Bioethanol anyone?

[Stiggy]

I'm pretty sure all of you have heard about bioethanol and its advantages over normal fuel (i.e. increase in power, decrease in emissions etc).  For eg, the recent introduction of a lotus exige that ran on biofuels, which caused an increase in power by about 45bhp.  The question i have is, is it possible to run the golf (gti, r32, edition 30.....whatever) on biofuels?  And if so, what kind of mods would have to be made to allow the engine to run on biofuels?  Would be excellent if anyone knew or had any info.

Thanks in advance

[illyun]

REALLY!!!!!   
And I thought that the next few years would see the demise of petrol and was wondering about the future of my Golf collection.... the future doesn't look so bad now  bring on biodiesel NOW 
Does it cause any premature engine wear though?

[Stiggy]

Apparently (from what i have heard, and with the upgrade to various components of the engine, fuel line etc) its actually better for the engine...again, it would be brilliant if someone had more details though.

[Paul-GTI]

For eg, the recent introduction of a lotus exige that ran on biofuels, which caused an increase in power by about 45bhp.  The question i have is, is it possible to run the golf (gti, r32, edition 30.....whatever) on biofuels? 

I saw that Lotus on 5th gear, it was impressive. Would have been nice if TIFF  would have explored the possibility of conversions rather than indulging himself playing on the track, but that would have been usful information, and theres no place for that on 5th gear!!!

Heres to Lots of english fields growing biofuel plants...and some VERY worried arabs

[illyun]

It will be good for the Arabs - they'ill have to get off their fat backsides and work like the rest of us 

[dalgleish00]

Sounds like a great idea IF you could get it from a pump at the local Shell. At the moment, I believe it is limited to those who make their own?

[Stiggy]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread - thought this was interesting.  Have sent an email to enquire about my current cars (and edition 30 - worth the try i guess!) and how to make/where to find the juice.  Will let you know of the outcome.

http://www.greenfuels.co.uk/

[Stiggy]

That was quick!  Got a reply from these guys - good news if anyone is interested.  This is what they said:

"You will be able to convert both of these cars with one of our kits (to run on bioethanol). They
will both need a 4 cylinder kit which are £395 inc VAT + P&P each.  The Golf will have either Bosch or
EV-6 connectors. Please check before ordering.

We are currently developing small scale kits which will allow you to make
your own fuel but these won't be available for a while."

I just need to confirm this with a vw mechanic, or someone who knows these cars well enough; possibly a trip to my local dealer.  I've also found some pumps giving out this stuff - its called E85 (which means 85% bioethanol and 15% petrol).  It does boost performance, reduces emissions (becoming carbon neutral) and costs far less than normal petrol, especially the magic potion (v-power, ultimate etc) and its actually a higher octane rating than v-power etc.  Sounds like an excellent idea.  Here is a list of pumps giving this juice (note - all morrisons petrol stations!! )

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc
Albion Way
NORWICH
NR1 1WU
Norfolk

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc
Station Road
EAST DEREHAM
NR19 1DF
Norfolk     

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc
Victoria Road
DISS
IP22 4XF
Norfolk     

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc
Lysander Road
YEOVIL
BA20 2AU
Somerset     

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc
Priory Bridge Road Taunton
SOMERSET
TA1 1DX
Somerset     

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc
The Broadway Bridgewater
TA6 3LN
Somerset     

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc
Summer Lane Locking Castle
WESTON SUPERMARE
BS24 7AY
Somerset     

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc
The Triangle Centre
CLEVEDON
BS21 6HX
Somerset     

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc
George Westwood Way Beccles
IPSWICH
NR34 9EJ
Suffolk     

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc
Tower Road Gisleham
LOWESTOFT
NR33 7NG
Suffolk     

[Stiggy]

Got some more info  - i asked about risks of damage to the engine - this was the reply:

"The fuel burns more completely and therefore cleanly but actually burns at a
slightly higher temperature. This temperature increase is not enough to
damage an engine but is usually what people are worried about. The fact that
the fuel burns more cleanly means lower emissions and also that there will
be a much smaller carbon build up in the engine which will help to maintain
a good engine condition."