E85: why aren't more folks running it?

[Process]

Actually E85 is far less risky of damage than gasoline.

Its just that the engine needs to be TUNED for it.
E85 requires about 30% more fuel, so the engine must know exactly what its getting.

Its relatively asy to plumb in a flex fuel sensor that measures E85 content and the output of that sensor increases the fuel mixture.

I have it on my race car and it works a treat.

We picked up around 60-80 hp running E85 and all the temps are WAY down.

It really works for drag racing or time attack situations in my view, as any longer time format racing - you will pay a weight penalty for carrying extra fuel.

D

Flex fuel sensors do not work on ford. They use their widebands to do flex fuel.

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[D K]

Flex fuel sensors do not work on ford. They use their widebands to do flex fuel.

Flex fuel sensors work great on every car.

If Ford has chosen to rely on Lambda readings then thats their choice.

Flex fuel sensors and the ability to change maps on the fly os th best option.

D

 

[Process]

Flex fuel sensors work great on every car.

If Ford has chosen to rely on Lambda readings then thats their choice.

Flex fuel sensors and the ability to change maps on the fly os th best option.

D

Doesn't work on a Ford. I'd disagree with you. Using a inline sensor is one way to do it, if the pcm is capable of understanding it. Using the widebands to adjust for ethanol content, timing, and stoich is another way.

5+4=9 and so does 6+3. Both get you to the same place as efficient as the other. Currently, the Mustang doesn't have flex fuel in it's strategy. The F150 does. GM has been slowly phasing out flex fuel sensors in their vehicles in favor of using their wide bands on their DI engines,

 

[D K]

Ok so the factory PCM doesnt have an input for it.

Thats a bimmer, but oh well.

I guess a standalone is the answer....


I personally would rather measure the alcohol content rather than adjusting from a wideband.
Not saying its better, just that to me a wb O2 is a little slow reacting and tuning to a wb means you end up with a lot of performance on the table.

Tatrix is the one we use in our (non Ford) car.

David

Doesn't work on a Ford. I'd disagree with you. Using a inline sensor is one way to do it, if the pcm is capable of understanding it. Using the widebands to adjust for ethanol content, timing, and stoich is another way.

5+4=9 and so does 6+3. Both get you to the same place as efficient as the other. Currently, the Mustang doesn't have flex fuel in it's strategy. The F150 does. GM has been slowly phasing out flex fuel sensors in their vehicles in favor of using their wide bands on their DI engines,

 

[Process]

The car goes into a learning mode when the fuel level increases and the trims are far out. Takes about two minutes. So unless you need to cut a 1.5 60 from the pump. It works

 

[D K]

On other cars, when the pcm is open, you can free up inputs such as ac idle, maf (if you are doing speed density) etc.

Its a matter of finding someone who can code.

Once its done, I would still argue that its better and more accurate to measure alcohol content before it goes through your engine..

Just looked at the AEM infinity. Pretty capable unit for a reasonable amount of money and pnp.

 

[Process]

On other cars, when the pcm is open, you can free up inputs such as ac idle, maf (if you are doing speed density) etc.

Its a matter of finding someone who can code.

Once its done, I would still argue that its better and more accurate to measure alcohol content before it goes through your engine..

Just looked at the AEM infinity. Pretty capable unit for a reasonable amount of money and pnp.

Theres no need for a stand alone on a coyote. The copperhead and tricor are proven pcms. the copperhead has powered cars into the 7s no issues.

When tuning suite companies are satisfied with their testing of unlocking the F150 flex fuel strategy into the Mustang, that will be more than sufficient as it is a newer/more robust way of doing it, vs an external sensor that can and has failed numerous times on multiple platforms.

 

[craigsix]

i had a 2012 5.3 silverado tuned for e85 and 93 octane. the computer would sample the fuel every time you pull off the gas cap for 10 miles then adjust to the fuel.

 

[gundam83]

I just converted to E85. It took bama a bit to get the car lined out. Paul says it should be good now. I will have track numbers and dyno numbers on Monday. AS far as mods the car has all the standard ones. JLT intake 47lb injectors, bama tune on an x4, and a Gibson catback. All stock the car made 385/360.

Any updates? I'm curious to find out how much this configuration makes? I too have a CAI and catback.

 

[HULKNASTY]

Can't find it anywhere in northwest florida! But no real need for it until I get boost:(

 

[Chameleon]

Any updates? I'm curious to find out how much this configuration makes?

+1

 

[Walt1120]

We consider E85 race gas out here because you cant find it at 99% of pumps lol. Im sure in the midwest you guys still consider e85 a pump gas, must shake up the grudge seen a little

 

[FATHERFORD]

Just some info I recently learned.

03 Cobra 5.4L with single turbo..

On C16 race gas made around 1400rwhp
On E-85 pump gas from Krogers 1500rwhp...

That's not the big news.

Under the curve in lower rpms, he gained over 550rwhp and 700ftlbs of torque! Was able to throw in more timing to bring the turbo in sooner...

 

[Plimmer]

You definitely need to be able to swap tunes. I've pulled up to my favorite e85 pump a few times to find that they are OUT OF e85, so no choice but to put a little 93 in and come back later.

Also I run 50/50 93 to e85. You get the benefits of 93 with its lubrication and detergents and you get the benefits of e85 with the cooling and antiknock.

FYI, you need to specifically tune for the e85 content in your fuel, but you don't need to get too excited about EXACT % of e85 in the fuel. The ECU uses the first wideband sensor to constantly adjust lambda, whether cruising or at WOT.

 

[Rogues Gambit]

Worrying about finding convenient E85 stations.

We don't have any in Jersey, I checked.

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