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Must be Swedish Magic {:>). Energy content is energy content - takes energy to make power. So unless the references I got about the relative energy content of ethanol vs gasoline were flawed, I'll stand by my assertion {:>). Besides they don't give you any specs about the parameters underwhich they make the power. I can take an engine that makes 180 HP on ethanol and have it only make 140 HP on gasoline - if you simply take your foot off the throttle {:>)

Trouble maker {:>)

----- Original Message -----

From: Russell Duffy

To: Rotary motors in aircraft

Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2005 6:54 PM

Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Alternative fuel

A gallon of ethanol has an energy content of 83,333 BTU. A gallon of gasoline has 123,222 BTU of energy (varies a bit by octane). So gasoline has an approx 48 % advantage in energy. So assuming an engine was equally efficient on either fuel (which as you point out they are not likely to be), you could produce more power and fly further|Faster on gallon of gasoline than a gallon of ehtanol.

Hi Ed,

I officially predict that you'll go looking for Saab info right after you read this:

http://www.age85.org/PressReleases/Detail.cfm?Ap=6

This isn't going to be another one of those MAP things is it :-)

Cheers,

Rusty (stirring up trouble again)