Got The Car Tuned On E85

[cjmatt]

The only downfalls I know of are that...

1. Being alcohol, it absorbs water, so you need to use it quickly for full effectiveness.

2. It soaks through some aftermarket fuel line and will break it down, need to keep an eye on it.

3. When making big power, you need huge injectors and multiple fuel pumps, which offset the savings at the pump initially.


The only reason I didnt do it was that id be using so much of it, id need 2 fuel setups basically, and it washed away years of savings at the pump.

 

[2L8IWIN]

You can do it right at the pump with a kit like this http://www.amazon.com/QUICK-FUEL-TE...TF8&qid=1340220870&sr=8-1&keywords=e85+tester

or go high end with a fuel analyzer like this http://www.zeitronix.com/Products/ECA/ECA.shtml

I hear ya on spending a $100 just to go cruising. What is the octane of e85 and What is this test you do? Do you do it right at the pump? My car is tuned on 110 octane and I have to drive to the ghetto (Flint) to get it locally. This seems better as there are 2 Meijer gas stations closer to me.

 

[98 Camaro]

I hear ya on spending a $100 just to go cruising. What is the octane of e85 and What is this test you do? Do you do it right at the pump? My car is tuned on 110 octane and I have to drive to the ghetto (Flint) to get it locally. This seems better as there are 2 Meijer gas stations closer to me.

There is nothing published that I am aware of that correlates octane of E85.

I test the fuel randomly with the Quikfuel test tube. You fill it up with E85 to the first mark then add water to the remaining tube and let it sit. After a couple minutes it seperates and tells you the actual ethanol content.

You can do this at the pump if you like.....but I have used E85 that was E78 and some that was E89 and it doesn't seem to effect my car....but I am using O2 correction which probably explains why.

What is your car? Is it EEC? Just be warned that you will need to increase your fuel system to compensate for the additional fuel required.

I have to make some significant changes to my fuel system which were a pain in the ass....but it was well worth it now. Just the confused looks from the people at the Meijer gas station when you pull up to the E85 pump and fill up is worth it.

I have converted two cars so far (both turbo mustangs) and will be doing another this summer.....so far so good.

 

[2L8IWIN]

Ive also read/heard that it absorbs water but cannot find any concrete information on it just a bunch of "might, ifs, and maybes".

I have heard people say that SS braided linkes weep the smell of gas/e85 but I have never experienced this. Sounds like a bad hose or fitting to me

big pumps and big injectors are a must as youre going to use 30%+ more fuel. I use a single Weldon 2035. Like tim has already said he uses a single 2025.

The only downfalls I know of are that...

1. Being alcohol, it absorbs water, so you need to use it quickly for full effectiveness.

2. It soaks through some aftermarket fuel line and will break it down, need to keep an eye on it.

3. When making big power, you need huge injectors and multiple fuel pumps, which offset the savings at the pump initially.


The only reason I didnt do it was that id be using so much of it, id need 2 fuel setups basically, and it washed away years of savings at the pump.

 

[2L8IWIN]

Eventually I'll but the 4r70w back in it. I just want to drive it after it being down almost 4 years.

Nice number Erik, put the auto back in it and see what it will do!

 

[EFIAlex]

X2 I don't understand why someone is arguing that something cant be done or "I wouldn't do this" from stuff that was read off the "Peanut Gallery" (as my buddy dads would refer to forums and the internet when in conversation haha)

I'm not trying to argue it. I apologize if it came out sounding that way. I even mentioned that I knew it could be good. It just seems there is an ethanol bandwagon these days for high hp and everyone is jumping on it. I'm just curious if this is such the perfect fuel why does anyone even bother with racing fuel anymore (aside from class regulations)?

 

[98 Camaro]

The only downfalls I know of are that...

1. Being alcohol, it absorbs water, so you need to use it quickly for full effectiveness.

2. It soaks through some aftermarket fuel line and will break it down, need to keep an eye on it.

3. When making big power, you need huge injectors and multiple fuel pumps, which offset the savings at the pump initially.


The only reason I didnt do it was that id be using so much of it, id need 2 fuel setups basically, and it washed away years of savings at the pump.

Regarding # 1, some people believe that the water absorption is what contributes to the cooling factor of E85.

This is the main issue....once people realize that it requires an upgrade in fuel system they usually just skip switching.....its like if you ever ran nitrous.....you look at blower or turbo kits and wonder why the hell would I pay that much for a kit......until you start to add up going through 15-20 bottles a season and realize that you could have been close to buying a kit and never have to fill a bottle again.

There is always octane on demand which is the 2 stage injection system where 1 set of injectors run pump and then under boost a second set activate with 110-116.

 

[98 Camaro]

I'm not trying to argue it. I apologize if it came out sounding that way. I even mentioned that I knew it could be good. It just seems there is an ethanol bandwagon these days for high hp and everyone is jumping on it. I'm just curious if this is such the perfect fuel why does anyone even bother with racing fuel anymore (aside from class regulations)?

see CJMATT's post....these are usually the reasons for not switching.

But talk to anyone who switched and they will tell you its great!

 

[2L8IWIN]

E85 has a "chemical" octane rating of 94-96. The 100-113 claims are incorrect.

E85 works so well because of "latent heat of vaporization" where heat is pulled from the cylinder before combustion.

Stolen from modularfords

For typical gasoline, Lv is ~340-350 kJ/kg, versus 840 kJ/kg for neat ethanol! So as you can see, it’s a big difference. The fact that you have to run more fuel with ethanol also adds to the cooling effect via the AFR. As I’m sure you know, for typical non-oxygenated gasoline, the stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio is AFRs ~14.6. For neat ethanol, AFRs = 9. Methanol offers even more charge cooling benefit, whereby Lv = 1103 kJ/kg and AFRs = 6.47.

 

[EFIAlex]

E85 has a "chemical" octane rating of 94-96. The 100-113 claims are incorrect.

E85 works so well because of "latent heat of vaporization" where heat is pulled from the cylinder before combustion.

Stolen from modularfords

For typical gasoline, Lv is ~340-350 kJ/kg, versus 840 kJ/kg for neat ethanol! So as you can see, it’s a big difference. The fact that you have to run more fuel with ethanol also adds to the cooling effect via the AFR. As I’m sure you know, for typical non-oxygenated gasoline, the stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio is AFRs ~14.6. For neat ethanol, AFRs = 9. Methanol offers even more charge cooling benefit, whereby Lv = 1103 kJ/kg and AFRs = 6.47.

So if the knock rating is lower is it compensated by the heat removal?

 

[98 Camaro]

From the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

What is the octane rating of E85 compared to gasoline?
E85 has an octane rating ranging from 100-105, making it a high performance fuel. In comparison, regular unleaded gasoline has an octane rating of 87

But i'm not sure how this correlates since its chemistry is so different than gasoline.

good read from the Bullet:
http://www.yellowbullet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=421053&page=9

Sorry for the hijack E-Rock.

 

[2L8IWIN]

No hijack man! the more people who are educated on it the better off everyone is. it's great stuff.

I saw that same info from Iowa's website and then came across this on Wikipedia which was later confirmed in the modularfords theread here http://www.modularfords.com/f267/more-e85-octane-test-data-162854/

E85 has an octane rating higher than that of regular gasoline's typical rating of 87, or premium gasoline's 91-93. This allows it to be used in higher-compression engines, which tend to produce more power per unit of displacement than their gasoline counterparts. The Renewable Fuels Foundation states in its Changes in Gasoline IV manual, "There is no requirement to post octane on an E85 dispenser. If a retailer chooses to post octane, they should be aware that the often cited 105 octane is incorrect. This number was derived by using ethanol’s blending octane value in gasoline. This is not the proper way to calculate the octane of E85. Ethanol’s true octane value should be used to calculate E85’s octane value. This results in an octane range of 94-96 (R+M)/2. These calculations have been confirmed by actual-octane engine tests." [18]

Examples of this mis-citation can be found at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association titled "E85 Facts"[19] which cites a range of 100-105, and a document at the Texas State Energy Conservation Office titled "Ethanol"[20], which cites a 113 rating.

 

[Casper302]

I would love to run it in my carburated car. I read on Yellow bullet you can increase timing on spray on e85 more than you can on a race type fuel. I have 3 gas stations close to me with e85.

 

[KENNEBELL2.6]

Ok sorry but I am in left field with this. If I run 110 turbo blue right now I can add a Walbro 400lph in tank pump, some bigger/better fuel lines, fuel rail, and some 80lb injectors, and a tune and switch to E85? Will the car still make the power it makes now? Can i keep the boost the same? Thanks

 

[2L8IWIN]

What fuel lines are you running now? I have a -8 feed , Y to each rail, and -6 Y to -6 return and it works fine.

Yes. Fuel pump, injectors, and a tune. Youll make more power actually and it will cost less to drive it.

Ok sorry but I am in left field with this. If I run 110 turbo blue right now I can add a Walbro 400lph in tank pump, some bigger/better fuel lines, fuel rail, and some 80lb injectors, and a tune and switch to E85? Will the car still make the power it makes now? Can i keep the boost the same? Thanks

 

[sardeanie]

What fuel lines are you running now? I have a -8 feed , Y to each rail, and -6 Y to -6 return and it works fine.

Yes. Fuel pump, injectors, and a tune. Youll make more power actually and it will cost less to drive it.

DAmn! Can't wait!

 

[98 Camaro]

DAmn! Can't wait!

Just make sure that Lidio makes the tune rich. There is good data on the Yellowbullet that shows a guy made more power with a 10.5 AFR vs. an 11.5 AFR. I use 10.0 and it loves it.

I have a breather canister that requires me to empty it every once in awhile....water comes out.

 

[sardeanie]

Wont' be a problem! Thanks.

 

[igotaneed4speed]

I'm not trying to argue it. I apologize if it came out sounding that way. I even mentioned that I knew it could be good. It just seems there is an ethanol bandwagon these days for high hp and everyone is jumping on it. I'm just curious if this is such the perfect fuel why does anyone even bother with racing fuel anymore (aside from class regulations)?

I think most people are afraid of things they do not know about, while yes its seems there is a band wagon starting with this fuel but those who are using it seem to be educated in the arena of the fuel. That or have a tuner who has played with the stuff enough to be comfortable. A lot of people run race gas when they could run Meth, make way more power and be way more consistent but then it all comes down to if they are willing move outside there comfortzone and learn a whole new tune-up on there car cuz of the fuel change. Most are not willing to due that and stick with the its not broke don't fix it.

 

[igotaneed4speed]

I would love to run it in my carburated car. I read on Yellow bullet you can increase timing on spray on e85 more than you can on a race type fuel. I have 3 gas stations close to me with e85.

Do it!