You could also convert cars by putting harder valve seats in, not sure if this happened a lot at the time, or whether it’s more for classic cars that are worth enough to make sense to do. I don’t think the lead was primarily an anti knock additive, more of a valve and bore lubricant
Getting hardened seats isn’t really all that expensive either. I took the head off my MG and a shop only charged me about $300 for a full teardown and rebuild of the head, including all the machining and installation of hardened seats. It’s way cheaper in the long run than having to add a lead substitute every fill-up
You could also convert cars by putting harder valve seats in, not sure if this happened a lot at the time, or whether it’s more for classic cars that are worth enough to make sense to do. I don’t think the lead was primarily an anti knock additive, more of a valve and bore lubricant
Getting hardened seats isn’t really all that expensive either. I took the head off my MG and a shop only charged me about $300 for a full teardown and rebuild of the head, including all the machining and installation of hardened seats. It’s way cheaper in the long run than having to add a lead substitute every fill-up