Unleaded fuel for '71 2.2E

Guest · Dec 10, 2007

I'm just getting my 1971 2.2E back on the road after very limited use of the past few years.

It has not been modified to run on unleaded, but my understanding is that it is OK to use unleaded as valves are hard enough.

Would anyone disagree?

Also, any thoughts on the relative merits of standard unleaded, premium unleaded or the use of petrol additives?

Any comments welcomed before I cause irreversible damage to my pride and joy!

Nick Moss · Dec 10, 2007

Your car will run fine on standard unleaded without causing any damage.

Bertroex · Dec 10, 2007

Your drivers manual would indicate to what the car needs as a minimum, I have a feeling -and that is unconfirmed so please do check- a 2.2E has been set up to run on 91 RON.

Unleaded is 95 RON and then you can go into the V-power/Optimax etc range with 98RON or 99 ron.

You might experience slightly better mileage using a higher octane rating but the general consensus is that the difference is hardly worth it.

ATB,

Bert

Robin · Dec 10, 2007

Bruce Anderson says " In general all 911's with less than 10:1 compression ratio will run on 92 Octane or above unleaded premium fuel" Normal Unleaded at 95 Octane is OK. Your 911E was made with a 9.1:1 compression ratio and the valve seats are all hard steel inserts so unleaded fuel is OK. I might be concerned to make sure that your fuel pump is good and that no corrosion from the fuel tank (if any is there after standing empty for some time) can get to it. The fuel filter should be good or replace it. This is because the fuel pump is now made from 'Unobtanium' so look after it. Also be gentle with the fan belt and the fuel pump toothed drive belt, if they have not been used for some time they will have become brittle. Just one final thing your car is not likely to break easily, they were made tough in those days so use it and enjoy it.