E85

[PaulieK]

How many of you guys are running flex fuel vehicles? Are they any good? Is the power the same etc.? Man I hope this technology takes off. I for one would love to be less dependant on middle east oil.

[Colorado Kid]

Our Suburban has the flex engine, and I've run a few tanks, Unfortunately E85 stores are few and far between and around here the price isn't enough lower to make up for the increased consumption. MPG goes down to 13-14 from the 16-17 we usually see. Power is perhaps a little better on E85 (or at least torque) as there is one particular hill we climb virtually every trip, on E85 the converter stays locked, while it usually unlocks running regular. That's running up the hill with cruise engaged at the same speed every time.

 

If you can get enough discount to make up for the increased burn rate and you don't mind the decreased range then it's all good otherwise.

[freakyt]

There are plenty of E85 stations around Minnesota. E85 tends to be about 60 cents less a gallon out here. On the highway, I get about 2 MPG less with E85.

 

My pickup is pretty new, so I don't have much experiance with the whole 'seat of the pants' power feel yet, but when I gas it with E85, it has plenty of power. I can't notice any difference when I run E85 or gas, besides the exhaust smell.

 

I say go for it. E85 is great. Support the farmers, even though it takes them plenty of petro to produce E85, it still reduces our dependence on Mid-east crude.

[pm26]

I got news for you. As long as Exxon, Chevron, etc are raking in billions of dollars selling refined Middle East oil, there will be US dependency on foreign oil.