Lead Heads

[martin172]

When I bought my car I was told that it was still running leaded cylinder heads.
I was wondering, what are my options regarding this?
I think one remedy is to adjust the ignition or by changing the heads for a set of unleaded ones.
Also, can fuel additives help the situation?

Any and all help and opinions gratefully accepted.

[gtsmrt]

When I bought my car I was told that it was still running leaded cylinder heads.
I was wondering, what are my options regarding this?
I think one remedy is to adjust the ignition or by changing the heads for a set of unleaded ones.
Also, can fuel additives help the situation?

Any and all help and opinions gratefully accepted.

Hi Martin,

If they are not already setup for unleaded fuel, you have a few options. You can get your existing heads modified to suit unleaded fuel, you may be able to get some change-over heads, or get yourself some alloy heads. Cost wise, it probably follows in order of my response. Are you 100% sure they are not set up for unleaded? Is your Tiger an unrestored original?

Regards, Robin.

[martin172]

Hi Robin,

I bought the car from Keith Hampson and he said that they were still lead heads, which would be what the previous owner had told him, so I am confident that they are still leaded heads.
Yes, it's an unrestored Tiger.

Do you have any idea of what the ball park figures are for the options you mentioned?

Cheers mate.

[gtsmrt]

Hi Robin,

I bought the car from Keith Hampson and he said that they were still lead heads, which would be what the previous owner had told him, so I am confident that they are still leaded heads.
Yes, it's an unrestored Tiger.

Do you have any idea of what the ball park figures are for the options you mentioned?

Cheers mate.

I'm not sure exactly what the first two mods would cost, but if you took the heads off yourself it would cost less. If change-over heads are available, you might be looking at up to 500 pounds and for aluminium heads probably 500 to 1000 pounds for decent quality units. Some of the local members would have a better idea and could probably point you in the right direction.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Robin.

[martin172]

Thanks Robin, I'll add it to the to do soon list.

Cheers.

[H, Sunny 65]

Martin
when you get your lucas oil all so get a couple of bottles of lucas lead replacer, one bottle treats 450 lt of fuel. check out/google lucas oil products uk ltd. Or take your heads off and replace valve seats at about £200.00 a head, a bottle of lead replacer is cheaper.
Harry

[Mal]

I would use an aditive if concerned. I never bothered with the old engine. I have been told that unless you are going to hammer on it you don't need to replace the seats. If you are going to use it for a lot of competition use or towing then replace the seats or run an additive.

[martin172]

Hi Harry, Hi Mal,
thanks for the replies and info.
When Keith told me they were lead heads, he did mention that you could simply leave them and they wouldn't die, but I wanted to explore my options.
It's unlikely that the car is going to be seeing any competition, so it looks like I will be playing it safe and investing in a bottle of lead replacer.