Ethanol questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Zonaman · 03-31-2006, 10:58 AM

I've been hearing about Brazil & their use of ethanol. Is this some type of gas/alcohol blend (beyond the winter blends we use), or all alcohol? . Can your average 350 Chevy run off this stuff? If yes, how elaborate are the mods? How's performance. Appreciate anything you guys can tell me.

Thanks.

stynchrr · 03-31-2006, 11:05 AM

I did a google search and came up with some great sites about this. From what I read they are running a 85% ethanol to 15% gas mix. aka E85 This has a higher octane but lower BTU. An average 350 could run off of this stuff but the ethanol being a alcohol is crossive which requires lining of the gas tank and fuel lines as well as any other part that contacts the fuel. The lower BTU number means less power than regular gas. More info is on the net I think this is a great alturnitive fuel source because it is made in the USA and renewable. Just my .02 hope it helps
Tim

chevy72402 · 03-31-2006, 11:06 AM

heck we have E-85 here in SD, most all the stuff that I fill up with around the country is a 10% blend of ethanol and your regular fuel. but E-85 is 85% ethanol and 15% fuel, it burns hotter at this mixture and you get crap for fuel mileage at the 85% blend IMO. I ran 2 tanks of E-85 in my new pickup I ended up only getting 9 MPG where I was getting over 14 MPG on regular 10% blend, so needless to say I don't like filling up everytime I go to town.

As for the 10% blend, I haven't had any problems with it, run it in lawnmowers, dirt bikes, street bikes, pickups, cars, anything that runs on gas and it hasn't caused one bit of problems.

shifty · 03-31-2006, 11:21 AM

http://www.e85fuel.com/index.php

Lots of answers for you there including a list of cars and engines that will support it, including info about where to get it. South Carolina seems to be one of the states with the most suppliers. It usually runs about 5%-20% cheaper than gasoline.

I had looked into this a while ago and posted this thread that's got a bit of info in it:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=189935

72armyswbtruck · 03-31-2006, 06:07 PM

I have ran ethanol mixtures in my vehicles with no problems, there is a big push in some states to maek this a mandatory fuel, e85 that is. Great for farmers

shifty · 03-31-2006, 07:33 PM

i've heard arguments to the contrary about whether it's good for farmers. i can't remember if that was talked about in the thread i just linked up - believe it was.

just gotta remember, ever action has a reaction and/or consequence. sometimes we get so excited about the action, we fail to consider the reaction and/or consequence.

03-31-2006, 10:58 AM	#1
Zonaman Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 519	Ethanol questions I've been hearing about Brazil & their use of ethanol. Is this some type of gas/alcohol blend (beyond the winter blends we use), or all alcohol? . Can your average 350 Chevy run off this stuff? If yes, how elaborate are the mods? How's performance. Appreciate anything you guys can tell me. Thanks. __________________ 69 C-10 LWB, 350, 700r4, 3.73 posi-traction, front disc brakes. Built for the desert- She can take the heat! Vivat Rex Chevus! Last edited by Zonaman; 03-31-2006 at 10:58 AM.

03-31-2006, 11:05 AM	#2
stynchrr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Dover Delaware Posts: 270	Re: Ethanol questions I did a google search and came up with some great sites about this. From what I read they are running a 85% ethanol to 15% gas mix. aka E85 This has a higher octane but lower BTU. An average 350 could run off of this stuff but the ethanol being a alcohol is crossive which requires lining of the gas tank and fuel lines as well as any other part that contacts the fuel. The lower BTU number means less power than regular gas. More info is on the net I think this is a great alturnitive fuel source because it is made in the USA and renewable. Just my .02 hope it helps Tim

03-31-2006, 11:06 AM	#3
chevy72402 FARMER/RANCHER Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: SD Posts: 597	Re: Ethanol questions heck we have E-85 here in SD, most all the stuff that I fill up with around the country is a 10% blend of ethanol and your regular fuel. but E-85 is 85% ethanol and 15% fuel, it burns hotter at this mixture and you get crap for fuel mileage at the 85% blend IMO. I ran 2 tanks of E-85 in my new pickup I ended up only getting 9 MPG where I was getting over 14 MPG on regular 10% blend, so needless to say I don't like filling up everytime I go to town. As for the 10% blend, I haven't had any problems with it, run it in lawnmowers, dirt bikes, street bikes, pickups, cars, anything that runs on gas and it hasn't caused one bit of problems. __________________ 1972 chevy super, long box, 402 big block (2,000 miles on rebuild) 2wd tach, tilt, tool box on bedside, a/c, sliding rear window, orange and white. 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd, tach, tilt, a/c, my first engine overhauling experience, Orange, with white top 2006 Gmc Sierra, XM, Z-71, dark blue, onstar, leather, rear entertainment (audio only) heated seats, (the wife loves that feature) upgraded tires immediately after purchase to Goodyear Wrangler AT/S (hate those rock throwers that come from the factory) BWC

03-31-2006, 11:21 AM	#4
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: Ethanol questions http://www.e85fuel.com/index.php Lots of answers for you there including a list of cars and engines that will support it, including info about where to get it. South Carolina seems to be one of the states with the most suppliers. It usually runs about 5%-20% cheaper than gasoline. I had looked into this a while ago and posted this thread that's got a bit of info in it: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=189935 __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

03-31-2006, 06:07 PM	#5
72armyswbtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,033	Re: Ethanol questions I have ran ethanol mixtures in my vehicles with no problems, there is a big push in some states to maek this a mandatory fuel, e85 that is. Great for farmers __________________ "Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!"

03-31-2006, 07:33 PM	#6
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: Ethanol questions i've heard arguments to the contrary about whether it's good for farmers. i can't remember if that was talked about in the thread i just linked up - believe it was. just gotta remember, ever action has a reaction and/or consequence. sometimes we get so excited about the action, we fail to consider the reaction and/or consequence. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

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