E10 gasoline in our old school engines.

[Slammed84]

I know this isnt the best forum to raise this question but wanted to get opinions from you guys. In Oklahoma the majority of reputable gas stations onlyoffer E10 gasoline. You can find 87 octane 100% real gas at QuikTrip, which is the biggest seller of gas in Tulsa, and have stores in other cities in other neighboring states.

I don't think twice about filling up in my Vortec powered 97 shortwide, and wont think twice to run it in the bone stock goodwrench 350 i have in my 84'.

But questions arise when it comes to higher performance engines. Im slowly putting a 498 BBC together, and while i am planning to keep it a mild build, i do want to run somewhere around 9.5:1 compression.

I know there are other factors besides compression ratios. But on an all iron, old school BBC, im wondering if it will be okay to run the 91 octane E10.

If there are any big block guys I would love to hear thoughts and opinions on this subject.

[Liberty]

Considering Gasahol/Ethanol is nothing new,
GM actually goes ever Gasahol use for our trucks in the user manual.
Looking at the manual for my 82, GM says the engines are good up to E-10.

Personally I hate running ethanol since it doesn't play nice with carbs, but I don't have much of a choice anymore.

[Slammed84]

Pertaining to carbs, what is the weak link? Gaskets? Ive heard the ethanol dries them out.

[1974ChevyC30]

Originally Posted by Slammed84

Pertaining to carbs, what is the weak link? Gaskets? Ive heard the ethanol dries them out.

Ya especially the accelerator pump seal. I had to rebuild my Q-Jet becauser the seal was toast from ethanol. I used ethanol resistant components on the rebuild from http://quadrajetparts.com/. Never had a problem since. My engine is mildly built. I run mid grade because she hates regular. I can also run premium extra power if needed with my setup. It's all in the tuning.

[hatzie]

Alcohol was supposed to be responsible for loosening crud in the tank and sending it downstream. I bet that was correct.
It'll definitely eat seals hoses and accelerator pumps.

Biodiesel will clean out the fuel system on your diesels. It'll also plug up several fuel filters before you rinse all of the crud through.
Biodiesel will also eat up seals and hoses that aren't compatible.

[1974ChevyC30]

Originally Posted by hatzie

Alcohol was supposed to be responsible for loosening crud in the tank and sending it downstream. I bet that was correct.
It'll definitely eat seals hoses and accelerator pumps.

Biodiesel will clean out the fuel system on your diesels. It'll also plug up several fuel filters before you rinse all of the crud through.
Biodiesel will also eat up seals and hoses that aren't compatible.

Both absorb water as well. The steel lines don't like it very much either.

[andrewmp6]

And make sure your rubber fuel lines are rated for Ethanol.

[donut]

Run what you like or what's available. Yes, there may be issues, but then again don't know until you try. IMO, ethanol blends aren't as damaging as when they pulled the lead out of the gas. Yes, seals MAY dry out and leak. However, running up to a 10% ethanol may or not be an issue.

I personally haven't had a problem with it, unless it was a 30 yr old seal that may have been marginal at best. Aftermarket vacuum caps however....

[Slammed84]

I have a Demon carb to throw on this big block. Im not positive what cfm it is, but I havent done much digging on it either. I was told it was 800cfm, but im not sure.
So should I be safe and rebuild it with ethanol rated gaskets and seals before I get this motor going?
Carbs are not my strongpoint by any means, i would have to find someone to rebuild it for me.
It is super clean aside from some aging of the goldish plated pieces.

[Bigstevex4]

Its been around along time in Denver haven't. noticed any problems .Other fuel mileage free is not as good. In South Dakota Corn in gas you bet. Live By Sturgis so most premium is corn free.

[1974ChevyC30]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

And make sure your rubber fuel lines are rated for Ethanol.

^ This too. Any rubber lines in my system have been switched out to help with E10.

@ Donut: Ya when lead was taken out of gas it was a bigger problem I agree. Lead just served too many purposes including being an antiknock octane booster as well as a lubricant for valve seats. I guess the removal of lead is what forced closed chamber heads to go away as most 454s have open chamber.

[Dead Parrot]

In OKC, pure gas is fairly common but is more expensive then E10. I run the E10 since there isn't much difference in mileage on mine. By math, E10 has about 97% the energy of pure gas of the same octane. Not going to be noticeable on a vehicle that gets 13 MPG @ 70mph on the highway. E10 does seem to be bad for small engines even if they claim to be rated for it.

All things being equal, adding ethanol should raise the octane a bit but I think most of the refineries compensate by blending the ethanol with lower octane gas to arrive at the proper number.

[1974ChevyC30]

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

In OKC, pure gas is fairly common but is more expensive then E10. I run the E10 since there isn't much difference in mileage on mine. By math, E10 has about 97% the energy of pure gas of the same octane. Not going to be noticeable on a vehicle that gets 13 MPG @ 70mph on the highway. E10 does seem to be bad for small engines even if they claim to be rated for it.

All things being equal, adding ethanol should raise the octane a bit but I think most of the refineries compensate by blending the ethanol with lower octane gas to arrive at the proper number.

In a way, the fact that gas is oxygenated now creates even more of a problem for carbs. It is easier to vapor lock.

[Slammed84]

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

In OKC, pure gas is fairly common but is more expensive then E10. I run the E10 since there isn't much difference in mileage on mine. By math, E10 has about 97% the energy of pure gas of the same octane. Not going to be noticeable on a vehicle that gets 13 MPG @ 70mph on the highway. E10 does seem to be bad for small engines even if they claim to be rated for it.

All things being equal, adding ethanol should raise the octane a bit but I think most of the refineries compensate by blending the ethanol with lower octane gas to arrive at the proper number.

You guys don't have QT in OKC yet...... you will when the 7/11 guy kicks the bucket. They only sell 87 octane 100% here. I can get up to 91 octane 100% but nowhere near my house that I trust.
But theoretically, 91 E10 will be the same as 91 regular gas, but not quite as explosive?