Vintage Cars: 65 Buick Skylark, buick skylark, spark advance

Question
I have a 65 Buick Skylark with the original engine.  I just recently got it up and running again and I was wondering if I have to use lead substitute in the gas or if it will run fine on unleaded?

Answer
I will run fine on unleaded, depending on the compression ratio and state of tune, you may need premium.  For todays fuels, you don't want to run a lot of spark advance.  Start with the factory setting and maybe retard it a tiny bit if you hear any spark knock.

The only issue with the unleaded is possible valve recession since the lead was a lubricant.  If you ever get the engine rebuilt, have hardened valve seats put in and you won't ever have to worry about that.

In the meantime, if you don't race the car a LOT and don't pull trailers and live in the mountains (all things that require big throttle openings over long periods) chances are you can drive it for years without a problem.  

It would be good to add a can or bottle of lead sustitute in every other tank or so just to be safe.

Enjoy your Buick!

Don