Possible Long Term Consequences of running E-85

[Fridge]

As the EB platform continues to grow the popularity of running e-30, e-85 does as well. Currently from my understanding the requirements for running e-30 are upgraded IC and a tune. Running e-85 quite a bit more but the conversation I want to start revolves around what the long term effects of running e-85 in a car designed for unleaded gasoline. Below are some questions to get started with and I hope vendors and tuners chime in so we can all be more knowledgable.

1) Are the current fuel filters sufficient?

2) Since e-85 is very hygroscopic, what's the minimum number of days the a car could sit without drawing too much water from the atmosphere?

3) How many times would you want to cycle gasoline through the tank to combat and/or clean up the sticky residue sometimes found on injectors? I've read that the refining refining process of ethanol isn't perfect leaving sugars and other deposits in the fuel.

4) Excessive Carbon build up on intake valves from oil getting into the intake is already a known issue with work arounds. But will running e-85 exacerbate or possibly benefit since additional more higher flowing injectors will be used in conjunction with stock injectors?

Thanks!

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[FordTechOne]

As the EB platform continues to grow the popularity of running e-30, e-85 does as well. Currently from my understanding the requirements for running e-30 are upgraded IC and a tune. Running e-85 quite a bit more but the conversation I want to start revolves around what the long term effects of running e-85 in a car designed for unleaded gasoline. Below are some questions to get started with and I hope vendors and tuners chime in so we can all be more knowledgable.

1) Are the current fuel filters sufficient?

There are no external replaceable filters; only the filter in the tank that is part of the fuel pump assembly. I can't see any reason the factory filter system wouldn't be sufficient with ethanol; it will still pull any contaminants out.

2) Since e-85 is very hygroscopic, what's the minimum number of days the a car could sit without drawing too much water from the atmosphere?

The fuel system is a sealed system due to evaporative emissions. You shouldn't have any issue with any water getting into the fuel; shouldn't be anything to worry about.

3) How many times would you want to cycle gasoline through the tank to combat and/or clean up the sticky residue sometimes found on injectors? I've read that the refining refining process of ethanol isn't perfect leaving sugars and other deposits in the fuel.

Never heard of this being an issue; just ensure you get the fuel from a reputable brand.

4) Excessive Carbon build up on intake valves from oil getting into the intake is already a known issue with work arounds. But will running e-85 exacerbate or possibly benefit since additional more higher flowing injectors will be used in conjunction with stock injectors?

Thanks!

Ethanol doesn't leave carbon buildup behind when it burns, unlike gasoline. Therefore, running ethanol will not cause carbon buildup, and will actually result in a cleaner running engine.

 

[PRG3k]

We need more ethanol threads. Seems to be a popular choice with many ppl and the power gains to be had are a big jump over 93 even on E30.

I don't think flushing the tank out every few rounds with good quality 93 is a bad idea, Juben advocated that. Oil change intervals would also be a good idea to stay on top of.

 

[Fridge]

There are no external replaceable filters; only the filter in the tank that is part of the fuel pump assembly. I can't see any reason the factory filter system wouldn't be sufficient with ethanol; it will still pull any contaminants out.



The fuel system is a sealed system due to evaporative emissions. You shouldn't have any issue with any water getting into the fuel; shouldn't be anything to worry about.



Never heard of this being an issue; just ensure you get the fuel from a reputable brand.



Ethanol doesn't leave carbon buildup behind when it burns, unlike gasoline. Therefore, running ethanol will not cause carbon buildup, and will actually result in a cleaner running engine.

Thanks for the info can't wait to get my intercooler so I can start mixing for e-30 and eventually convert to e-85 once adam finalizes his conversion kit.

 

[Fridge]

We need more ethanol threads. Seems to be a popular choice with many ppl and the power gains to be had are a big jump over 93 even on E30.

I don't think flushing the tank out every few rounds with good quality 93 is a bad idea, Juben advocated that. Oil change intervals would also be a good idea to stay on top of.

I completely agree the top e-85 thread on here only has 25 replies :/ I think once more conversion kits start to sell, the people who get them can chime on possible pros and cons. Preferably pros but not everything is always perfect.

 

[PRG3k]

I completely agree the top e-85 thread on here only has 25 replies :/ I think once more conversion kits start to sell, the people who get them can chime on possible pros and cons. Preferably pros but not everything is always perfect.

I certainly hope so. I run E30 and I am borderline obsessed with it. The power level now seems a cut above its class.

 

[Tune+]

There is going to be no issues with running E85 daily. We are working with a closed loop system here and a 2015+ vehicle not a 1999 Buick Regal ;) haha.

You won't have any issues with the valves gumming up as you will be injecting E85 behind the valves. You aren't going to be able to make any power on E85 without port injection.

I just made 663whp/605wtq on SB1Racing's car on 100% E85, with my fuel system setup. The car drove extremely smooth on the street and was a damn rocket!

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