Regan Brown
Classic car owners face a difficult task when it comes to choosing the right fuel for their vehicles. With the majority of high-octane leaded fuels discontinued for environmental reasons, owners are forced to seek alternative options to keep their classic cars on the road. While some opt for fuel conversion, others explore the use of additives or alternative fuel types, such as LPG. The challenge lies in finding fuel with a low ethanol content, as ethanol can cause significant damage to older engines and their components. This article will explore the available options and provide guidance on selecting the most suitable fuel for classic cars.
What fuel should I put in my classic car?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaded fuel | Older cars typically ran on leaded fuel, but it has been discontinued since the early 2000s. |
| High octane rating | Classic cars generally require fuel with a high octane rating. |
| Ethanol content | Ethanol is harmful to classic cars as it attracts moisture, reduces power, and corrodes certain materials. It is best to use ethanol-free fuel or fuel with minimal ethanol content. |
| LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) | Converting a classic car to run on LPG is an option, but it can be expensive and may not be suitable for those wanting to maintain the car's originality. |
| Lead additive | If the classic car has an original engine designed for leaded fuel, a lead additive can be added to standard fuel. |
| Fuel stabilizer | For vintage cars that are not driven frequently, a fuel stabilizer can be used to prevent the gas from going bad, but it does not address the issues caused by ethanol. |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of ethanol in modern fuels
Classic car owners are increasingly facing the challenge of finding the right fuel for their vehicles. With the majority of high-octane leaded fuels discontinued, classic car enthusiasts have been forced to seek alternative options. One of the most significant concerns regarding modern fuels is the presence of ethanol, which can pose several dangers to older vehicles.
Firstly, ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. This can lead to the condensation of moisture in the fuel tank, causing components to rust, especially during prolonged storage periods. The accumulation of moisture can result in running issues and even damage to the tank itself. Additionally, ethanol's solvent properties can lead to the corrosion of materials commonly found in classic cars, such as rubber and fibreglass.
Ethanol-blended fuels also produce significantly less power than older types of petrol, resulting in reduced performance in older cars not designed for this type of fuel. Ethanol has about 30% less energy per unit volume than gasoline, leading to noticeable decreases in engine performance. This is particularly evident in engines that are rarely used or seasonally operated, such as vintage cars.
Furthermore, the use of ethanol in modern fuels can cause seals and hoses in older engines and fuel systems to deteriorate, shrink, or swell, resulting in leaks. The presence of oxygen atoms in ethanol molecules contributes to this issue, as blends tend to run "leaner" due to the increased oxygen availability in the fuel-air mixture.
The challenges posed by ethanol in modern fuels have led some classic car owners to explore alternative options. Some choose to convert their vehicles to run on LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), which is becoming more popular due to its affordability and reduced CO2 emissions. Others opt for a modern engine system conversion, allowing them to use standard fuel without concerns. However, these conversions can be expensive, and some enthusiasts prefer to maintain the originality of their classic cars.
In summary, the dangers of ethanol in modern fuels include the risk of rust and corrosion, reduced engine performance, and potential leaks due to the deterioration of seals and hoses. These issues present significant challenges for classic car owners, who must carefully consider their fuelling options to ensure the preservation and optimal performance of their cherished vehicles.
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The benefits of high-octane fuel
Classic car owners often have to look for alternatives to keep their cars running smoothly due to the discontinuation of high-octane leaded fuels. While some opt to convert their engines to modern engine systems, others choose to use lead additives or fuels with high octane ratings.
High-octane fuel is advantageous for high-performance engines and can be used to prevent knocking in older engines. Knocking occurs when the air-fuel mixture combusts spontaneously, and it can cause damage to the engine. The higher the octane rating, the more resistant the engine is to knocking. High-octane fuel blends can also increase vehicle efficiency through improved knock suppression.
In addition, high-octane fuel can be used to improve acceleration in older vehicles without requiring any engine modifications. This makes it a potential marketing pathway for introducing high-octane mid-level blends, as they are legal to use in today's FFV fleet.
While high-octane fuel may not improve the performance of all vehicles, it can be beneficial for classic cars with high-compression pistons. It is important to note that using a lower octane rating than what is recommended by the manufacturer can cause engine damage, so classic car owners should be cautious when selecting the appropriate fuel type for their vehicles.
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Using lead additives
Classic cars, particularly those built in the 1960s and earlier, were designed for leaded fuel. Since leaded fuel was phased out in the early 2000s, classic car owners have had to look for alternatives to keep their cars running.
One option is to convert your classic car to run on LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), which is becoming more popular in the UK due to its affordability and reduced CO2 emissions. However, this can be an expensive process. Another option is to convert to a modern engine system so that you can use standard fuel.
If you want to keep your classic car in its original condition, you can use a standard fuel and add a lead additive or lead substitute. This is a more affordable option than converting your fuel tank or engine. Lead additives are designed to lubricate the valves and valve seats and can be added every other tank refill. It's important to note that lead substitutes are not the same as lead additives and will not have the same effects on octane ratings.
When choosing a fuel for your classic car, it's best to avoid fuels that contain ethanol. Ethanol is "hygroscopic", meaning it absorbs moisture, which can cause components to rust, especially when the car is stored for long periods. Ethanol can also corrode materials like rubber and fibreglass, which are commonly found in classic cars.
In summary, if you own a classic car built for leaded fuel, you can either convert it to run on LPG or a modern engine system, or you can use a standard fuel with a lead additive.
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Converting to LPG
LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, is an increasingly popular alternative to conventional gasoline. LPG is a versatile by-product of natural gas processing that, when subjected to pressure or cooling, turns into a liquid that can be stored in a vehicle's fuel tank. LPG is also known as butane and propane gas.
Converting a classic car to LPG can be a complex process and should only be attempted by someone with extensive experience working on cars. It involves adding a propane tank and a converter to change the liquid propane into gas. The tank is typically installed in the trunk, but for smaller cars, it may need to be mounted on the exterior. The conversion process can cost anywhere from a hundred euros (under $200) for a DIY job to an average of £1,200 for a professional conversion of a petrol car. Diesel conversions tend to cost around £500 more.
While LPG is cheaper than regular unleaded gasoline, there are some trade-offs. LPG cars are predominantly "bi-fuel", meaning they can run on both petrol and LPG, but LPG is less fuel-efficient than petrol—around 20% less, resulting in a range of 150-200 miles per tank. LPG cars are also not currently allowed to use the Channel Tunnel to France. Additionally, the modification will result in reduced horsepower and slower acceleration.
Before converting your classic car to LPG, it is recommended to consult with an experienced mechanic to ensure the conversion is feasible and to research insurance options, as not all insurance companies will cover converted cars.
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Choosing the right oil
Classic cars, particularly those built for lead-based fuels, can be challenging to maintain due to the phasing out of high-octane leaded fuels. While fuel additives or engine conversions can address this issue, choosing the right oil is another critical aspect of keeping your classic car in good condition.
Oil grade and viscosity are essential factors when selecting the right oil for your classic car. Oil grade refers to the oil's viscosity or thickness at specific temperatures, impacting its flow characteristics. Classic cars typically used monograde or "straight-weight" oils, which were the only option available at the time. However, with the introduction of multi-grade or multi-viscosity oils in the 1950s, classic car owners now have more options. While monograde oils are still suitable for older cars (generally pre-1950s), most owners prefer multi-grade oils for their performance benefits.
When choosing an oil grade, consider your car's unique characteristics and the climate in which it operates. For example, a classic car in a cold climate may require a thinner multigrade oil to ensure the oil doesn't thicken excessively in cold weather. On the other hand, a car in a warm climate may need a different viscosity to prevent the oil from becoming too thin. Additionally, older engines with flat tappets (usually pre-1980s) require oil with zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) to prevent premature camshaft wear.
It's important to consult your car's handbook for oil-weight recommendations and change intervals. Manufacturers provide suggestions based on factors such as engine tolerances, climate, and driving conditions. However, classic cars may have unique requirements due to their age, previous owners, maintenance history, and engine rebuilds. Therefore, it's crucial to assess your car's specific needs and select the most suitable oil grade and viscosity accordingly.
Changing the oil in your classic car is a relatively straightforward process. First, jack up the car to access the oil drain plug and oil filter, which are typically located underneath the engine. Drain the old oil into a suitable container, replace the drain plug, and then remove and replace the oil filter. Finally, add the new oil of your choice, ensuring you use the correct amount specified in your car's manual.
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Frequently asked questions
Classic cars typically ran on leaded fuel, but since it was banned in the early 2000s, classic car owners have had to look for alternatives. You can convert your car to run on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), which is becoming more popular in the UK, but this can be expensive. You can also convert to a modern engine system so you can use standard fuel. If you want to keep your classic engine, you can use a standard fuel with a lead additive such as Redex Lead Replacement. When choosing a fuel, opt for ethanol-free gas if you can, as ethanol can cause rusting and corrosion in older cars.
If you are driving your classic car every day, you should add a lead additive to the fuel. Regular 87 octane should be fine, but if you hear an engine knock, move up to premium.
If you only drive your classic car occasionally, it is not necessary to add a lead additive to the fuel.
Any quality 10W-40 or 10W-30 designed for older engines is fine. Many people with older cars use Shell Rotella T5 oil, which is a synthetic blend first formulated for diesel engines.
