E85 Fuel...What has been your experience with this?

Question

I recently purchased a vehicle that has flex-fuel option. Where I live there is a 25% difference in price from the E85 to the regular gasoline in the state where I live. Is it worth it to purchase the E85 knowing I won't get as much distance out of the gas than if I had purchased regular fuel?

Anybody have any experience with this?

Answer 1

i have not had any experience with E85, yet. however i have had experience using straight alcohol, as well as alcohol/nitromethane mix. alcohol works quite nicely as a motor fuel, and E85 is better since it lights off easier in the winter. E85 will also reduce the need to flush the fuel injectors since alcohol is a solvent, as well as a good motor fuel.

i would however carefully check the numbers to see which fuel is less expensive to use though. run a few tanks of E10 fuel and calculate your fuel economy. then run an equal number of tanks of E85 and calculate your fuel economy on E85. also keep track of how much it costs to run the same distance on each type of fuel, and which ever one is less expensive overall, go with that fuel.

Answer 2

You won't lose 25% of your mileage on E85 with a FFV it will adjust and minimize the fuel reduction automatically.   So economically speaking you're better off with E85.

But, even if it's a little more.   The foreign princes of Saudi Arabia don't get your money to sponsor terror nor do the American&Foreign Oil companies get your money to fight for oil reserves.   The American farmer and American ethanol industrial owners and workers get your money which enriches the American economy.   Plus the emissions improve a minimum of 30% over those of gasoline.

I am using a 50/50 blend of E85 and E10, no modifications to the engine.   Running great so far.