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Old 06-26-2008, 03:16 PM   #7 (permalink)
Shawn D.
Harebrained Idea Skeptic
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Alpharetta, GA
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The White Car - '84 Mercedes-Benz 300td
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian View Post
Comparing the energy content of ethanol and gas, E10 has 3.2% less energy per gallon. It raises the octane, though, so, as always, YMMV. Studies have shown reductions in the 2-3% range.
Higher octane than necessary reduces efficiency, as the burn is cooler. Increased octane is of no benefit if there is no pinging/detonation or the ignition can't be advanced to take advantage of it.
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