OK, here is the other question:

For Josh's '66 F85 with the 330, what are the options for dealing with unleaded gasoline, and the leaded-era engine?

Is this an abolsute must-fix-the heads thing? If so, what all needs to be done and how expensive is the fix?

How long might we expect the engine to run without fixing anything? And what might the consequences be?


Sorry for all the questions; thanks ahead of time for your help.

 

You could simply put a lead additive in your gasoline.

 

Forgot to say: Welcome to the site! Sounds like a fun project you & your son have.

I run Premium in my 66 & haven't noticed a problem. This is my understanding of the lead situation. The lead in the fuel mainly lubricated the valve seats, mostly the exhaust valve & seat. Detroit started using hardened valve seats when unleaded fuel became mandatory. So if your son will be driving the car daily you might consider hardened seats. I'd look for a set of spare heads and if he starts noticing problems send them to the machine shop. Less down time.

If driving will be limited J's suggestion might be best.

Someone more knowledgeable will hopefully chime in, but Oldsmobile's aren't like Chevy's. So make sure your machinist is familiar with Olds. My understanding is you need to use Olds specific valve seats. Also I believe the installed height of valves are important because the rocker arms aren't adjustable.

Don

 

Not unless the car will be abused.

Norm

 

I expect that the car will be driven daily, but not abused.