E10 Tuning

[OStateFlyer]

Maybe I've been living under a rock, but I just discovered that E10 is here. It's a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, and from what I've read, it reduces MPG as compared to gasoline that uses MTBE for oxygenation, has a much shorter shelf-life, and is hygroscopic. Great. :rolleyes2:

How do the flex-fuel motors cope with E10, and is there any tuning that may be done to maximize performance with E10?

 

[Gambler]

Many gas stations have some ethanol in the fuel. I think most cars can run the low concentrations without ramifications. The FlexFuel vehicles are made to handle the more corrosive concentrations (E85). Your tahoe will automatically adjust for any concentration of ethanol.

 

[OStateFlyer]

I understand that E10 runs without problems or damage in the FlexFuel vehicles. My concern is performance; E10 creates a lean condition from my understanding. I know the vehicle will adjust to a point (Just as E85 runs fine, but performance drops), but I'm wondering if there is some type of optimization that can be performed outside of what the existing factory programming can do.

 

[fco_gonzo]

During the cooler months in arizona all gas stations switch to 10-15% Ethonal (it's states so on the pump). Your vehicle and you will not even notice difference.

 

[ugachs24]

During the cooler months in arizona all gas stations switch to 10-15% Ethonal (it's states so on the pump). Your vehicle and you will not even notice difference.

They do it year round here in Florida and Georgia. They say all cars are fine to run on 10% ethanol.

It could affect gas mileage a tiny bit, but I don't think anybody would notice a difference, I only drop 2MPG when i use E85, so what's that like maybe a 0.1 or 0.2 MPG drop?

 

[Rollin Thunder]

they have had 10% here since 2002. all year round. we were one of the firsts to get it. i hate the crap. but have had no issues with any of the trucks. :thumbsup:

 

[Gambler]

Like I said, the Tahoe adjust itself for the different concentrations of ethanol. There isn't much else you can do.