I live in an area of wisconsin where i have to buy gas with 10% ethanol, does anyone know if this is bad for the rotary engine? Just a note, I have now put on 2 hundred miles on my new 8...I'M IN LOVE, it feels like this car was actually designed for me, fits like a glove!

 

According to page 4-2 of the owner’s manual so long as the percentage of ethanol is no more than 10% your ok.

 

from one Wisconsin rx-8 owner to another...welcome!!

 

Been using 92 octane 10% ethanol fuel for over 3 years in my 3rd gen RX-7, 2 stoke motorcycle, lawnmower, and 2001 Pathfinder now with no problems.

It keeps the intake tract and spark plugs nice and clean, compared to fuel with tolulene in it (other suppliers add tolulene to boost octane ratings).

 

Anyone know what they put in the gas in Jersey and how it affects performance and engine life?

 

But I thought that Toluene had higher energy properties... like in TNT...

 

The remains of Jimmy Hoffa?

His life didn't last too long...

P.S. "You from Jersey? I'm from Jersey!" :D (Born in Hackensack, thank God mom and pop were just passing thru when I just HAD to make my appearance. jk)

 

The only additive they put in Jersey Gas that I know of is MTBE (Oxygenated Gasoline), which is reported to cause more harm to the owner than to the car. But than could change as Jersey also produces corn and requiring 10% Ethanol would help the local farmers and make local politicians look better.

 

Thanks everyone for the info! And thanks for the welcome MJD, Its nice that there are still only very few 8 owners in wisconsin but probably not for long!

 

Japan, you asked about toluene. It's a precursor for TNT but there's really no connection between the two. Toluene is pretty much like a paint remover, a solvent. It burns and yeah a garage full of the vapors when combined with a match would really suck but it's a long way from TNT. TNT is tri-nitro-toluene. It's made by reacting fuming nitric acid with toluene at VERY COLD temperatures. The nitro groups add to this six-membered ring compound and the result is something that is VERY unstable. The nitro groups "want" to leave the ring and when they get their way the all do so pretty much at the same time. Hence the explosivity of the TNT. But no nitro groups, no explosive in the classic sense of the word.

 

Actually, TNT is quite stable compared to the nitrogycerin that is in dynamite - I think that TNT needs a primer cord or cap to detonate. Nitro will explode just from blunt force impact.

 

TNT explodes with fire. (a wick in a fire-cracker)

Ethanol, I have noticed, noticeably reduces gas milage. (5-10%). I too Live in wisconsin, (milwaukee area), and fill up on 92-94 octane, 10% ethanol fuel. Anytime I leave the area, I noticeable get better gas milage when I fill up with non-oxygenated gas.

 

I think you misread his statement. The TNT he was referrring to was already detonated. He is walking us through the chemicle reaction that takes place immediatly after an ignition source (like a blasting cap) and has the end result of an unstable compound. This resulting in the explosion.

 

Its OK, just do not expect good mileage from it.

 

Go Badgers!

 

wisconsin is full of cheese.. and cheeseheads! Go Bears!

 

Hey, cheese is good.

 

no dude.. no..

 

The Bears? are they still in the NFL?
Go PACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

the bears are dumb. Cheeze IS good, and I second john,

GO PACK!

you won't find any other NFL team with as many devoted, die hard fans.