96stinger

I am picking up my new 74 L82 convert this tuesday and have a question about gas. From some of my reading Ithought I remember that in '73 vettes could take unleaded fuel. Is that correct and does everyone burn premium?
Thanks for your help! :chevy

Larry B.

Actually 71's and up have lower compression and hardened valve seats so unleaded (premium) gas is fine. As for the octane... Timing can be adjusted for using fuel less than premium but you will loose performance, I think most are using premium 92-93 octane. I don't even use regular in my lawn mower or mini-van much lees the Corvette.


[Modified by silvervetteman, 7:59 AM 12/16/2001]

96stinger

Thanks!! :chevy

75 Hot One

In the early '70's the lower compression engines were made for regular unleaded and that should be fine if the engine is tuned and relatively "clean". (see owner's manual) If you've got carbon build-up in the heads, valves, cylinders, premium will help. I burned nothing but regular in my '75 until I had the engine modified. When the original heads were taked off after 15 yrs, they were fouled with deposits but regular still worked O.K.

96stinger

What are you using for an air filter/system on your car? :chevy

Larry B.

No!... The early 70's car were designed for "low" lead and regular was about 91-92 octane so you still do not want to use unleaded REGULAR. 75 was the first year for unleaded but GM still reccommened premium as do later years of corvettes. It's about octane, Not lead.


[Modified by silvervetteman, 9:01 AM 12/16/2001]