Is leaded gas any cheaper to produce?
Lead improves octane when added to gasoline.
If a system is designed to use high octane it is more efficient.
But the current fleet is totally committed to catalytic converter emission controls which are not compatible with leaded fuels. Back in the late 70s we converted cars to use (cheaper) leaded fuels but you had to “gut” the catalytic converter to prevent plugging. This was before computer controlled closed loop fuel injection.
Is leaded gas any cheaper to produce?
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Way way cheaper - today’s gas has the lead removed (cost), ethanol added (cost), special blended by region and season (cost, cost), etc.