Any harm to vintage engines running unleaded fuels. Options

[914043]

Back in the day when they took lead out of gas there was a lot of concern that without the cushioning effect the lead had on the valve face there would be bent and broken valves. Since my car fits those criteria and will be driving soon what if any concerns should I be aware of?? Fairly technical but Thanks for any help that might save me a damaged engine. Best to Ya

[second wind]

So this is a very interesting topic....would putting lead additive into a '73 2.0 gas tank help with anything? Improve anything? Add some extra cushion of comfort for anything?
Thank you all very much!
gg

[wonkipop]

So this is a very interesting topic....would putting lead additive into a '73 2.0 gas tank help with anything? Improve anything? Add some extra cushion of comfort for anything?
Thank you all very much!
gg

the 2.0 L engines all have/had the lower compression ratio in stock form suitable for unleaded - what was really of consequence was that initially unleaded had significantly lower octane level than leaded premium fuels in that era.

the 2.0 had a 7.6:1 compression ration.

the EA 1.7 for california in 73 had a 7.3:1 c r.
the EC 1.8s all had 7.3:1 c r.

all of these engines were 100% designed to run on unleaded fuel.

i am sure the earlier 1.7s despite a higher c r of 8.2:1 run just nice on today's higher octane fuels. but back then it might have been an issue. but as suggested above by folks who know what they are talking about, its not an issue of valve "lubrication" for VW and porsche engnies. it would have just been octane and higher compression issues.

i've never run anything but straight from the pump unleaded in my 1.8 for 30+ years.