E-85 Discussion

[csweston]

I know the most gains with e85 come from boosted guys. However are there any possible gains on a stock motor converted for it (EJ25D)? Im not talking necessarily performance gains, but mileage, better for the car overall, anything really. Also would it even run very well on our stock lower compression motors?

Just a couple thoughts i had. Obviously all the necessary actions would be taken to use e85 (injectors, piggyback, fuel pump maybe?)

[anothernord]

E85 really likes high cylinder pressures and temparatures. Well, I guess I should say that it tolerates it well.

It burns much cleaner, and cooler than normal gas, and it allows for greatly advanced timing. Your cost power mile will remain close to the same, at least for city driving. Because of the gains in torque and timing, your gas mileage in town will actually be similar to highway, which isn't great. If you do a lot of long trips on the highway, it can be a pain to always be looking for stations.

You could definitely see a significant gain in power if you can tune your timing and fuel. Of course, E85 really shines in boosted applications; it just doesn't preignite.


Edit: Forgot to add that you get about 30% less gas mileage with E85.

[bmwpride]

what exactly would you need to run e85?

[Wiscon_Mark]

what exactly would you need to run e85?

A fuel system that handles ethanol well (there's some hubbub about E85 not being great for older car's hoses and such - not sure how relevant it is for Subaurs), ECU tuning for higher octane, and you'd probably want a higher compression motor build to really take advantage of it.

I'm oversimplifying though.

[StatGSR]

However are there any possible gains on a stock motor converted for it (EJ25D)

simply put, no, not in any worth while shape or form...

basically, you would have to spend a decent hunk of money to get a car that gets worse fuel mileage, and maybe just maybe, you could get a little more pep out it...

to make it run you would need a piggyback or standalone and bigger fuel injectors, a walbro pump wouldn't be a bad idea either....

[xoSubieLegacyxo]

so boosted motors handle e85 well?

[StatGSR]

Yup. E85 has a much higher octane rating than premium.

[anothernord]

Like 109 octane, and it absorbs more heat than normal gasoline, and it burns more cleanly. It is really an amazing fuel.

[65pontiac]

It also thins your oil out a lot more so you would have to change it more frequently. It is a good idea even in a newer car to upgrade your fuel lines not just in older cars. You can make more power, but the price for e85 isnt to far off from reg or premium anymore and itll just go up and mileage would be close if not less.

[Wiscon_Mark]

How does it thin your oil? Is there something in the E85 that slips into your crankcase?

[emsalex]

e85 is kinda like 9/11, every one has an idea, or "knows" the truth but have very little proof,

what most people think is a fuel line being eaton away is just years of gunk in the system being cleaned out buy the e85,
i have seen slug cover injectors that where just about a foot down the line from a filter,filter was clean,and still people where trying to say it was his fuel lines,

not saying all fuel lines are safe on every car but they are not the problem people like to make them out to be,

theres a company that makes an e85 magic box super dupper conversion, it goes in between the injector and the conector, they say it alters the signal and holds the injector open longer, its marketed to the eco crowed, dont know if i would trust it, and it cost as much as other engine management options that would be more fun and give more options,

the closest e85 station to me is a hour and a half away, price is 3.39, 93 is 3.91-4.05

its just info, not saying i know everything(or anything)