You may not have a problem with ethanol - but ask your fuel system hoses - they will have another opinion.
The main problem is that our auto industry became political (micro and macro). There is nominal real innovation, because no one wants to take any risk. A “big risk” was making the Viper - duh - selling Americans sports cars with gobs of power was a risk?
Look where the government sent the “stimulus money” and other funds for developing electric and hybrid vehicles: Did they have a national competition for funds - requesting ten page proposals open to the public, maybe choosing ten to fund for $1MM each, then another gate for the best 3 at the end of year 1 for another $10MM each? With a final winner getting $1B for a plant? No - they gave the money to Detroit insiders (hundreds of $millions) - the same guys who just demonstrated that they could not run their companies efficiently. The same guys who get their pants beat by Honda and Toyota (Hybrids).
This society has issues.
I’ve developed technology that was offered to Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Honda. It is going into production for Honda. Others - nope. No vision.
Been running 10% ethanol out here for years now. Old school stuff couldn’t handle it, just like old school valve seats couldn’t handle unleaded.
Have zero ethanol problems with anything I’m running now; ‘69 thru ‘94 ( at the 10%level). You go thru some fuel filters pretty quick, but the rubber can handle it after you rebuild carbs with newer kits and replace the lines. Even mechanical fuel pumps coming out of Mexico, etc. are up to the task.
We did gum up some boat motors at first!
As if “Cash for Clunkers” wasn’t enough evidence, you are absolutely right about where the money and “green” impetus went. They want to starve us dinosaurs out.
Sorry, O, before I buy a $40,000 truck I’ll buy 20 $2000 trucks.
Just bought an ‘83 Chevy 1/2 ton , short bed step side last week, 4WD, 350 crate engine, 700R4 ( would prefer a turbo 350 or 400) with good rubber for $1300. Need to run the valves yet but it will be good enough for the boy to make it back and forth to school all winter- holds 50lbs oil pressure. Took it on an obstacle course checking cows last night that most suburban 4WD owners would have nightmares about and it passed the test. Kept up with an old Jeep thru deep ditches and mud.
You obviously are an astute observer/participant in the unfolding process...don’t forget about us.
I’m not a corn farmer but the ethanol thing put a new floor under corn prices that helped us more than it hurt others.
Take care- we’re here for the duration.