for an already smooth running motor, on E-85 it runs even smoother like there is an electric motor under the hood. Mine does not downshift as often running alcohol so it must be making a bit more torque. When it gets to -15 to -20 up here in the winter, it makes a lot more exhaust vapor on E-85 also. If I run a whole oil change cycle of 5000 miles using only E-85 my old oil is still very clean. Not as clean as running propane or natural gas in an engine but still very clean. I bet these flex fuel trucks would run fine on moonshine also. Which brings up NASCAR again and its roots. They now race on what they used to make in the woods at 200 proof.

 

after a little research, NASCAR is only using 15% ethanol in 98 octane fuel. So my bad, not a good example. That is barely more than pump gas for ethanol content. Mixing everclear aka e-100 and purple kool-aid in college hurt my brains. I'd rather just use it for fuel.

 

I need to get around to trying a tank out of E85 - here in Missouri it's plentiful. Regular 87 octane is so cheap that it's not possible to justify using E85 from an economic standpoint, but I would like to see if there is a noticeable bump in performance.

I agree with KEVININCHICAGO, this little 3.5L Cyclone engine is a gem. I'm nowhere near the miles that he has on his truck, but I just rolled over 1000 miles yesterday. So far the lifetime average is 19.9 with lots of city use and spirited acceleration endeavors. All 87 octane fuel though.

On a related note, somebody should dyno this engine on E85 and regular unleaded. I would be interested to see if it's a decent way to get better towing performance out of the little guy?