I don't think e85 is worth it
Premium Member
Joined: 10-24-2018
Posts: 56
From: Peoria, AZ
I use E85 in my 2011 2.2 quite often. MPG suffers but there is a very noticeable increase in acceleration. My wife even noticed it, and she does not easily notice these types of changes. For me, using E85 is a win.
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
It has not been mentioned by a few of the old timers here, so I thought I would mention that many years ago, a former member, who was the service manager for a Chevrolet dealership, said GM Corporation has written documents to dealers indicating it MAY take a few tanks of E85 to convince the computer to change the fuel tables to proper mixtures for best mileage.
Additionally, according to Federal standards, all vehicle manufactures are required to certify gas mileage to the same established city driving and highway schedule. City driving is a prescribed schedule of 25-35 mph for certain durations, stopping and idling for prescribed periods (simulates traffic signals) and other miscellaneous activities. Highway mileage simulation is at a top speed of 65 MPH with periods of coasting and acceleration to indicate light traffic. Best mileage is generally determined in the 55-65 MPH area. Vehicle physical dynamics effect the results.
Additionally, according to Federal standards, all vehicle manufactures are required to certify gas mileage to the same established city driving and highway schedule. City driving is a prescribed schedule of 25-35 mph for certain durations, stopping and idling for prescribed periods (simulates traffic signals) and other miscellaneous activities. Highway mileage simulation is at a top speed of 65 MPH with periods of coasting and acceleration to indicate light traffic. Best mileage is generally determined in the 55-65 MPH area. Vehicle physical dynamics effect the results.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,083
From: Welland,Ont Canada
I seem to get best highway mileage at 70 to 75 mph most highways I travelled to SC were 65 or 70 MAX speed limit, most traffic flow was 70 to 75. 2011 2.4 automatic, 215/50-17 tires at 35 psi cold
Senior Member
Joined: 12-05-2014
Posts: 3,370
From: Northern Ohio
It has not been mentioned by a few of the old timers here, so I thought I would mention that many years ago, a former member, who was the service manager for a Chevrolet dealership, said GM Corporation has written documents to dealers indicating it MAY take a few tanks of E85 to convince the computer to change the fuel tables to proper mixtures for best mileage.
Also, one should always turn off the ignition when refueling, but it’s especially important with a FlexFuel HHR when changing to/from E85 because that’s car’s cue to try to calculate the ethanol % in the tank. There is no ethanol sensor.
E85 or not, a FlexFuel needs the emission system working correctly or it could have trouble calculating the correct ethanol %. Thus, I would definitely never switch fuels with a CEL on.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,533
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Here is the GM link Manuals and Guides | Vehicle Support | Chevy (chevrolet.com)
Until they mess with the interwebs again.
Until they mess with the interwebs again.
Moderator
Joined: 05-01-2014
Posts: 8,512
From: California
Here is the GM link Manuals and Guides | Vehicle Support | Chevy (chevrolet.com)
Until they mess with the interwebs again.
Until they mess with the interwebs again.
Senior Member
Joined: 12-05-2014
Posts: 3,370
From: Northern Ohio
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 03-17-2012
Posts: 1,042
From: Bay Area, CA