I was a little surprised to not find this in a search but my search terms might not have been right.

I still "breaking in" my F250 supercab 3.73 6.2 so my gas mileage is pretty poor. Winter gas, my commute route (Northwest Indiana has not learned to synchronize lights), etc are contributing factors.

So for fun, I decided to baseline E85 against our winter blend E10 87 octane. Currently in my 85% city (35 mph but stopping on average every 4th long block) and 15% pure highway at 65 mph route yields 12 mpg. On E10, by calculations at current fuel prices, 10.6 mpg should yield me even cost per mile ($1.81 verses $1.61). Since I did not run the tank dry but pumped 22.5 gallons of E85 lets call it an even 11 mpg.

I know most folks report even or better fuel mileage in turbo performance cars, particularly when pushing it in warm weather, and some here aim for E85 when towing but I am curious if anyone has similar findings.

My truck is not normally a daily driver but I am trying to get it over that 5K mile hump that tends to signal "normalization". Besides, don't have cash for for new summer tires on the DD and the old ones are...um..marginal now.

 

You aren't going to get better mileage in a performance application. You can make more power with it in forced induction setups thanks to the higher octane.

 

My understanding is if the combination of too much boost and high enough ambient temps result in the timing begin retarded or the boost being bled off prematurely (both potential modern ECM reactions) can normalize the lower energy content of E85...no doubt you can put down more power in similar situations E85 versus E10 87 octane.

No matter, even if I have bought into the hype, my test is on an unmodified 6.2. Will only be a single or double point of reference so not scientific. Hence the request of "others" experiences.

 

its my understanding that Most of the bio fuels burn at a lower temperature and slower as well which generally reduces mileage.

Maybe the issues have been figured out, but I prefer "straight" gas over subsidized corn gas.

 

WHen it comes to "biofuels", the E fuels (gas world) reduce lube value and in some vehicles degrade fuel handling parts. The B fuels (diesel world) increase lube value and clean out the system, as well as no noticable degrade in power.