Ethanol blending

Here in Hawaii, we are expecting to have all of our gas become E10 by summer 2006. E10 is a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. An article in our newspaper makes it sound like such a great thing, saying that ethanol wil make our gas cleaner-burning, cheaper and will even raise the octane rating of the blend (slightly). They go on to insinuate that pure ethanol would have an octane rating of 113.

Our best gas is 91 octane, and if my math serves me correctly, then 10% of 113 plus 90% of 91-octane would bring the blend up to around 93 octane. This sounds nice... But, how would this compare to "pure" 93-oct gas?

From a purely performance standpoint - what, if any, bad effects would ethanol blend have on our vehicles? I know nothing about ethanol and I tend to get little apprehensive when the media has nothing but good things to say about it. What do you guys think? Thanks.

Reply » Ethanol blending

The energy content of ethanol is less than regular gasoline, so expect your fuel economy to decrease somewhat. A gallon of ethanol has about 80% the power of a gallon of gas, so luckily it's only 10% in the blend.

Some gas stations around here blend ethanol at 10% and sell this 91 octane fuel for the same price as their 89 stuff.

Reply » Ethanol blending

Quote:

You can expect lower fuel economy. In Illinois, the dealers have no option, so we don't get a price break on the ethanol stuff. I never return to Illinois from a neighboring state without a full tank of gas

Reply » Ethanol blending

You'll likely be interested in this

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/020227.htm

Reply » Ethanol blending

I have been using a 94 octane rated fuel with 10% ethanol substitution. I have found no significant change in my economy compared to 91 octane gasoline. Performance seems to be a bit better with the 94, particularly in low end acceleration.

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