Are GAS engines better than FLEXIBLE FUEL engines?

Searching Toyotas sucks because the dealers don't share info well; apparently no national inventory share database because their incentives don't work that way. I've found the most effective way is to pick geographic areas, search and compile a list of every dealer in that area. Then it's hit and miss searching each dealership's website: often you'll enter a configuration you want, then get shown everything they have (some of it wrong).

Looking for used, I'd compile lists of dealers everywhere you're willing to go, then send out an email to the internet sales rep at each and every one asking if they have any used trucks with the EXACT configuration you want, nothing missing and nothing extra. Let them know you won't buy anything different and that it will be a waste of time for them to add you to a mailing list. (They will anyway, so I recommend setting up a dedicated email to use for this project, if you do try it.) You'll likely find many trucks that match your wants.

 

I know what you mean. When we purchased our Sienna in 2013 several dealers in the DFW area told me they had a model with our precise specifications in stock but when I pressed them on the stock # or VIN they admitted it wasn't on their lot but that they could "get it today". It was quite frustrating.

I already have a "junk" phone number but I think a new temporary phone number AND e-mail might just be in order if I decide to purchase new or from a dealer.

 

Just found out that, according to the EPA the 5.7L FFV gets better gas mileage compared to the non-FFV, at least in the combined rating.
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymake/Toyota2018.shtml
I knew all along I bought an econo cruiser!

 

I read the epa deal but I had a 2015 flex fuel tundra with the same options as my 2018 other than no flex and the 2018 gets better mpg for me.

 

No need to stress over ffv engines.
The only differences would be
1. All fuel lines are stainless
2. Pump assembly stainless
3. Injectors coated.
Running E85 has no real advantage ethanol burns hotter and is a pain with water. I personally only run non ethanol in my truck. It's sometimes hard to find and a little higher than the 10% we run here. But it's worth the 18% increase in fuel mileage and a cooler running engine.

 

Don't buy a ffv. I have a ffv 5.7 and have problems. The ecu will show 30% to 70% ethanol even when I've run consecutive tanks of ethanol free fuel. MPG is terrible and keeps dropping!!

 

The engine is fine and performs the same. Just run regular gas in it and you won't see a difference.

 

You are having problems because you have ran all the BS fuel. If you had only ran regular gasoline, you would not have any issues.

 

Just an FYI, the engine & internals (crank, bearings, pistons, rings, valves, etc) are the same between both versions, look it up on the Toyota parts site. The only difference is in the fuel system and ECU software. As for the alcohol sensor thing.... I check mine every oil change (10K intervals, Mobil 1) with Techstream, it's always 0%, have never used corn-gas. My ffv truck was 2 years old yesterday, has 58,000 miles on it, get's 16-19.5 mpg. I use it for work and spend a lot of time on the highway. I keep a log of fill ups & mileage, 2 year avg is just over 17 mpg.

 

I'm interested in this. My truck does the stupid alcohol density BS, and this sounds like a good solution. I've never heard of a bypass module, what's the install like?