[Scott65]

[QUOTE=GoreMaker;6353234]For sure ethanol has properties that allow an engine to make more power without detonating, when tuned for it. Higher detonation resistance, and an extra cooling property that helps prevent heat buildup. On a Buick turbo V6, we can run some absolutely insane boost on E85, but it requires as much as 50% more fueling than with regular gas. That's a pretty dramatic increase. We also have the benefit of an ECU that can run different injection and ignition tables depending on what fuel is in the tank. None of that is easily achievable on a Pontiac V8."
It's not easy, but it can be done. I'm happy to be able to mix E85 and regular unleaded with gas prices through the roof...

[Formulabruce]

[QUOTE=Scott65;6353303]

Originally Posted by GoreMaker

For sure ethanol has properties that allow an engine to make more power without detonating, when tuned for it. Higher detonation resistance, and an extra cooling property that helps prevent heat buildup. On a Buick turbo V6, we can run some absolutely insane boost on E85, but it requires as much as 50% more fueling than with regular gas. That's a pretty dramatic increase. We also have the benefit of an ECU that can run different injection and ignition tables depending on what fuel is in the tank. None of that is easily achievable on a Pontiac V8."
It's not easy, but it can be done. I'm happy to be able to mix E85 and regular unleaded with gas prices through the roof...

The price IS deceiving. Ethanol has just POOR fuel economy. Engines work harder to do the same work, which means more rpms, and more heat ( in a street engine). Also consider that its subsidized by the taxpayers, so while it may seem cheaper, it just may not be.... Look at a EPA sticker on a new car. Cruising ranges are listed with E10 and then E85... Its a real eye opener. Almost has "Range anxiety"

[Formulajones]

[QUOTE=Formulabruce;6353396]

Originally Posted by Scott65

The price IS deceiving. Ethanol has just POOR fuel economy. Engines work harder to do the same work, which means more rpms, and more heat ( in a street engine). Also consider that its subsidized by the taxpayers, so while it may seem cheaper, it just may not be.... Look at a EPA sticker on a new car. Cruising ranges are listed with E10 and then E85... Its a real eye opener. Almost has "Range anxiety"

Yep, stoich for E85 is 9.7:1 so it's an extremely rich mixture, plus it takes a fair amount of compression to take advantage of it, which new cars really don't have enough of anyway making them even less efficient on that stuff.