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This paper presents the findings of a study that compared the fuel efficiency, power, emissions, engine wear and material compatability characteristics of automotive four-stroke cycle engines fueled by E95 (95 % ethyl alcohol and 5% lead free regular gasoline) and 87 pump octane number lead-free gasoline. A group of six senior Automotive Engineering Technology students, conducted the research over a one-year period. Two Mankato State University faculty served as directors for the project. The laboratory facilities at Mankato State University were used for vehicle modification and testing. Two identically equipped 1994 Geo Metros with 1.0 liter, three cylinder, throttle body fuel injected engines were used for this study. After a 6440 km (4000 mile) break-in period, to assure the cars performance characteristics were equal, one of the vehicles was converted to run on E95.

A student team from Minnesota State University's Automotive Engineering Technology program entered the 1999 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge. A 1999 Chevrolet Silverado was converted to run on E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline). The competition consisted of emission, fuel economy, cold-start, and performance evaluations. The vehicle conversion involved all engine systems, with special emphasis placed on cold-starting, driveability and performance. Laboratory testing led to the final design. The result was an integrated vehicle which successfully ran on E85, but whose use of the alternative fuel was totally transparent to the customer. This paper details the conversion and test results.