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Mechanical Engineering students at Texas Tech participated in the 1989 SAE Methanol Marathon in which a 1988 Chevrolet Corsica was converted to run on M85, a blend of 85% methanol and 15%hydrocarbon fuel. This report describes modifications to the Corsica accomplished in preparation for the continuation of this program, the 1990 SAE Methanol Challenge. The modified Corsica place second overall. In response to the 1990 program requirements, the Corsica was modified to enhance engine, transmission, and suspension performance. Engine modifications include improving cylinder head flow efficiency, changing cam profiles, modifying the engine bore and stroke, using lighter weight pistons with modified rings, using roller-tip rocker arms, enlarging the exhaust runner ports, and installing a specially developed catalytic converter system. The transmission was modified with a lower ratio fifth gear and the suspension was strengthened.

A single-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition engine was used to evaluate the effect of oxygen enriched air on engine performance and exhaust emissions. Evaluations were made with both gasoline and natural gas. The oxygen content of the intake air was varied between 20.9% (ambient air) and 25%. The effects of oxygen enrichment were evaluated in terms of power output, specific fuel consumption, fuel conversion efficiency, exhaust gas temperature, and exhaust emissions (carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons). Test results indicate that the use of oxygen enriched air produces a significant increase in power output, improved fuel conversion efficiency, lower specific fuel consumption, higher exhaust gas temperature and a substantial reduction in carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions when the engine is fueled with either gasoline or natural gas.

Written primarily for fleet management personnel with purchasing, maintenance, or operations responsibilities, Alternative Fuels: Emissions, Economics, and Performance provides essential information for those who are considering adding alternatively-fueled vehicles to their fleets. Readers will gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of alternative fuels and the factors that need to be considered when evaluating their use. No prior knowledge of alternative fuels is necessary. Basic information on the various alternative fuels and objective data on the costs of converting, fueling, and operating alternatively-fueled vehicles is covered in this book. Fuel cost, performance, reliability, and availability are addressed. The book also discusses the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act and the 1992 Comprehensive National Energy Policy Act.