SO I am standingh at the pump today and notice the sign for E85. What surprised me was the octane rating - 103!!

What gives?

 

Here is a link to an article in which an auto expert answers that question. The question is related to a 2004 Chevrolet engine, but the concepts should apply to any car not set up for E85. Bottom line, it isn't recommended for a number of reasons.

http://searchchicago.suntimes.com/au...506_S1.article

The octane in E85 is high because it contains a lot of alcohol. Alcohol does not produce as much energy as gasoline when it is burned, which creates performance problems (and possibly starting problems) if the car is not designed to use it. The only vehicles that can safely use it are"flex fuel" vehicles, which are set up to burn most any blend of alcohol and gasoline, up to 85 percent gasoline/15 percent alcohol (the 85 in E85; the "E" is ethanol).