tkd91
Active Member
- Joined
- February 12, 2011
- Messages
- 64
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2005 Ex. XLT 4x4 4.6L V8
A reason why you can have lower mpg is Ethanol. Most gas stations in the us use E10 fuel. Which is 10% Ethanol/90% Gasoline, and will lower your mpg by at least ~3% on low compression motors. ie: 4.0sohc V6 & 4.6sohc V8's in our explorer's Ethanol does have a higher octane, so in a forced induction or High compression motor. You'll see a better outcome, since the motor can take advantage of the fuel. I've have noticed a big difference when I drove from NJ to AL. Most gas stations in NJ use the blended fuel, but in the southern area's of the east coast. I've found that I get better mpg when I use a non-blended gasoline. Which is the only places I've found non-ethanol fuel. Thats one of the reason why you see alot of new cars with higher compression/better mpg. Yes, tuning has alot to do with it, but until the new 5.0 came out. the 4.0 & 4.6 motors are just about the same.
