Re: Gasolene Oxygenation and fuels

[William Murin <murinw@cs.uwp.edu>]

Whoa Dan.  Take a deep breath and relax.  The only problem with all the 
complaint about oxygenated fuel is that there are really no good research 
facts to support our (and EPA's) assessments.  Here in southern Wisconsin 
when oxygentated fuel was introduced people got all bent out of shape 
about lower gas mileage, deteriorating everythings, rampant government 
bureaucracy, etc.  Here is what I know for a fact based on my 87 4kcsq.  
Winter gasoline milegage is about 2 mpg lower than what I het in the 
Summer according to my trip computer.  Driving style and habits do not 
change for me from winter to summer.  Now, is the lower gas mileage due 
to the oxygenated fuel or because I let the car warm up for a bit before 
I take off?  the car "appears" to have less acceleration capabilites in 
winter than summer.  Now, to really mess up our little experiment, I live 
close enough to the border in southern Wisconsin that I can get "normal" 
fuel even in the winter.  From time to time I travel to parts of the 
state where non-oxygenated fuel is available.  My general conclusion is 
that my q gets about the same mpg (within 0.5 mpg difference) whether it 
is buring normal or oxygenated fuel.  Only apparent difference is my 
perception of acceleration and mid-gear performance.

What we really need is some serious data that is as objective
as it can be.  I'm biased, so is EPA, DOT, Car & Driver, Porsche club of 
America, and Time magazine's man of the year--Newt Gingrich.  

Bill Murin