07-02-2006, 07:43 AM
Yes. BGRusty and I once tried to figure out the % of energy of ethanol vs gasoline, and thus the 10% gasahol mix energy loss. I don't recall what we ever found.
I do know that methanol has "maybe" 65-70% of the energy of gasoline, so the 10% mix isn't a huge hit, but probably a mpg or two on a modern car. If the vehicle can be retuned specifically to run gasahol, you can gain back some of that power, as the mix has a higher octane rating. I don't believe that current auto computer controls can adjust that far, it is probably outside the normal perameters.
Pure methanol for a fuel is tough with a modern car, as most have tiny 12-18 gallon tanks, so with pure methanol, it is like having a 9-14 gallon tank.
that discussion was here, I found it...< http://forums.macresource.com/read/1/89200/89292#msg-89292>
I do know that methanol has "maybe" 65-70% of the energy of gasoline, so the 10% mix isn't a huge hit, but probably a mpg or two on a modern car. If the vehicle can be retuned specifically to run gasahol, you can gain back some of that power, as the mix has a higher octane rating. I don't believe that current auto computer controls can adjust that far, it is probably outside the normal perameters.
Pure methanol for a fuel is tough with a modern car, as most have tiny 12-18 gallon tanks, so with pure methanol, it is like having a 9-14 gallon tank.
that discussion was here, I found it...< http://forums.macresource.com/read/1/89200/89292#msg-89292>