Net octane 91. So their mixing it with crappier fuel...yes. Octane math doesn't work like that... it errs on the side of suck.

 

So what you're saying is they mix ****ty gas with cheaper high octane ethanol, then charge us more? Fabulous...

 

Dallas- E15 is still not in distribution yet- you might be thinking of the old MTBE or ETBE. The max allowed by EPA (other than the proposed E15 for use in only 2007 and newer vehicles) is 10%. You can verify this yourself if you like if you have a graduated cyl and a pipette (if you do let me know and I will tell you the method).

What Oregon does have is E10 and what oil companies tend to do is exactly what R/T Ernie said- they make up a less costly suboctane base gas for blending. Generally the octane boost is considered to be 2.5 points for the first 10% in lower octane gas. For example here in my state they use an 84.5 suboctane and put it with 10% ethanol for an 87. They in many cases did the same with premium- where they offered a 93 they now offer a 91 w/o ethanol and if you want 93 you have to add 10% ethanol.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for clarifying. I thought I remembered the pumps saying 15% but my memory ain't what it use to be . Very interesting how they're using the ethanol octane boost to sell a lower octane fuel.

I don't know much about the fuel creation process, does it take more work for higher octane, or is their a finite yield for a given oil volume? Sounds like the oil companies wouldnt want to get rid of ethanol all together, they can up-sell their product with a small 10% mixture.

 

"that 17 miles represents approximately 2 gallons of fuel. Is it worth ~$5.50 per tank and nearly 40 minutes of either your free time or billable time per tank of gas?"

For that quote there, I would say hell yes it's worth it. I used to drive 40 miles each way to get it, now I only have to drive 5. And hell yes it's worth every inconvenience. 90whp and 70wtq increase has put a smile on my face ever since I converted. If you tried it on your evoX I would guarantee you'd like it just as much as everyone else here. There's a reason we've been calling it Jesus Juice :P

 

Ive been hooked on "E" for ~3-4 years now, got me off Meth actually...

I have ~45min round trip to get it but I take 5-5gal cans with me so I only make the trip once a month. If I'm gonna drive far I just convert back to pump for a while.

 

I've been on for about 1.5 years now and love it. There are I think 6 stations in my town that have it. I only buy it from the same place normally. I don't get it from Meijer's as they are usually $.30 higher then the rest. I wouldn't mind paying a little bit more than premium, but not much more...

 

how do you store your e85, is there a shelf life on it?

 

I have never understood the whole 91-93 premium deal..why not just have 93 everywhere.....i feel for you guys out west..i only run E85 now..If thats available to you...and you arent using it yet..i have no idea what you are thinking..Justin