Grain alcohol is ethanol. Around here, there's a big push for corn-based fuels. You find 10% in much of the retail gas in Minnesota. The governor is pushing for 20% because it's cleaner and reduces foreign oil dependance, but alcohol is harder on engine seals and other soft parts. It also tends to decrease fuel economy slightly, which indicates to me that it makes less power in vehicles not specifically designed for it.
Race cars have long used alcohol, but they're designed from the ground up to handle the higher pressures and corrosiveness. IIRC, the Bandit is limited to 10% by the manufacturer's recommendations.
BTW, your post title indicates a discussion of octane. Does ethanol modify octane levels, or are you just confused? Simply as a reminder I'll mention that higher octane does not equal more power.
Last edited by Clint; 04-22-2005 at 10:26 PM.
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