Amazing bio-diesel 100-series; full photos

[Snook]

No blender?

[Jim_Chow]

Originally Posted by jones

As usual, a bunch of simple explanations and conspiracy theories to a complex subject. Please, somebody provide something with substance as to why biodiesel is 'the answer' vs ethanol. Then we can have a real discussion. I'd really like to hear something intelligent.
Usually the argument is about biofuels vs other alternative fuels, not ethanol vs biodiesel. If you think about it for just a sec, it shouldn't be too hard to figure why that it is.

My guess is biodiesel contains a lot more BTU's than ethanol. Ethanol has fewer BTU's than gasoline, and by the time you figure all the energy to process the corn into fuel, fertilizers (and energy needed to produce them), pesticides, water for the corn, etc., it's a wash vs. fossil fuels. Sugar cane ethanol requires less energy to produce compared to corn ethanol, and while the Brazilian gov't is willing to sell us sugar ethanol at pennies on the dollar for what it costs to produce corn ethanol domestically, our gov't won't allow it. Unfortunately, there aren't many places where sugar cane can be grown domestically in a cost effective manner. Sugar beets might be a possibility. As far as veggie oil, I have no idea how much corn it takes to produce a gallon of used corn oil though I'm sure it's a lot. I guess one could use other oils, like safflower, etc.

[Dusty]

cool tread

i say drill in Alaska and watch the Saudies squirm

[pint]

Damn Christo, I almost stopped in to grab a few things yesterday! I would have loved to see this thing.

[Boston Mangler]

With all that weight, what are they running for Springs?? Shocks?? Custom?

That conversion aparatus must weigh a ton!

[jones]

Originally Posted by Jim_Chow

My guess is biodiesel contains a lot more BTU's than ethanol. Ethanol has fewer BTU's than gasoline, and by the time you figure all the energy to process the corn into fuel, fertilizers (and energy needed to produce them), pesticides, water for the corn, etc., it's a wash vs. fossil fuels. Sugar cane ethanol requires less energy to produce compared to corn ethanol, and while the Brazilian gov't is willing to sell us sugar ethanol at pennies on the dollar for what it costs to produce corn ethanol domestically, our gov't won't allow it. Unfortunately, there aren't many places where sugar cane can be grown domestically in a cost effective manner. Sugar beets might be a possibility. As far as veggie oil, I have no idea how much corn it takes to produce a gallon of used corn oil though I'm sure it's a lot. I guess one could use other oils, like safflower, etc.

Yeah, you may be right on many accounts. I still never see these 'studies' take int account how much byproduct is used to feed cattle. If they weren't eating that, then they'd still be eating corn.... only now a little something has been taken out of it first.

Anyway, I have a more optimistic long term outlook and confidence in science than some. As I said before, the 'evil', conspiracy loving ethanol industry in the US itself is spending a lot of money in reducing its dependence on corn. Cellulosic ethanol is making big gains in becoming more economical. And I'm sorry, but but if someone thinks ethanol is a huge mistake, then there's no reason that they think biodiesel is a godsend. Think about what it would take on an enormous scale. Right now it's 'fun' to do it on an individual basis.... but that's a long way form it being 'the answer'. I'm not down on biodiesel, I just started this in response to someone implying that biodiesel is the be all to end all and ethanol is simply a conspiracy.
Anyway... i say great for biodiesel, I say great for ethanol... for now. I haven't seen the magic bullet yet... until I do, I say let's give them all a fighting chance.
Here's an interesting read on some of the latest R&D.
Superbugs May Save Biofuels - Forbes.com

[sleeoffroad]

Originally Posted by Boston Mangler

With all that weight, what are they running for Springs?? Shocks?? Custom?

That conversion aparatus must weigh a ton!

They had custom rear springs, but we arranged for airbags for them to get installed in NM.

[Scoot Jockey]

I sure hope the national news organizations catch wind of these guys. It would definitely help put some more fuel on the "bring diesel cruisers to the US" fire. Is Toyota NA involved with this project at all?

[Tom B]

Originally Posted by Scoot Jockey

I sure hope the national news organizations catch wind of these guys. It would definitely help put some more fuel on the "bring diesel cruisers to the US" fire. Is Toyota NA involved with this project at all?

Toyota donated the Land Cruiser, but they are relying on donations to make it around the world AFAIK. The 100 is a NA diesel. I got to check it out and meet the team when they came to Fort Collins, CO. They are a very nice, fun group of people. I spotted their 100 in Fort Collins while on my way to pick up a 2nd battery for my 100. I was grabbing some pictures when they came up behind me filming me with big grins.

They were looking for more cargo capacity for fuel, and they were originally looking for a 100 series tow hitch and receiver carrying basket. I'm glad they took Sgt Grunt's suggestion and visited Slee on their way to NM. Looks like Christo got them taken care of!

BTW, the lead driver (Yamada) has driven and placed in the Dakar with a biodiesel 100 series.

[sleeoffroad]

Actually Toyota Auto Body (the company that formed out of the Araco merger with another Toyota company) donated the truck. It was not Toyota Motor Corp. Apparently Toyota Motor Corp was not interested and they have all their eggs in the hybrid market. This is directly from Shusei, who is the driver.

[Snook]

What is thier web site so we can look up thier informations and also know of thier location?

[sleeoffroad]

Biodiesel Adventure Official Home Page

[jones]

I wonder how one lands a sweet job like these guys have...

[1loudLX]

oooo they are coming to NY! Looks like they are finishing in B-more, which would lead me to assume they will then put it on a boat to europe?

[Boston Mangler]

Checking out their website and their "Current Location"

It shows a track of their travels and it looks like they made quite a detour to see Mr Slee!

I dont blame them, i would do the same thing!

[sleeoffroad]

To be fair the did not come to see us. They were up at Fort Collins and was then directed to us.