Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific Mouse & Rat Motor Discussion & Conversions

Ethanol fuel in SBC

Old 09-13-2005, 11:29 PM
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Default Ethanol fuel in SBC

One time I filled up on gas and my car ran like ****. I figured out it was because I went to a gulf station and they use 10% ethanol, and some cars don't like it. This was in an 80s oldsmobile that I was using as a beater. Today I didn't go to Sunoco in the Camaro like I usually do because another gas station at 40 cent cheaper gas, and foolishly I filled up. After filling my tank I noticed the "10% ethanol sign" and I thought uh oh. It isn't sputtering like my old beater, but it isn't idling as good. Anyone else have a problem with ethanol fuels in their SBC running 10:1 compression or higher?
Old 09-14-2005, 07:24 AM
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Generally the ethanol will add a little power, but, it carries more moisture than 100% gas.

Also I always found a significant drop in mileage too.

The idle will change depending on the fuel, my truck idle increases 2-300 rpm when I mix 93 with the 110, as opposed to straight 110.
Old 09-14-2005, 05:56 PM
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I think my engine is running kind of crappy on ethanol. I remember back in the day when some cars stalled on it.
Old 09-16-2005, 07:05 AM
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I try and stay away from it, the 2 together just don't seem to mix.
Old 09-16-2005, 11:55 AM
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The car is taking much longer to start up also.
Old 09-16-2005, 04:30 PM
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In Michigan nearly ALL gas is mixed with 10-15% ethanol. I have NEVER had an issue with it in ANY vehicle. My Camaro runs great and pulls down 22-26mpg depending if its city or highway and consistent 13.1-.2 on the track. I usually fill up at Speedway but whereever it's cheapest is where I go.
Old 09-16-2005, 05:04 PM
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You also have an LS1, newer engines are designed to run better on ethanol.
Old 09-16-2005, 08:23 PM
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I've had older FI vehicles too and they've never given me problems from running it.
Old 09-16-2005, 11:43 PM
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In the case of a FInj, engine I would agree, but a carbed motor, at least in my experience, doesn't seems as happy.


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