On 17 Dec 2005 14:27:48 -0800, Bret Ludwig wrote:
> clifto wrote:
>> Bret Ludwig wrote:
>>> However, alcohols can increase engine power and act as a powerful
>>> cleaning agent in engines set up for it. It also burns cooler.
>>
>> So less heat in winter, and only 10 to 20 cents difference from
gasoline
>> (around here, anyway). And less mileage per gallon. Wow, what a huge
>> incentive to use this stuff!
>
> Engine temperature is set by thermostat and/or ECM factors and the
> engine will warm up a little slower perhaps, but its operating temp
> under load will be the same.
>
> If petroleum were much more expensive alcohols would be attractive
> economically. Obviously as long as gasoline is cheap, and it is, still,
> relatively so, alcohols will be reserved for applications like racing.
>
> But from a power standpoint E85 is very attractive.
But no-one's set out chapter and verse as to why alcohol is used for
racing in some places - notably in Yankee 'formulas'?
So WTF is that all about?
Calorific value doesn't justify it.
Burns sneakily.
Water absorption.
Lots of reasons *not* to use it.
So is just for the cooling effect of the stuff - I guess whose
end-game is decrease in frontal area of race cars?
--
Toby.
quidquid latine dictum
sit, altum viditur
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