RE: Gasoline

Congratulations on acquiring your Thunderbird.

These were the engines offered for 1959 in the Thunderbird:

[ul][li]Code H / Thunderbird 352 Cubic Inch Special V-8
Bore & stroke: 4.00" x 3.50"
Comp. ratio: 9.6:1
Horsepower: 300 at 4600 RPM

[li]Code J / Thunderbird 430 Cubic Inch Special V-8
Bore & stroke: 4.30" x 3.70"
Comp. ratio: 10.0:1
Horsepower: 350 at 4400 RPM


[li]Code G / Thunderbird 332 Cubic Inch Special V-8 (LOW OCTANE FOR EXPORT ONLY)
Bore & stroke: 4.00" x 3.30"
Comp. ratio: 8.9:1
Horsepower: 265 at 4400 RPM
[/ul]

These same engines were available in 1960. In 1958 the 430 engine was not available. The low compression 332 was a rare option and only available for export.

All the engines except the export only 332 engines required premium fuel because they are high compression engines. I am surprised you do not get pinging under load and acceleration with your 352 running on 87 octane. I only use 91 octane and up gas in my Thunderbirds.

The owner's manual states, "Your Thunderbird V-8 power plant should be operated only on the highest quality premium-grade gasoline available in your locality. The use of low octane fuels in this engine will cause spark knock and poor performance, and may eventually cause serious damage to the the precision internal parts of the engine."

If your engine does not ping under load, it may be that someone has retarded the timing of your engine. If so, you are not getting the performance that the engine can deliver.

I do not use any additives in my gasoline. The need for lead in the gasoline is questionable if you are not running the engine hard.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top