As reported in the August issue of Practical Classics, news from VWs technical department confirms that all classic Volkswagens can use unleaded fuel. “Initially we were cautious as only post-1976 cars are fitted with hardened valve seats, but our technical department says the memory effect from years of using leaded fuel will provide sufficient protection for earlier cars”, a spokesman confirmed. This lead memory effect can provide protection unless the cylinder heads are nearly new or have been reground.

Can my VW run on Unleaded petrol?

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 Switch to unleaded. This may sound like a big risk but Volkswagen themselves are confident of the strength of their engines, and if you look towards the rear of Practical Classics magazine, 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. 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.

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 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.