I'll be installing a 69 w/#5 heads into my car next week. Engine has 70k original miles and is currently stock. I will also adding my Edelbrock 2711 cam/lifters and RPM intake from my defunct '72 motor. My question is: will I need a lead additive in my gas to protect the heads? I read that pre 71 engines would should be run this way. I guess I'm kinda looking for the pro's and cons without all the technical jargon....

 

The bottom line is yes if you want it to last for a long time. Lots of factors come into play.

 

take it from a nother 69 oner dont get the 7112 cam from edelbrock becouse you havs to do your valves springs and put ajustable rockers arms stallconverter intake and carb becouse this happen to me

 

The need for the additive really depends on how you will use the car. For a weekend toy, you won't put enough miles on the car to worry about the valves. Frankly, even for a daily driver, the difference will be the need to do a valve job after 60,000 miles instead of 100,000 miles. Of course, with 70K on the motor already, you're probably looking at a valve job within the next 30,000 miles or so. If it makes you feel better, have seats installed at that time (along with the larger W-31 sized valves).