 60's I think. You definately do not need leaded gas for any 3.2. Lead will destroy O2 sensors and cat converters.
-Chris

Stef Scheepers who once attented this homepage did me a favour and asked one of his collegues in the engine department at Porsche Weissach if I should add lead replacement to the unleaded fuel in my euro 84 Carrera. The answer was yes.

Later I wrote an official letter to the Porsche Costumer service department asking the same question. I got the same answer: yes use lead replacement on a euro 84 Carrera!

Top ends on an 84 euro Carrera are not the same as 85 and on euro Carreras. That was what they told me both times.

Until I get an official message directly from Porsche AG not to use lead replacement I'll use lead replacement.

[Mike Kast]

I've heard of using marvel mystery oil but it is a mystery to me....

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by Mikkel
Stef Scheepers who once attented this homepage did me a favour and asked one of his collegues in the engine department at Porsche Weissach if I should add lead replacement to the unleaded fuel in my euro 84 Carrera. The answer was yes.

Later I wrote an official letter to the Porsche Costumer service department asking the same question. I got the same answer: yes use lead replacement on a euro 84 Carrera!

Top ends on an 84 euro Carrera are not the same as 85 and on euro Carreras. That was what they told me both times.

Until I get an official message directly from Porsche AG not to use lead replacement I'll use lead replacement.

That is the first time I'd ever heard that. Thanks for the info. That is really strange though.
-Chris

It may not make any big difference and it may even be a waste of money to use lead substitute, but if the people at the factory say so I'll use it. The German that I bought my car from used the exact same substitute (Castrol Systemreiniger TBE Benzinzusatz). He was told by the workshop foreman at Porsche Zentrum Braunschweig (an official dealer) to use it. German fans discuss this subject lead/no lead too and seems to be devided in 2 camps. I'm not the only one who has a written message from Porsche AG that the use of lead substitute is recommended on euro 84 models. 85s and on have different top ends and thus don't need substitute it is said.

I just want to play safe and I'm no expert.

[Wil Ferch]

I'd like some defintive answer as to the "top-end" differences on 84 vs later 3.2 Carreras. Also...if so, whether it only applies to ROW or USA spec cars.
---Wil Ferch

[ChrisBennet]

I would recommend driving lots and lots of miles so you can get a valve job done and avoid having to use lead.
-Chris

[350HP930]

Chris' initial post about hardened steel valve seats is correct.

I would recommend not to let the hearsay of people who are likely misinformed let you go through the hassle of adding something to your fuel that is also a nasty oil contaminant.