No More 4 Star
Already
4-star petrol has disappeared from just about all petrol pumps, and
is now replaced with LRP (Lead Replacement Petrol). Wheelspin has dealt
in depth with the debate over 4-star replacements but many out there
are still apprehensive about the whole issue now that it is well and
truly upon us. So here are the facts as they stand, and it is a lot
less worrying than many imagine.
Option
1 - LRP
Simply go to the red pump and fill up with lead replacement petrol. The advantage of this is its simplicity, and if you haven’t got a big bore engine and don't do a lot of heavy motorway driving then you should be OK. But a few words of warning. Don't mix brands, most of the petrol manufacturers produce LRP with a potassium compound additive (Esso, Texaco, Shell and BP) but a mix of different additives can cause damage. Also bear in mind that none of the petrol manufacturers submitted their products to the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) tests carried out by the Motor Research Institute (MIRA). Lastly, they are selling LRP at 4 star prices - which we all know is quite a difference on unleaded costs.
Option
2 - Use Unleaded
If you have a VW, then switch to unleaded (if you haven’t already). This may sound like a big risk but Volkswagen themselves are confident of the strength of their over-engineered engines, and if you look towards the rear of Practical Classics magazine (the premier source for Wheelspin's unleaded news), the whole VW range is listed as being unleaded ready - that's German engineering for you. Bear in mind that unleaded has a different octane rating than 4 star, the practical upshot of this is that your VW may need its timing adjusted to run smoothly.
Option
3 - Use Unleaded, with an additive
Play
a bit safe and use unleaded but add your own additive. As mentioned
above, only certain products have passed a respected industry test,
these are listed in the table below. This works out cheaper than using
LRP and gives added peace of mind, short of converting your engine (see
option 4, below) this is the most secure immediate option. Again, as
with using LRP at the pump DO NOT MIX BRANDS, use one of the approved
additives and stick to it. Some additives also alter the octane rating
of the fuel which should avoid the need to re-time your engine (unless,
of course, the timing is out anyway). Consult the table below (Halfords
will only stock brands that have passes the MIRA tests) and decide which
one to go for. Note that none of the (unamed) in-line catalysts {based
on metal alloy pellets, that are fixed along the fuel-line or in the
tank} passed the MIRA tests, so we can’t endorse these products.
| Product |
Chemical
Base |
Boots
Octane |
| Superblend
2000 |
Potassium |
|
| Nitrox 4
Star |
Potassium |
|
| Nitrox 4
Lead |
Manganese |
Yes |
| Red Line |
Sodium |
|
| Millers
VSP |
Manganese |
Yes |
| Valvemaster |
Phosphorus |
|
| Valvemaster
Plus |
Phosphorus |
Yes |
Option
4 - Convert the Engine to Unleaded
This doesn't necessarily mean junking your old engine and buying a complete new ?Green? unit. Unless your current engine is already on its last legs, then a few components will see it transformed into a full unleaded engine. Only consider this option if you already plan an engine overhaul. If, like my wife, you want some extra power, then while you plan to up you engine (in our case from 1300cc to 1600cc) - consider putting unleaded heads etc, in while you’re at it. Kill two birds with one stone.
Finally
Of
course, no matter which option you chose - a badly maintained engine,
or one that is thrashed to within an inch of its life will go no matter
what fuel you put in it. Those who are still worried can get in touch
with the club, where they can be put in touch with a knowledgeable VW
nut, or turn up to the club stand at shows, or our socials to speak
to club members direct. With all said and done VW owners can look forward
to the new millennium with little to worry about with any “millennium
bugs”.
Louis
Henwood
