Ok guess my car happened over 4 tanks of the exact same driving to drop 25% mpg. Then oddly enough gain it back ever since. You talk about science yet mention nothing to back that up. Besides likely being someone on the selling corn end of ethanol. A stock flex fuel car does not gain mpg or power running e-85. Put it on a Dyno and spend $$$ get a custom e85 tune on a built motor sure. On a street car the injectors have to throw more fuel when your running the corn swill, plugs 1 step cooler(burns hotter). End result on a factory stock car warranty intact, you not only do not gain but lose power and mpg. Which companies on stock flex fuel card advertise more power and mpg with e-85? What does recording timing retard do to prove more power and equal or increased mpg. Only that the timing is too aggressive for the fuel and cooling of that motor in those conditions. Simply not knocking does not equal more power.
The impact to fuel economy varies depending on the
energy difference in the blend used. For example,
E85 that contains 83%
ethanol content has about 27%
less energy per gallon than gasoline (the impact to fuel economy lessens as
ethanol content decreases).
View attachment 26277
Energy.gov › afdc › ... › Ethanol
Ethanol Benefits and Considerations - Alternative Fuels Data Center
Yes, like I said, there is ~ 25% difference in fuel economy (you even re-stated it)...which if you understand that there is roughly a 33% difference in energy content in the fuel should show you right off the bat that the engine and ECM is doing something to use the energy available more efficiently. (hint, advancing timing)
Because ethanol contains close to 34% less energy per unit volume than gasoline, E85 FFVs have a lower mileage per gallon than gasoline.[23][24] However, this lower energy content does not translate directly into a 34% reduction in miles per U.S. gallon, because there are many other variables that affect the performance of a particular fuel in a particular engine, though for E85 the effect becomes significant. E85 will produce lower mileage than gasoline, and actual performance may vary depending on the vehicle. Based on EPA EPA-rated mileage for all 2006 E85 models, the average fuel economy for E85 vehicles was 25.56% lower than unleaded gasoline.[3] When making price comparisons it has to be considered that E85 has octane rating of about 104 and could be used as a substitute for premium gasoline.
en.wikipedia.org
Here is just one example of an engine manufacturer quoting higher power levels with E85 in their flex fuel vehicles...
The Vortec 5.3L V8 LMG was an engine produced by General Motors for full-size SUVs. Displacing 5.3 liters in a V8 configuration, the LMG was part of the Vortec
gmauthority.com
I apologize, but I can't seem to find the SAE paper I was thinking of on E85 producing more power in IDENTICAL engines due to the cooling effect. I know I have it printed on my desk at work, and the next time I am in the office, I will find the number and post a link if it is still available. Otherwise, I will post the document number, and you can buy yourself a copy.
Summary:
Do I lose power on E85 - NOPE, usually you gain power, and at the very least, break even
Do I lose MPG on E85 - YUP, usually ~25%
Do I lose money on E85 - depends on the cost ratio between the "normal" fuel you use and the price of E85
While I do live in the middle of Iowa, I can assure you I have no interest in "corn lobbies, corn prices, etc.", I am a mechanical systems engineer focusing on machine control and design.