1965 Corvette Hardtop Coupe 327 cu in, 300hp
this is a nice condition, good running car
Are Ethanol/Gasoline Fuels Bad For Your Corvette?
I recently read an article regarding the alcohol blended gasoline and it's effect on classic cars. The gist of the article was that ethanol damages older engines, engines not designed for ethanol and many classic car owners are concerned and try to find gas stations that sell 100% pure gasoline. You can read the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/automobiles/20GASOHOL.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
I personally think that the ethanol/gasoline blended fuels cost more, do more harm than good to the environment, raise the cost of food, costs the public billions of dollars for the benefit huge midwest agribusinesses, and finally give you poor gas mileage. But that's just my opinion, though probably shared by others. I don't want this to get into a political rant, so let's just focus on the effect of alcohol laced fuels on classic cars, particular older Corvettes.
I have a restored 1956 Corvette and was concerned about what damage this alcohol was doing to my engine. Will it cause gaskets to start leaking, will the fuel absorb moisture and rust my tank, will the hoses start to rot? So I asked Joe Calcagno what his experience has been. Joe has been in the Corvette restoration business many, many years and is quite knowledgeable on fuel systems, both carburetor and injected. He has restored numerous fuel systems and says he has yet to see any problems with alcohol laced fuels. He does say that most restorers now use alcohol resistant o-rings and gaskets when doing a restoration.
By the way, he shares my opinion about what a bad idea ethanol blended fuels is. And this is a rare(no pun intended) occurrence as we normally find ourselves on opposite sides of almost every political discussion.
Bottom line I guess is not to worry about the alcohol sitting in your fuel tank, but if I could find 100% pure gasoline I'd get it.
Written by: Jim Schultz