Geist local Adam Goldstein has a solution for rising gasoline prices. Owner of the Automotive Service Group off of Thunderbird Road near Pendleton Pike, Goldstein now offers a flex fuel conversion package that includes, among other things, a computer card that allows your vehicle to burn E85 ethanol.
[kml_flashembed movie="http://youtube.com/v/iRA3gM-ZYz4" width="300" height="250" wmode="transparent" /]“All cars built after 1994 had to be equipped to burn at least 10% Ethanol,” said Goldstein. “With gas prices over $4.00 a gallon and ethanol around $3.25, people can save around 20% at the pump right off the bat.”
Their new service available through IndyFlexFuel.com gives people the flexibility of burning regular unleaded gasoline, E85, or a mixture of both. Ethanol is not as widely available as gasoline, and with the price disparity, more and more people are lining up for the corn-based fuel.
“The closest places to buy E85 are at the Meijer on East 96th Street and the Gas America off of Franklin Road and 21st Street,” Goldstein said.
According to the IndyFlexFuel.com website, there are a total of 7 stations in Indianapolis that carry E85. But Goldstein points out that if you are traveling or running low on fuel and getting to an E85 station is out of the question, you can still fill up with gasoline.
In addition to the cost savings, converting your vehicle to run on E85 has other advantages. Besides burning “cleaner” emissions, ethanol burns at a higher octane rating (105 octane vs. 87-93 octane in gasoline) which gives most cars up to 10% more horse power. Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 19% and tailpipe carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by about 30%. Epoxy linings prevents contaminants from seeping into the environment.
Goldstein also points out a few drawbacks to burning E85, the biggest being a decrease in miles per gallon.
“On average, you’ll see a 5% decrease in your fuel efficiency, but when you factor in the 20% cost savings and the other advantages, you are still way ahead.”
The cost to convert your late model vehicle depends on the number of cylinders primarily. To achieve optimum performance with the new E85 conversion, ASG will also check the O2 sensors, filters, tire pressure, and spark plugs. According to Goldstein, the complete package starts at $799.
For more information or to see if your car is E85 compatible, visit IndyFlexFuel.com.
