Unleaded15... is this stuff any good?

[Harry P.]

The local Thornton's just installed new tanks and pumps, to offer what they call "Unleaded15." It's 85% gas, 15% ethanol. It's labeled as 88 octane, which is higher than the "normal" unleaded 87 rating.

Two questions: How can a gas blended with 15% ethanol have a higher octane that one blended with 10% ethanol?

And is this stuff ok to use in a 2007 Mustang GT? Any of you guys use it? My owner's manual says using fuel with more than 10% ethanol is not recommended, but the EPA says any car 2001 or newer can use it. I'm confused...

[dublin boy]

We had E85 I think it was called here for a while, 15% ethanoI, petrol turbos went very well on it.

Saab's basic low pressure 2 litre turbo went from 150 hp to 175, just with a new tank full of juice.

Edited May 17, 2016 by dublin boy

[Snake45]

I wouldn't trust anything EPA said on any subject. Or any other federal government agency, either, for that matter, these days.

In fact, it's so bad now that when I hear any government official say anything, I automatically assume the exact opposite is true until independently proven otherwise.

[dublin boy]

Google Saab's BioPower engine, it's old news.

All of the low pressure turbos sold over here were badged as Bio Power, most of them never ran on E85 ever, it was difficult to find.

Everything this side of the Pond is turbodiesel theses days. I still don't like them.

[CFMgarage]

The local Thornton's just installed new tanks and pumps, to offer what they call "Unleaded15." It's 85% gas, 15% ethanol. It's labeled as 88 octane, which is higher than the "normal" unleaded 87 rating.

Two questions: How can a gas blended with 15% ethanol have a higher octane that one blended with 10% ethanol?

And is this stuff ok to use in a 2007 Mustang GT? Any of you guys use it? My owner's manual says using fuel with more than 10% ethanol is not recommended, but the EPA says any car 2001 or newer can use it. I'm confused...

I wouldn't use it. Given my car says 93 octane or above, even if this new stuff came out to above 93 octane, I'd go with what the manufacturer built the car for not something new. Just my $.02

[mikemodeler]

If I remember correctly, the E85 gasoline/ethanol blend is usually cheaper, but the gas mileage is lower, so whatever cost savings on the fill up you realize is spent on reduced fuel economy. 

I would check with a Mustang forum or a local Ford dealer and see what they have to say. The selling points of using E85 are helping with smog emissions, subsidizing farmers with their corn crops, and using less oil to make a gallon of gas. 

[MonoPed]

Most manufacturers have stated that E15 fuel will void warranties on cars not specifically designed for higher ethanol amounts than E10. I suppose you can try it, but don't be surprised if you get lower mileage and/or feel a loss in performance.

[Harry P.]

If I remember correctly, the E85 gasoline/ethanol blend is usually cheaper, but the gas mileage is lower, so whatever cost savings on the fill up you realize is spent on reduced fuel economy. 

I would check with a Mustang forum or a local Ford dealer and see what they have to say. The selling points of using E85 are helping with smog emissions, subsidizing farmers with their corn crops, and using less oil to make a gallon of gas. 

I'm not talking about E85, but E15 (or what the gas station calls "Unleaded15." No way can my car run on E85, I already know that.

[mikemodeler]

I'm not talking about E85, but E15 (or what the gas station calls "Unleaded15." No way can my car run on E85, I already know that.

I could be wrong, but I think it is the same thing Harry. I'll check a couple of my automotive forums and let you know.

 

[SfanGoch]

Never mind if your car can run on it. You're taking food out of the mouths of my future steaks.

[Harry P.]

I'm looking around online and finding a lot of scary stories regarding voided warranties, etc. My owner's manual says not to use anything above 10% ethanol... but my owner's manual was written in 2007, when 15% ethanol wasn't available. The EPA says any car built after 2001 is ok, and there has supposedly been a lot of government testing done... BUT the EPA and the corn growers are probably in cahoots. I'm not sure if I can trust the EPA's "a-ok."

Like I said, the stuff is labeled 88 octane, which is better than the 87 I use now. And it's cheaper. So... higher octane plus lower cost... I'd really like to try the stuff, but I'm afraid it'll harm my car somehow.

[Xingu]

The EPA will not fix your engine if it blows up because you used improper fuel. I would do what the manufacturer says. Put a call into the service department and your local Ford dealer.

[XJ6]

Be safe do not use it simple ?

[Snake45]

The EPA will not fix your engine if it blows up because you used improper fuel.

You beat me to it, my friend.

[eastown]

E85 and E 15 are the same thing. I would not use  either of them in your Mustang.

  Bob

[Rodent]

E85 is 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline. E15 is 15% ethanol, 85% gasoline. The EPA says that it is LEGAL in 2001 and newer PASSENGER CARS, not light trucks or other engines. That is, it will not adversely affect the emissions of 2001 and later cars.

This is what Ford and GM say about E15:

http://ethanolproducer.com/articles/9195/gm-ford-announce-e15-compatibility-with-new-models

If you want to use it, it's easy: Trade your '07 for a '16

[unclescott58]

I'd follow what Ford says. Nothing higher than 10%. I can tell you after working for a Buick/Jeep franchise for several years, I heard too many horror stories about problem with alcohol based fuels. Even in cars designed to use them. Even with a car designed to run on E85, I would not touch the stuff. I doubt E15 will really hurt your car. But why take risk? Especially since Ford does not recommend it.

You know, with Tim Boyd's back ground working in the capacity that he did at Ford. It would be interesting to hear what he has to say on this subject.

[Greg Wann]

  http://www.permaculture.com/

http://www.coasttocoastam.com/

 

Hi Harry,

 Here is some fuel for thought. This guy might be able to help you with the info you are looking for.  Here is a series of videos you can watch to entertain you.  I have heard this guy on the Coast To Coast AM  radio program a few times.  He has a book you can buy also.  The websites have lots of great information.

Edited May 17, 2016 by Greg Wann

[Harry P.]

If you want to use it, it's easy: Trade your '07 for a '16

No problem. You'll be mailing me a check?

[GT4494]

The higher level of ethanol can affect other parts of your fuel system IE. gaskets, seals, O-rings etc. This is why the manufacturers have the 10% max statements.

The newer cars have rubber fuel system parts that are impervious to the alcohol. 

And just remember the higher the alcohol content, the lower the mileage you will get. 

[Harry P.]

Yeah, I've gotten enough negative opinions that I think I'll steer clear of the stuff.

[Rodent]

No problem. You'll be mailing me a check?

Probably not.  Doesn't the magazine give you a car allowance? 

 

[Harry P.]

Probably not.  Doesn't the magazine give you a car allowance? 

[MGL]

Never mind if your car can run on it. You're taking food out of the mouths of my future steaks.

Ha! Too funny! (and true).

[Mike_G]

Ethanol lowers your mileage, and leans your fuel mixture which makes your engine run hotter.