Jim,
You are right that we can attack the problem with scientific and
enginering studies. My quick search showed quite a few articles
relating to the subject

1. http://aiche.confex.com/aiche/2005/t...ram/P18201.HTM

"Effects of Ethanol as a Fuel Additive on General Aviation Aircraft
Fuel System Electrochemical Corrosion"

If you have the time, you can read the whole dissertation here

http://library.msstate.edu/etd/show....1072004-122317

then with your ingenuity and entrepreneural spirit, you can team up
with Dr. Xie to market a X-ray/Whiskey mystery oil for gasohol use in
GA aircraft ;-)

2. http://www.westbioenergy.org/dec2003/08.htm
"Can 85 Percent Ethanol Gasoline Replace Aviation Fuel?"

3. http://www.westbioenergy.org/reports...55029final.htm
"Airframe & Engine Modification and Testing Leading to FAA
Certification of AGE-85"

4. http://www.ncga.com/ethanol/main/energy.htm

"Ethanol-Based Aviation Fuel: Extensive research has shown that an
aviation fuel blend containing 85 percent ethanol offers superior
performance in prop-driven aircraft. The Federal Aviation
Administration and several universities are conducting research on
ethanol-based aviation fuel to determine the feasibility of the fuel as
an alternative to the leaded aviation fuel currently being used."

5. http://bioproducts-bioenergy.gov/pdf...ts/26/z313.pdf
"Engine endurance tests showed considerably less wear on ethanol than
on avgas. Consequently, it is estimated that the Time Between Overhaul
(TBO) in an engine on ethanol could easily be extended by 100% over
avgas."

Hai Longworth