Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: HerbP on August 24, 2016, 11:38:28 PM

Title: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: HerbP on August 24, 2016, 11:38:28 PM
I've hummed and hawed and finally signed the paperwork and will soon have a restored 1940 LaSalle Series 50 in my garage...oh yeah!

My question today (I'm sure there will be more, but I really do try to mine the forum before asking) involves fuel and oil additives...are they necessary?

I live in Denver and plan to drive the car to shows, do cruises, etc in the fair weather months. 

Do I need to find alcohol-free fuel?
Should I routinely use a fuel additive?
Will an oil additive be a good idea?

Thanks all...I'm looking forward to enjoying the ride.  :)
Title: Re: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: tturley on August 25, 2016, 12:02:10 AM
Congrats on your new Lasalle. I have a 1940 model 5019 that I take to a lot of shows and cruises here in KC. I just finished the restoration last fall.

I don't know if it is needed but I do use corn fee gas that is offered at lots of stations here and add a bottle of lead additive and octane booster.
Title: Re: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: HerbP on August 28, 2016, 02:09:32 AM
Quote from: tturley on August 25, 2016, 12:02:10 AM
Congrats on your new Lasalle. I have a 1940 model 5019 that I take to a lot of shows and cruises here in KC. I just finished the restoration last fall.

I don't know if it is needed but I do use corn fee gas that is offered at lots of stations here and add a bottle of lead additive and octane booster.
Thanks Tom.  Do you add any additives to your oil as well?
I've seen a lot of posts about zinc, 'Miracle Oil" and the like and am getting a little lost...heh.
Title: Re: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: Bobby B on August 28, 2016, 09:46:14 AM
Herb,
My advice....
If available, I would definitely use ethanol-free fuel. Unfortunately New Jersey doesn't have it any where near my area.
No harm in adding some Marvel Mystery Oil (MMO) when you fill up. Helps keep upper end lubed & other little benefits.
Use oil with a high content of ZDDP or add it to your favorite oil. I use Valvoline VR1, Joe Gibbs, or Brad Penn. Easier to buy one of those oils with it already mixed in, than adding it to a modern oil which requires mixing it in a pot with your non-ZDDP oil and warming it up so it doesn't stay in suspension.

Hope this answers some of your Flathead mystery questions. Good luck!
                                                                                               Bobby
Title: Re: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: Jeff Hansen on August 28, 2016, 12:07:43 PM
Herb,

Congratulations on your new LaSalle!

Join your local chapter of the Cadillac & LaSalle Club.  The Rocky Mountain Region is very active and their members can tell you how to make your LaSalle thrive at altitude.  John Washburn, a Rocky Mountain Region member who frequents this forum, has been touring in his LaSalle for a number of years.  Definitely a guy you'll want to get to know!

http://rmrclc.com/

HTH,
Jeff
Title: Re: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: HerbP on August 28, 2016, 05:43:17 PM
Quote from: Jeff Hansen on August 28, 2016, 12:07:43 PM
Herb,

Congratulations on your new LaSalle!

Join your local chapter of the Cadillac & LaSalle Club.  The Rocky Mountain Region is very active and their members can tell you how to make your LaSalle thrive at altitude.  John Washburn, a Rocky Mountain Region member who frequents this forum, has been touring in his LaSalle for a number of years.  Definitely a guy you'll want to get to know!

http://rmrclc.com/

HTH,
Jeff
Hello Jeff, thanks!  I have sent in the RMRCLC paperwork and joined the local and national clubs.  I do look forward to meeting folks and learning the ins and outs of these automobiles!
Cheers,
Herb
Title: Re: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: HerbP on August 28, 2016, 05:43:54 PM
Quote from: Bobby B on August 28, 2016, 09:46:14 AM
Herb,
My advice....
If available, I would definitely use ethanol-free fuel. Unfortunately New Jersey doesn't have it any where near my area.
No harm in adding some Marvel Mystery Oil (MMO) when you fill up. Helps keep upper end lubed & other little benefits.
Use oil with a high content of ZDDP or add it to your favorite oil. I use Valvoline VR1, Joe Gibbs, or Brad Penn. Easier to buy one of those oils with it already mixed in, than adding it to a modern oil which requires mixing it in a pot with your non-ZDDP oil and warming it up so it doesn't stay in suspension.

Hope this answers some of your Flathead mystery questions. Good luck!
                                                                                               Bobby
Super helpful, thanks Bobby!
Title: Re: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: John Washburn CLC 1067 Sadly deceased. on August 28, 2016, 08:30:22 PM
Herb,

Lots of questions with no easy answers.

When you get the car drop me a e-mail and perhaps we can get together and chat about the best way to maintain the LaSalle for great driving pleasure.

John Washburn
john.washburn47email addresses not permitted
Elizabeth, Colorado
Title: Re: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: HerbP on August 28, 2016, 09:03:37 PM
Quote from: John Washburn CLC 1067 on August 28, 2016, 08:30:22 PM
Herb,

Lots of questions with no easy answers.

When you get the car drop me a e-mail and perhaps we can get together and chat about the best way to maintain the LaSalle for great driving pleasure.

John Washburn
john.washburn47email addresses not permitted
Elizabeth, Colorado
Thank you John, I'll do that!
I saw you at the golf course today, nice Caddy and Lasalle!
Cheers,
Herb (also in Elizabeth)
Title: Re: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: John Washburn CLC 1067 Sadly deceased. on August 28, 2016, 09:39:36 PM
Herb,

Great that should make getting together a lot easier.

My buddy won second place with his Chevy panel truck.

Nice no pressure show.

Talk to you soon.

The Johnny
Title: Re: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: HerbP on August 28, 2016, 11:02:34 PM
Quote from: John Washburn CLC 1067 on August 28, 2016, 09:39:36 PM
Herb,

Great that should make getting together a lot easier.

My buddy won second place with his Chevy panel truck.

Nice no pressure show.

Talk to you soon.

The Johnny
I loved that panel, the smoothie running boards were a great touch and a very nice interior too!  I talked to him a bit, very nice car and also a nice guy.  Tell him congratz!
Title: Re: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: Bobby B on August 28, 2016, 11:13:49 PM
Small World..... :)
                  Bobby
Title: Re: Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8
Post by: HerbP on August 28, 2016, 11:52:03 PM
Quote from: Bobby B on August 28, 2016, 11:13:49 PM
Small World..... :)
                  Bobby
Ain't that the truth!
:D