Unmodified Pontiac Vibe GT 2.4 liter

[CargoPylot]

I began adding E85 to my unmodified Pontiac Vibe GT 2.4 liter engine a while back. Its the same as the Toyota Matrix. I went up to 60% with no change in engine ops/performance except my mileage went down to 22.5 from 30 mpg. Thats a 25% loss! I just reduced it to 30% and we'll see in a few days how it goes. Anyone else have similar results?

[Shilo]

I'm up to 40% E85 in my 06 Toyota Corrolla and went from 35mpg to 31 mpg. A loss of mileage is common when running ethanol in a purpose built gas engine.
Look at it this way, you aren't supporting Big oil or the Middle East by 60% and you are creating way less pollution and supporting Americans with every gallon you use!!!!

[CargoPylot]

I'm with you, Shilo. I just want to minimize the damage until I go full flex-fuel conversion. It'll be interesting to see how this latest fuel load shakes out mileage wise. I'll keep you posted!

[CargoPylot]

Latest update: I just filled up my Vibe GT with only 30% ethanol. The mileage from the last fill-up with a 40% mixture was only about 24 MPG. Initally, with about 20-30%, I experienced a slight increase from the Vibe's normal 30 MPG. Hopefully, I'll get about the same now that I'm back to 30%. Let you know in a few days!

[CargoPylot]

Bad news, gang! With my last fill up with a 30% mix of E85 to gasoline, I only got 24.55 MPG. I reduced it to 25% this time. I guess its time to go full conversion and buy a kit.

[CargoPylot]

I am now regularly running 50% E85 to unleaded gasoline in my unmodified Pontiac Vibe GT 2.4 liter engine and am getting 30 mpg highway and 26 mpg city. This is no different from the manufacturer's EPA rated mileage. My vehicle has now been running on this mixture for 5 months with no modifications. I suppose that the computers have reset themselves to this new mixture ratio. There is hope for all! Now I've just got to go full conversion and kiss OPEC good-bye!