E-85 gains?

KENNEBELL2.6

Forum Member
I'm kicking around switching to E-85.Have any of you guys made the switch from 110 race gas to E-85 and seen any performance gains by solely by the fuel and tune change? I've talked to Lidio and he said maybe 20-40 rwhp depending on how he leans on the tune. What do you guys think? The car makes 560rwhp now I'd love to see over 600. What has your car picked up or what have you seen?
 
Cheaper? Than race gas yes, however, can you get this stuff anymore?
I did a bunch of stuff to switch my car over to run on E85, and then all the pumps disappear.
The amount of work you put into it wont benefit what you get out of it....
 
If you are already using braided lines then you will be OK.

E85 requires about 30% more than convential gasoline, so you will also need a fuel system that will keep up.

I have a 418W with a 88mm turbo. I had 83lb injectors and a weldon 2015 pump using 110 and both the injectors and the pump had no issues keeping up with 110. When I switched to E85 the pump and injectors were out of steam around the 675rwhp mark. I switched to a weldon 2025 and 160lb injectors and now both are fine. The injectors run at about 50-60% injector DC.

I haven't put back on the dyno, but my guess is right around 900rwhp at 20psi.

I have ran E85 for the past two summers and love it. The tuning range is way better than gas. You can run it rich and not notice one issue.

In my car it runs better with E85 as far as start, part throttle driving.

I have a catch can on my car that vents from the valve covers...it usually fills up with an oilly watery mix everytime I drive it, but I just drain it once I get home.

Even though it cost me some initial investment to make it work, I feel its superior over 110. Plus the fact that it now costs me $35 or so to fill it up vs. $70-100 for 110.
 
All I had to change was injectors and flash a new tune to the PCM. I gained about 35hp/30tq switching to e85 on my old 3800.

I loved it and will run it again once I get further along modding my bird.
 
I run my carb'd N/A 13.8-1 smallblock with it. Runs awsome. Can't give you a direct comparison of 110 to E85, as I built the motor specifically for E85 and thats all its ever run. My car see's a lot of street time. 110 would cost a furtune to drive that much on the street. So far no problems getting fuel. You need to know where to find it. No different than running race fuel on the street. I've been concerned with availability after the drought. Looks like the stations that I was getting it from last year still have it.
 
For those who can't find it, you could always buy it by the 55gal drum and have it delivered. I plan to look into this when I convert again. I think some places sell E98 by the drum as well.
 
I've heard that you need to swap the fuel pump to run E85. People said something about it clogging the stock fuel pump?
 
I've heard that you need to swap the fuel pump to run E85. People said something about it clogging the stock fuel pump?

Depends on the pump you have. Check with the manufacture of your pump. I use aeromotive. All of their pumps are good for E85.
 
I have a couple friends that run it. Biggest thing is checking the fuel. Some stations vary esp towards the end of the season when the fall blend starts making it to the pumps. My car will be going to E85 for the fact Im on 110 right now and the pump is maxed out so i need to up the pump either way, its cheaper and I think its easier on the motor opposed to race fuel. I know in my area theres three times as many stations selling E85 then 110
 
Thank you for everyones input. I have 3 meijers gas stations with in about 10 miles of me so I think I'll be ok finding it. As for switching things around on the car. I was advised I will need injectors, fuel line, fuel pump, fuel rails and a tune. What happens when you test your fuel before filling up and its less the 85? Look for a new station or just dont beat on the car?
 
Get a simple E-85 tester (Jegs/Summit) and check the fuel before you fill up. My gains with the switch were much bigger than expected (close to 100 rwhp) and consequently the Scat crank could not take it. Rebuild over the winter with a few more cubes added and I'll try it again this spring. I love the change and the funky corn/oil smell is kinda cool. LOL

edit: I want to clarify this is on my non-intercooled Vortech pushrod car and NOT my modular car (like yours KENNEBELL2.6)
 
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This man knows.

If you are already using braided lines then you will be OK.

E85 requires about 30% more than convential gasoline, so you will also need a fuel system that will keep up.

I have a 418W with a 88mm turbo. I had 83lb injectors and a weldon 2015 pump using 110 and both the injectors and the pump had no issues keeping up with 110. When I switched to E85 the pump and injectors were out of steam around the 675rwhp mark. I switched to a weldon 2025 and 160lb injectors and now both are fine. The injectors run at about 50-60% injector DC.

I haven't put back on the dyno, but my guess is right around 900rwhp at 20psi.

I have ran E85 for the past two summers and love it. The tuning range is way better than gas. You can run it rich and not notice one issue.

In my car it runs better with E85 as far as start, part throttle driving.

I have a catch can on my car that vents from the valve covers...it usually fills up with an oilly watery mix everytime I drive it, but I just drain it once I get home.

Even though it cost me some initial investment to make it work, I feel its superior over 110. Plus the fact that it now costs me $35 or so to fill it up vs. $70-100 for 110.
 
There are plenty of E85 / flex fuel / alternative fuel apps for Android / iPhone that will show you nearest E85 stations.
 
doesnt running e85 in a carbureated car require a e85 "ready" carb? i am getting ready to plumb my fuel system and if it was as simple as tuning for it i would make the change! its a bbf 13:8 to 1
 
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