Rich: Isn't it true that adding methanol or ethanol also increases octane? Steve Galezowski 300L ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rich Barber" <barber@xxxxxxxxx> To: <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 9:18 PM Subject: [Chrysler300] Fuel Fax 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 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 ------------------------ 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/