New the this forum. I am about 6 months from getting another car and really like the Mazda 3 except than in the US it doesn't come with a diesel or E85 compatible engine.

A couple questions..

1. Would using a conversion kit and then running only E85 have long term negative effects on the engine?

2. What would the total cost be to convert it? (Note: the cheapest flex fuel vehicle in the US (Chevy HHR) has an MRSP nearly $3,000 more than a base 3)

Thanks!!

 

Personally, I think you'd have to be nuts to WANT to run E85.

It's ethanol. Ethanol absorbs moisture.
Ethanol is made from corn and producing fuel from it drives up food prices.
I read somewhere that it still takes 1/3 gal of oil to produce 1 gal of ethanol.
E85 is at least as expensive as regular gasoline to buy BUT because it is alcohol and carries its own oxygen molecule, is only 66% as efficient as gasoline is. Translation: Equivalent or higher cost/gallon, lower fuel mileage = higher cost either way.