Fuel and oil considerations at altitude for flathead V8

[HerbP]

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. 

[tturley]

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.

[HerbP]

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.

[Bobby B]

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

[Jeff Hansen]

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

[HerbP]

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

[HerbP]

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!

[John Washburn CLC 1067]

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

[HerbP]

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)

[John Washburn CLC 1067]

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

[HerbP]

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!

[Bobby B]

Small World.....
                  Bobby

[HerbP]

Small World.....
                  Bobby

Ain't that the truth!