Cause a lot of states have open container laws and or dry counties <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

I don't know about you, but I'd love to share my fuel with my car <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I don't think alcohol burns hot enough to really be efficient... I can't remember, but there is a good reason.

Chris, to produce some volume of alcohol, you will need to burn more energy (in form of gasoline and diesel fuel) than the volume contains. Currently, alcohol is produced, primarily, from corn. To grow corn, you need energy for trucks and others machines. This is catch 22.

The only known reliable energy source without limits is the nuclear power. If mankind is going to survive thru the energy crisis, we need to learn how to use the nuclear power everywhere, directly or indirectly. Indirect usage means that we get energy from nuclkear power and convert it into some other form (for example, into electric batteries or into alcohol - thru corn). Everything else is just a waste of time becouse there is no others known solutions. Solar/water/etc powers are very limited and inconvenient to be used globally.

What makes me un easy about the big 3 is they own patents to ALL of the "miracle carburetors". I have researched a little on super mpg, and have seen people attain 40mpg on full size cars with V8s. One method is drawing fuel vapors (combustable) from the float bowl of a carburetor and sending the vapors into the intake (vacuume ports). This uses the "free" vapors as fuel for the engine, it supplements power and helps you use LESS gasoline. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />@ the big 3 for keeping those patents and not using them.

That all depends how you look at the current models. I personally don't see much to choose from. Let's see, I want a solid axle, oops only one on the U.S. market. Let's see, I want a manual hi - low range transfercase, not many to choose from. How about manual hub's, not much selection there either. How about optional gears, out of luck. Now we do have a lovely selection of cup holders, tissue dispensers , vanity mirrors and floor mats. And if you think you might want to go off-road you can buy the trail package complete with cheap plastic wheel flares, the more expensive wheels to scrap on rocks and don't forget the chrome step tubes that put two dents in the rocker panel instead of the one the rock might have done. I don't see much of a choice between brand x or y. So I'm suppose to buy a 25K -30K vehicle and cut the front suspension off and cobble a new one together. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />




Here is another down side in my view. Diesels used to have the very great advantage of simplicity of design which equated to very high reliability and low maintenance Now I realize there isn't much that can be done about the price of fuel (supply & demand), but bio-diesel isn't going to save me at the pump, but at least some of the money stays here. AS far as the hybrids are concerned, added complexity = higher costs in manufacture, maintenance and repair. Now if I had the financial resources of the government/military I wouldn't worry about repair/replacement cost when my $2000.00 hybrid powertrain controller died. I would just go to my warehouse full of spares and grab one off the shelf.




I stand corrected. I was under the impression that it was controlled by the drivetrain computer.




The reason they have to be classed as such is to skirt the EPA clean air regs, and guess who were pushing hardest for that. Don't get me wrong, I like to breath also. But if the hardcore greenies had their way you wouldn't be able to purchase a full size suv.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />



That's great if it's affordable. I'm all for better efficiency, but at what price. A 6-7K hi-tech cutting edge super efficient diesel isn't worth a hoot if a $100.00 sensor brings the hole show to a stop. And I just don't want to need a second mortgage if something breaks.

Of course all of this is JMO <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Of course if Isuzu wanted to have a Patrol like vehicle with a nice 3.5 - 4.0 TD <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/coolg.gif" alt="" />

reply to diesel bob. Solid axel also comes on Ford HDutys, they also have manual hubs. Only bad thing is they are HUGE, not very trail friendly, good for mud bogging though.

I personally don't see much to choose from. Let's see, I want a solid axle, oops only one on the U.S. market.
What you're saying is you are seeing more SUV's than ever, just not the ones made the way YOU want coming off the line. That's different.

Here is another down side in my view. Diesels used to have the very great advantage of simplicity of design which equated to very high reliability and low maintenance
Yes, but they're more expensive to make than gasoline engines.

Now I realize there isn't much that can be done about the price of fuel (supply & demand), but bio-diesel isn't going to save me at the pump, but at least some of the money stays here.
OK, now you want cheap gas. Boy, I'll agree with you there! But I disagree that you can see into the future and know the future price of bio-diesel. If farmers go soy-wild and plant tons of crops and it takes off, and the other half of America goes hybrid and fuel cell, gas may drop. In the 60's, no one predicted the 70's gas shocks. 70's gas-rationers never guessed the 80's glut of cheap gas. 90's equalized out, and 2000's we're squeezed again. In 2015, no one knows where we'll be.

AS far as the hybrids are concerned, added complexity = higher costs in manufacture, maintenance and repair.
You're reading different literature than me. Everything I read says it's just like diesel - higher up front costs, long term payoff. And the electric part is supposed to be more reliable, not less (although batteries require replacement). And if higher upfront cost for an engine was *really* a concern, you'd be 660ccGasBob. (Japan mini size; although over here you'd have to settle for a Samurai)

The reason they have to be classed as such is to skirt the EPA clean air regs...if the hardcore greenies had their way you wouldn't be able to purchase a full size suv. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
So you're agreeing--complaining that the greens are shutting down SUV's is incorrect. They may try, but it obviously hasn't happened.

That's great if it's affordable. I'm all for better efficiency, but at what price. A 6-7K hi-tech cutting edge super efficient diesel isn't worth a hoot if a $100.00 sensor brings the hole show to a stop. And I just don't want to need a second mortgage if something breaks.
An engine that's bigger, more powerful, but with less parts and cheaper--but more reliable. I'm keeping up.

Let's see if I have this right. In addition to the above engine, you want a dual axle ($$$), full manual mechanical vehicle with all factory and aftermarket 4x4 options on it ($$$) built custom for you, but sold mass market and below manufacturers cost, and I'm assuming you want high (for 4x4) MPG and it must run off of a miracle fuel that's inexpensive. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Sign me up for when vehicle #2 rolls off the assembly line!

Of course all of this is JMO <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />
I respect it, but disagree. You seem to be arguing against more capable vehicles coming on-line and less diesels, when I'm seeing evidence that after the 90's, it's picking up for performance and after the 60's and 70's, diesel is picking up.

Case in point: DuraMax just shipped their 500,000th diesel in North America. Market share from 3% to 25% in just one year. Overall diesel engine sales up.
http://www.isuzu.co.jp/world/press/2004/p_1012.html

Diesel polluted more NOX though.

That why I switched from being a long time GM buyer to SuperDuty. At least they gave me the choice



You got that right. F250 crew cab long bed. I need a football field to turn around. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

True. But, alcohol, needs to be run EXTREMELY rich compared to gasoline..

somtimes in the 6:1 air/fuel versus 14:1 ir fuel for gas.
The jets in a carb alky motor are literally twice as big as gas..

So, yee, it burns clean, nut takes twice the fuel to do it..

And where are YOU getting the stuff free? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> You kno what we pay a gallon at he the track...or anywhere else? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />

Chase

You will need to switch again...Ford SAxles are going to the old 1960s style IFS with coils on the front.