Dino Diaries - Nov 19, 2024 - Change Spark Plugs, PVC Plug and add some 100 Octane Gas

I have been having a blast with my 64 Coupe de Ville Dino the last couple days, now that the recored radiator is in, and decided to change plugs last night, then the PCV valve, then thought I would treat it to some (5 gallons) of 100 Octane gas from a nearby station that I found selling it a few weeks back.

PLUGS: I use Autolite 85 plugs. I use to use fancy multi-top platinum and other plugs but ended up with these for daily driving. Seem to be in the correct heat range and give good performance. I do have a set of NOS AC 44 (part # 1559492) on the shelf I may use one day if I take it to the grand national. To be honest I have been nervous about using them since reading the late John Washburn's Self-Starter article from way back where he had tested a rather large # of NOS plugs only to find that a good % failed. I would feel better if I had these tested.

GAP: Since I haver the Pertronix III ignition and Pertronix Flamethrower III ignition coil sending out a higher than stock voltage (they claim up to 45K volts), I gap my plugs around .040", that would be a bit more than the .035" stock gap, and less than the max .045" gap. I have been reluctant to go more or less as this seems about right.

Gas & Octane Rating:  If you go to our Octane Rating Information help page and see the math converting from todays ((R+M)/2) method, Cadillac recommended a minimum of around 94.5 Octane for our 10.5 to 1 compression engines.   If you remember the days of High Test gas in the 1960's and 1970's advertised as 100 octane, that would have been the higher ("R" research method).  The Motor method is often about 10 less, so using today's standard the old High Test was actually about 95 --> ((100+95)/2).   

Keep in mind that 93 octane (well even 91) seems to run fine in our cars. I always run 93 but decided to treat my tank with 5 gallons of 100 octane last night.   Doing my math (20 gallons of 93 octane + 5 gallons of 100 octane) = about 94.6 octane.  That 100 octane gas --> $9.99 a gallon! But this is Dino and it was his night!

Here is a picture after changing the plugs and PVC Valve. If good weather I would usually rather work at night outside with a headlamp on as I can actually see better than in the full sunlight or in the garage.

 

Views: 19

Reply to This

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Forum

Fender Trim Removal

Started by Kevin Wray in Restoration Discussion. Last reply by Jason Edge yesterday. 6 Replies

Thanks to Jason's expert advice, I was able to remove the fender trim on my 63 de Ville without removing the fender. Pics contain the locations of the 3/8 in nuts and how to access them. My clips…Continue

Tags: removal, trim

Body side molding install help needed

Started by Wayne Morris in 1963/64 Cadillac Specific Discussion. Last reply by Jason Edge yesterday. 3 Replies

I am in the process of trying to install body side molding. I have completed installing the two front fender pieces and now trying ti figure out the rest.…Continue

ORIGINAL CAR

Started by David Erickson in General Discussion yesterday. 0 Replies

I have an all original 63 Cadillac Park Avenue.  It has won awards in the past in the Originality Category.  My question to the group is what types of work you can do on the car that does not cause…Continue

Current 1963/64 Cadillac Listings on eBay

Started by Jason Edge in 1963/64 Cadillac Specific Discussion. Last reply by Jason Edge on Wednesday. 1 Reply

To see all 1963/64 Cadillacs Listed on eBay in the USA…Continue

Tags: ebay

Blog Posts

New old stock seat material

Posted by Ray Schick on August 22, 2024 at 6:25pm 2 Comments

I bought this seat material thinking that it’s…

Continue

Loud air moving sound within carb with cleaner removed

Posted by Dave Fehrle on March 23, 2024 at 3:23pm 8 Comments

While checking my Carter carb with engine running, I took the air cleaner off and there was a very loud hissing sound of air. I placed a piece of paper over the carb and it didn’t move up or down, is this normal?

Vintage Air AC

Posted by Chase on March 21, 2024 at 5:55am 0 Comments

Hey everyone, has anybody done a Vintage Air AC/Heat setup in their car? I want to bypass the old vacuum setup and go with a Vintage Air Gen 2 model. Before I get started, does anyone have any experience with this? (Which model to go with, do’s and dont’s, etc.) It looks pretty involved. Any and all info/pics would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

accumulator dryer

Posted by CHRIS CARLSON on December 6, 2023 at 10:54am 0 Comments

Who rebuilds original AC  accumulator dryers for 1964 Cadillac? I have been on Classic auto air in Tampa FL wait list for over a year ,  There is one on Old air products web site that looks very similar to the original # 21-4214A but states it fits 1962 Gm cars, The one recommended for a 1964 Cadillac is half the length 21-4215A    What  is everyone using ? I would prefer to be as original as possible. Thanks

Videos

  • Add Videos
  • View All

© 2024   Created by Jason Edge.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service