Increase in ethanol in gasoline

POS VETT

I have no problem with increased ethanol content in fuel. I have a current-generation GM full-size truck that's an FFV and it can take advantage of running E85; it's rated at 25 more hp and 33 more ft-lbs just by running E85 alone. What the numbers don't tell, the engine calibration for E85 is more aggressive; throttle response is much improved and it runs more advanced ignition timing due to E85 resistance to auto-ignition. The engine has an 11:1 compression with direct injection and VVT.

As far as consumption rate, E85 rate is quite lower, however due to the lower price, the comparison should be done using $/mile figure. In my case, I compare it to 93-octane fuel price since there is no way I would use an 87-octane fuel in an engine with an 11:1 compression. So far, it is cheaper for me to run E85. Alas, I care not about my $/mile figure; E85 could be more expensive than 93-octane fuel and I would still choose E85.

Using the example of my truck, I have been wondering what it would be like to turn the Zs and my other cars to run E85. The kind of power, torque, and throttle response these cars would gain especially the one with turbocharging, dual VVT, multi-valve, higher compression ratio, and direct injection. An ethanol-content sensor would be needed in all cases.