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1. Overview of Fuels

• Diesel: The baseline fuel, widely available and suitable for unmodified diesel engines.
• Biodiesel (B5, B20, B100): Derived from vegetable or animal fats, blended with petroleum diesel.
• B5: 5% biodiesel, 95% petroleum diesel.
• B20: 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel.
• B100: Pure biodiesel, renewable but expensive and less convenient.
• Vegetable Oil: Used fryer oil, often free from restaurants but requires filtering and engine modifications.

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2. Performance

| Fuel | Fuel Economy (MPG) | Acceleration (0-60 mph) | Cost |
|-------------------|------------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Diesel | 45 | 15 seconds | Standard price |
| B5 (5%) | 49 (best) | 14.2 seconds (best) | Similar to diesel |
| B100 (100%) | 44 | 15 seconds | $0.85 more per gallon |
| Vegetable Oil| 42 | 15 seconds | Low/free but labor-intensive|

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3. Emissions

| Emission Type | Diesel | B5 | B100 | Vegetable Oil |
|---------------------|------------|--------|----------|-------------------|
| Hydrocarbons | 3 ppm | 3 ppm | 9 ppm | 14 ppm |
| NOx (Nitrogen) | Moderate | Moderate| High | Lowest |
| Particulates | Moderate | Moderate| Lowest | Lowest |
| CO2 (Carbon) | ~19 lbs/gal for all fuels, offset claims by biofuels disputed. |

Key Takeaways:
- Biodiesel fuels generally had cleaner emissions than diesel.
- Cooking oil had the lowest NOx and particulate emissions but higher hydrocarbons.

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4. Convenience and Practicality

Diesel

• No modifications required.
• Standard fuel stations; widely available.

B5 (5% Biodiesel)

• No engine modifications needed.
• Best balance of performance, fuel economy, and emissions.
• Convenient to use at standard pumps.

B100 (100% Biodiesel)

• Renewable but costly.
• No significant fuel economy or performance advantage over diesel.
• Limited manufacturer warranty coverage beyond B20.

Vegetable Oil

• Renewable and free/low cost but highly labor-intensive:
• Requires finding, filtering, and storing oil.
• Engine modifications needed (e.g., auxiliary tank).
• Additional setup steps before and after driving:
• Start with diesel and purge system after use.
• Can result in diesel mixing with cooking oil if not managed correctly.

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5. Modifications for Testing

• Engine Conversion: A $1,550 kit from Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems was installed, including:
• A 13-gallon auxiliary tank for vegetable oil.
• Additional fuel lines, inline filters, and switches.
• Installation Time: 10 hours by a certified mechanic.
• Extra Testing Tanks:
• Two additional 5-gallon tanks installed for B100 and B5 fuels.
• Labor for Vegetable Oil: Collecting, filtering, and storing oil required significant effort.

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6. Experts' Recommendations

• Best Overall: B5 Biodiesel
• Offers the best balance of convenience, fuel economy, and environmental benefits.

• Widely supported by automakers for use in diesel engines.

• Renewable but Challenging: Vegetable Oil

• Suitable for enthusiasts willing to invest time and effort.

• Requires engine modifications and ongoing maintenance.

• Not Economical: B100 Biodiesel

• While renewable, it has no financial advantage and limited warranty coverage.

• Reliable Choice: Diesel

• Best for users prioritizing availability and simplicity.

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7. Conclusion

While diesel remains a practical choice for performance and availability, B5 biodiesel is the most accessible eco-friendly alternative. Vegetable oil is a niche option for dedicated hobbyists, while B100 biodiesel, though renewable, is costly and less convenient.

For a sustainable and hassle-free transition, stick with B5 or B20 blends.

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