The previous posting about ethanol blender pumps in some states cemented what I had known as well - blender pumps have been in use for years, as there are only 2 "standard" types of fuel out there. High test for finicky motors and regular unleaded for the rest =- anything else is a mix of those 2.

And while it would be difficult to get new equipment installed at gas stations across the nation, can you imagine how much harder it would be to roll out another fuel source (e.g. Hydrogen - anyone ever see the Hindenburg footage? someone please stop these fools - or fuel cells HAHAHAHAHA, scientists are so happy at getting grant money - NEXT.)

I, for one, would be more than happy to give up the unleaded premium at the local pumps for an Ethanol mix (of suitable quality - such as 30% or better). This would be very easy to accomplish, as long as supply can meet demand.

The only vehicles that currently require super unleaded are supercharged, turbo-charged, or high compression (higher than say 11:1) equipped. I am almost positive that these vehicles could be run on the higher octane, but lower btu ethanol enhanced fuel. In my past experiences, most of these configurations should not be required to run high octane fuel - the manufacturer places this demand on the fuel quality in a preference to the highest performance. With some simple reprogramming, I would think even the earliest models of these cars could be adapted to run an ethanol mix.

Case in point, some fuel stations out here have 4 levels of unleaded fuel. You can stand there for 5 minutes deciding between 87, 89, 91, or 93 octane. The truth of the matter is this - if the vehicle states super or premium only, then it requires 91 - otherwise just throw some 87 octane in the tank and get on with life's real decisions (for instance, is it time to buy something that gets decent gas mileage yet? LOL). I have NO IDEA whose braincramp it was to offer 4 choices of fuel. As if Joe Q. Public has a clue as to what will run the vehicle - or what octane ratings are - for that matter. Nothing but snake oil salesmanship in my opinion.

Short and sweet - this E30, etc. conversion would likely take an afternoon at most fuel stations, and would make the greatest difference (for the time being, and based on what we know) to our air and our foreign relations.

I am all for it myself because I know it would actually make a difference to our air and our planet - and I don't really care what the stuff costs. Unlike special vehicles and replacing everything we have that rolls, ethanol enhanced fuels would apply to a hybrid, a moped, or the latest SUV Tank minus a turret.

Incidentally, has anyone out there run across testing or the possible effects of an ethanol mix for premium fuel replacement? This would be the only thing standing in the way of a wide rollout of ethanol blends for your local fuel station (other than supply/ demand issues of course). Not to mention the benefits (and potential savings) of simplifying the refinement of oil-based fuels into one quality level.