12 replies to this topic

[01smartc]

Hi there, i have just bought a 12G295 head and was wondering if i should get a lead free convertion or just use lead supplement. Calver says use a supplement but what do you think? Cheers

[nev_payne]

Lead supplement works in my books - the Silver Eel uses it and havent experienced any problems at all, darn sight cheaper as well.

[pikey7]

lead supplement works fine.

Howver, do the math. How much is an unleaded conversion gonna cost you, and how long will it take you to pay that off in using supplement? Then decide.

[vasi]

Do neither, run it on unleaded, save your money.

When the valve seats burn out, then get seats fitted.

[cooper_shaz]

Unleaded conversion is about 100, as the head is off anyway, I would personally get it done. It will add appeal when you come to sell the car and makes things alot more simple. But given lead substitute is about 8 quid for 300 ml your going to have to go through about 4000 litres of fuel say at 30 mpg (some do more)

thats about 830 gallons

given that economy your going to have to drive 25,000 miles to make an unleaded conversion pay for itself

[miniboo]

i think 25000 miles to recoup is a lot so would say stick with the supplement.

After reading this i think i will be doing the same if i keep the spare MG head i have

what is the best lead supplement to use?

[Jammy]

Another point for the supplement is this; I use Castrol Valvemaster Plus. This not only contains the lead supplement but also an octane boost and additives to protect the engine. So not only will you get your lead in the petrol, but you'll also go a lil faster and your engine may last longer!

[Sprocket]

Now here is a question related to this that I am not sure about.

Can you use lead replacement supplement with an injection engine, will it knacker the Lambda sensor and Cat convertor as leaded fuel would.

Not that I expexct people to know or even give a **** because its inection

[pikey7]

Pessimist!

From conversations I had on Porsche forums, it does affect the life of the cat and sensor. No-one came up with a definitive answer by how much, but it was a significant drop. (I think one guy who used it as an additive to race fuel..... for some reason..... reckoned he was changing sensors every 9 months or so!)

[Sprocket]

Pessimist!

Just seems to be the opinion these days when it comes to the mini. "Injection?, rip it out and put carbs on it" is an all too common statement.

Cheers for the info though

[77LeylandMini]

You are all going to think I am crazy, But i was told from a VERY reliable source that a capfull of automatic transmission fluid in every tankfull does the trick.............. ducking under desk to avoid being ridiculed!!!

[Holly]

Unleaded conversion is about 100, as the head is off anyway, I would personally get it done. It will add appeal when you come to sell the car and makes things alot more simple. But given lead substitute is about 8 quid for 300 ml your going to have to go through about 4000 litres of fuel say at 30 mpg (some do more)

thats about 830 gallons

given that economy your going to have to drive 25,000 miles to make an unleaded conversion pay for itself

i think i posted somethink like this before and as i only drive when i home it was silly to convert! although i can see the point of it being good when you want to sell it! (i will never sell my mini tho )

[Purple Tom]

I'd say have it converted AND use Castrol Valvemaster Plus - its what I do