Re: Gasahol
Way back in the '70s, around the time of the Arab oil embargos, Denver marketed gasahol for awhile. There were some problems encountered by those that tried it, mostly related to the alcohol attacking rubber hoses, desolving rusty sludge in the fuel tank, etc. Of course, cars had carburetors back then, and fuel filters weren't as efficient at removing gunk.
Anyway, as I recall, the alcohol dissolved some already age-weakened rubber fuel lines causing leaks, and the crud at the bottom of old gas tanks was put back into solution and clogged fuel filters and carburetor jets. I suspect that modern cars have overcome these problems by now.
On another note, gasahol didn't have the same octane rating as the leaded gasoline of the time, and engine knock was a real problem in high compression engines at Denver's altitude. Of course, most cars had V8s at the time, and muscle cars were still in their heyday. Electronic ignition and fuel injection would probably adjust for this today.
In any case, let us know how this fuel works out for you. It might be time to revisit this alternative fuel, now that gas prices are skyrocketing again. It's about $2.06/gallon in Phoenix today and headed up for the upcoming holiday and summer season. What's that for Prius owners, an extra dollar or two per tank -- BRING IT ON!
We need to get some Dr. Phil-type bumper stickers made, directed toward SUV owners: "$3/Gal -- So how's that working for ya?"