So we all know that you don't get the same gas mileage out of a tank of E85 as you do a tank of regular, but where is the breaking point in price? Has anyone figured that out yet? I've got a spreadsheet started, but I've only filled up once on my own dime and thus don't have enough data yet.

My truck (2010 5.4L V8) had a sticker on the winshield showing an estimated cruising range with E85 of 260-364, and with gasoline of 364-520. This means that you can expect approx. 70% of gasoline mileage when using E85. I guess common sense says that if E85 is 70% or less of regular gasoline, then it would be the better alternative (financially speaking).

I've got regular gas going for $2.64 here, and E85 at $1.89. That equates to E85 being 71.6% of regular gasoline.

......looks like regular gasoline is still the better option at this point. Anyone got real world experience/thoughts that differ from the above?

 

You should be able to derive it from this post: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/63...g-results.html

 

Don't forget to factor in cost of more frequent maintenance when using E85.

 

What maintenance is affected by E85 use?

 

So did you have anything up on ebay?

I see that the difference between my 30% (rounded & estimated) "theoretical" and your 27% "real world" is marginal and reinforces my "theory". Have there been any improvements in the efficiency of FFV since your 2006 4x4 to where we could resonably expect any difference?

 

Determine which maintenance schedule to follow
It’s important to follow the maintenance schedule that most closely mirrors your driving habits and the
conditions under which you drive. For this reason, the Scheduled Maintenance Guide is divided into two basic
maintenance schedules: the Normal Schedule (further segmented into Trucks, Fullsize Vans & SUVs and
Cars & CUVs) and Special Operating Conditions
Determining which maintenance schedule is right for you is easy. For the most part, do you drive your
Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle under typical, everyday conditions? If so, follow the Normal Schedule Trucks,
Fullsize Vans & SUVs, or Normal Schedule Cars & CUVs.
Special Operating Conditions
However, if one or more of the Special Operating Conditions outlined below better describes how you
typically operate your vehicle, you will need to perform some maintenance services more often than the Normal
Schedule recommends.
• Towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads
• Extensive idling and/or driving at low-speeds for long distances
• Driving in dusty conditions
• Off-road operation
• Use of E85 fuel 50% of the time or greater (flex fuel vehicles only)

Use of E85 50% of the time or greater (flex fuel vehicles only)
Every 5,000 miles Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth
Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness, or drag
Every 3,000 miles Fill fuel tank with a full tank of regular unleaded fuel
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months Change engine oil and replace oil filter

 

So the extra maintenance is essentially a tank of regular unleaded every 3,000 miles?

I don't see how using E85 would effect your tire wear, and 5,000 mile oil changes are common these days.....when you said extra maintenance, I was thinking items like new fuel/air filter more often, O2 sensor checks, etc.

Now, what happens when you are in multiple categories of special operating conditions?

 

Technically you're changing the oil earlier (7500 miles is the recommended interval and has been confirmed by one owner's UAO).

I have no clue as to why it would affect your tire wear - just copied and pasted the Maintenance Guide data.

As far as multiple categories, I would assume (yeah, I know a$$...), as long as you perform the maintenance at the lowest mileage interval, you'd be covered. Maybe one of the Ford techs or service managers will chime in.

One last consideration - what, if any, affect does it have on non-serviceable items (gaskets, seals, other fluids)? I don't have an answer, just thinking out loud (sort of).

 

Gas is the way to go. It'll be cheaper in the long run. E85 is a left-wing, liberal, feel-good urban legend.

 

 

+2!

 

I think the tire rotation requirement is a result of "Towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads"

 

I noticed my window sticker says it makes 10 more hp on E85.
This is the site I use to look at cost...

They give you the adjusted BTU so you see the actual cost per gallon.
http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/

 

On gas = 310hp and 365ft-pd
On E85 = 320hp and 390ft-pd

 

maybe the tires are affeted by the extra torque and HP... If you are making more power you will have a tendancy to peel out more... LOL

I plan to run a tank of E85 every so often just to keep the valves and injectors cleaner...