[Big Dave]

Let’s take my trusty old B-body Impala.

Second Generation LT-1 small block. 285 HP 10.6:1 compression Automatic transmission.
Runs on RUG (Not E10) get 20 MPG.
(20 miles)(gal) divided by (gal)(0.116 MMBTU) = 172.4 miles/MMBTU
I filled her up this morning for $2.99/gal Across the street they were selling E85 for$2.19/gal
RUG: ($2.99)(gal) divided by (gal)(20 miles) = $0.15/mile.

The engine is pretty powerful, so let’s say I accept the de-rate and run E85 in it.
The EPA won’t let me jack up the compression ratio or advance the spark timing. That increases NOx emissions and the EPA views that as “tampering.” So the car still gets 172.4 miles per MMBTU.

That MMBTU requires (1 MMBTU)(gal) divided by (0.076 MMBTU) = 13.16 gal
(174.4 miles)(MMBTU) divided by (MMBTU)(13.16 gal) = 13.25 MPG

E85: ($2.19)(gal) divided by (gal)(13.25miles) = $0.165/mile.

So, I put up with the hassle of E85 get 10% higher per mile fuel costs and eat a 34% power de-rate. Looks like a loser to me.


Let’s say I have more money than Soros and put a fifth generation small block LT-1 engine in it. Same displacement 11.5:1 compression ratio direct injection VVT. Runs 87 octane RUG OK. Same vehicle. Assume I drive the same (like most ecomodders/hypermilers I can drive in a very disciplined fashion). So the car still gets the same mileage per BTU and the cost-per mile is unchanged. 10% greater fuel cost per mile than on RUG.

Still looks like a loser to me.


Re: Post #33
“How much of the price premium for booze vs fuel ethanol is tax?”

Big Dave says:
Almost all of it.




“…I'd like to hear how much cheering there'd be if all trade rules and regs were abolished.”

Big Dave says:
Nearly all trade rules and regs favor one competitor over the other always at the expense of the consumer. Ever heard of “regulatory capture?” A very common phenomenon. Abolish all trade rules and regs, and I’ll cheer even louder.




Re: Post #39
“…Space program…”

Big Dave says:
Since NASA dispensed with manned space travel I think we can dispense with NASA. Let the private sector and military do the satellite launches.