10% Ethanol Fuel on 1998 GM/Vauxhall/Opel 2.5L V6 Engine?

camj140

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Hi guys, I own a 1998 Vauxhall/Opel/General Motors/Holden Vectra car with a 2.5L “Ecotech” 6 cylinder engine. Wondering if anyone has experimented or knows anything about what sorts of fuel it can handle in particular “E10” 10% Ethanol Fuel... I live in Australia so I’ll try and keep the terminology as relevant possible.

The manual says “Premium Unleaded Fuel Only” (i.e. 95 RON or “ULP 95”) though it also says I can use Regular Unleaded “when Premium is not available” (i.e. 91 RON or “ULP 91”) though the engine becomes less responsive and has less torque. The manual advises to refrain from pushing the engine or towing if using Regular Unleaded. I make sure to fill up with Premium fuel every couple of tanks.

Has anyone tried using this new “E10” (10% Ethanol fuel) with this car/engine? Most newer cars can handle it but this is a 1998 model and E10 wasn’t commercially available back then. I’m looking at saving costs since premium fuel costs up to AUD$1.50/L (USD$5.81/Gallon) (E10 is significantly cheaper) but don’t want to damage my engine. I understand this 10% Ethanol fuel may mean sacrificing performance.

Thanks for your help!
 
Gasoline with 10% ethanol has been the standard winter blend fuel in the USA since the mid 1980's, and most newer cars seem to be getting along quite well with that mixture.

Any ethanol blend will reduce your engine's performance and fuel mileage slightly.
 
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