After way to many hours on the internet searching, I found an excellent source of information for those that are interested. It answers many questions that the answers on this and other Forums did not make sense to me. Those with a Flex fuel truck will really find it interesting on how the new vehicles determine alcohol content.

It does appear that the addition of E85 does increase horsepower, and is variable depending on percentage of alcohol. Maybe we can find that certain amount of E85 mixed with regular fuel to maximize available horsepower without degrading fuel mileage to much.


http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdi.../OBDSM1001.pdf

 

Very interesting. Thanks for posting.

 

The decrease in fuel economy is proportional to the increase in ethonol content of the gasoline. E-85 will give approximately 60% of the MPG that straight gasoline will. and the increase in HP is about 10%. Not worth it imo.

 

Agreed that the decrease in fuel mileage is not worth it for everyday driving, especially considering the increase in HP is on 10 horsepower. Not 10%. (That would be worth it to me). What I like is the increase in torque from 365 to 390. That really comes in handy during the hot dry summer months in the southwest while towing a heavy trailer. An additional 25 lbs of torque can be felt in the seat of the pants. And even running a lower percentage of E85 I can feel the difference when climbing a 6% grade.

 

I can get about the same increase in torque and hp with a programmer and custom tunes without losing fuel economy. I have an SCTx3 with custom tunes. With the tow program I have it is definately an improvement pulling my enclosed car hauler.