[Chrysler300] Fuel Fax

[Rich Barber <barber@xxxxxxxxx>]

Apparently, the server rejected this the first time.  This version 
includes the corrections.

Fuel economy is pretty much based on the BTU content of the fuel for a 
given engine, even a carbureted hemi in a Chrysler 300.

Gasoline= 132,400 BTU/gallon  This is an older value and  now ranges all 
over the map-CA suggests a value of 111,000 BTU/gallon at 
http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/transportation/alcohols.html  
Reformulation and additives have lowered the BTU content of "gasoline" 
15% in the last 40 years.
Ethanol= 85,879 BTU/gallon
Methanol=60,088 BTU/gallon
MTBE= 93,500 BTU/gallon (MTBE is made from iso-butane and methanol, has 
a higher carbon content, thus higher BTU/gallon)
10% ethanol in gasoline=127,739 BTU/gallon=96.5% of gasoline
10% methanol in gasoline=125,168 BTU/gallon=94.5% of gasoline
10% MTBE in gasoline=128,510 BTU/gallon=97.1% of gasoline

The EPA suggests one might experience a 1%-3% loss in fuel economy on 
fuels with oxygenates.

While there is a rich interplay of variables making this analysis more 
complex, the addition of any low carbon/high hydrogen fuel such as 
alcohol or MTBE to a given gasoline blend will lower fuel economy and 
range.   See the EPA site at  http://www.epa.gov/otaq/rfgecon.htm  
Adding insult to injury, you can be sure you are buying some water when 
you buy fuel with alcohol in it as the distillation process is imperfect.

In my judgment the real issue is out-of-pocket cents/mile.  Others would 
want to add in the hidden cost of subsidized oxygenates, environmental 
impact & etc.

There is probably no other common product so poorly labeled, with the 
possible exception of bottled water.

Gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel and on down to residual fuel and Bunker 
C are pretty much liquid coal and continue to provide cheap energy for 
transportation, heating and commerce.

Society and government decide on taxation and formulations of fuel to 
improve the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink.

Oxygenates are most helpful in reducing pollution from older engines.  
Newer engines closely control fuel-air ratios and produce about the same 
emissions on any current gasoline.

Well, I see the hour is over.  Class dismissed.

MoPa'r to ya!

Rich Barber







------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> 
Yahoo! Autos. Everything you need to know about buying 
or selling a car.  FREE Quotes, 360° Tours, Research,
Blue Book, Compare Vehicles, Buy Used
http://us.click.yahoo.com/kEZsdA/bwnGAA/YiGOAA/8LmulB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~-> 

To send a message to this group, send an email to:
Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

For list server instructions, go to http://www.chrysler300club.com/yahoolist/inst.htm 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chrysler300/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
     Chrysler300-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
     http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/