E85 Mix

[D Rock]

What would be the pros/cons of running a mixture of E85 fuel with 93 octane petro in the Marauder?

[Blackmobile]

I'd figure a 50/50 mix with E85 would bring the 93 octane level down, thus giving you an octane level of 89~91 or lower.

[tbone]

I believe it would fry your motor.

[SC Cheesehead]

Actually, the high alcohol content in E-85 gives it a higher octane rating (IIRC, around 105), but to run it, you need to revise tuning parameters.

Zack is running E-85 in one of his hi-po cars to take advantage of the octane factor.

However, there is a downside, the high alcohol content degrades the rubber/neoprene fuel lines over time from what I've heard.

[musclemerc]

Your right Rex, make sure your fuel lines are E-85 compliant or they will be toast

[TooManyFords]

Also, it takes approximately 40% more E85 to run correctly. The Stoich is way lower on E85 so a lot has to change. In other words, just don't do it, even a little without serious fuel system upgrades and tuning.

So, E85 may be about 30% cheaper at the pump but it takes 40% more fuel so you really don't save anything. And yes, the octane is somewhere north of 100 depending on how they splash mixed it.

With that said, I have run E85 in ProRauder with good success, but I have 120lb injectors and a BigStuff3 computer running everything. If I remember correctly, I had to set the wideband to read a stoich of 9.1:1 and tune to that. It was about 40% more fuel and it ran great. This was not racing with it however because most E85 pumps can be anywhere from E60 to E90 and you just don't know. Cars that are flexfuel compatible have a sensor in them that can read the mix and adjust the tune to what is going through the line. That's why they can get away with it.

[Chevyguy]

You will run REALLY LEAN as it takes 40% More E-85 vs Gasoline to burn correctly and the fuel system, injectors and PCM will not adapt properly. Don't forget about all the non E-85 rated O rings seals and etc in the fuel system which will fail in time.

[D Rock]

Thanks for the info.

[musclemerc]

Why you want to worry about E-85? Your in Miramar, you have an excellent selection of gas companies.

I miss my Sunoco!

[Michael]

Call VMP tuning if you want to run E85, I did for two years with no problems. You are running a centrifical blower so depending on your pump and injector size you may need to go bigger.

I would not blend the gas and e85, the stock computer will handle about 35% or maybe alittle more so get a tune. You will be able to run more timming and get good latent heat of vaporization with the fuel.:burnout:

[SpartaPerformance]

....

However, there is a downside, the high alcohol content degrades the rubber/neoprene fuel lines over time from what I've heard.


You are correct Ethanol is hygroscopic and will erode the fuel system if they're not compatible. This occurs even in E85 designed vehicles. There is a "dry gas" type additive made (several brands) I recommend my E85 customers to use a bottle every so often.

[Michael]

The fuel system on the marauder will be fine for E85, there is no rubber hoses to worry about. The hose is either metal or ptfe lined rubber outer case by the fuel filter. The injectors and pump are fine and the orings for the injectors are synthetic.

The fuel system is completly sealed so you dont have to worry about water getting into the system.

You will use about 20% more fuel at cruise and 40% more at full song.