E85 anyone?

Oldskoolrob

Active Member
Hi, While I'm not actually building my engine yet, I am thinking of the future. I'm wondering if building an e85 compatible engine would be an advantage in the future. What are your thoughts? Is there anything downstream of the carburettor that needs to be adjusted for e85? I understand you can run more aggressive cams and higher compression - but is it required?
 
Hi Rob,

I dare say that it would not be a disadvantage to undertake your build with that in mind. Ethanol fuels are noticeably less energy efficient that petrol resulting in your engine producing less power which will be quite obvious, such is my understanding. For that reason you most certainly could include a more aggressive camshaft and high compression pistons as a means of restoring the calorific loss from the ethanol. Ethanol fuels so I understand are more damaging to your engine and fuel system as water is a by-product which results in corrosion.

Ron.
 
Fitting a more aggresive cam, and upping the CR is going to produce a pleasing outcome regardless of whether you use E85 or not.
God I hope I am not ever going to have to use E85 !
 
I believe most higher octane fuels have reduced/no ethanol added. However, my experience with ethanol fuel here in NJ is that the main changes needed are:

(1) Replace all rubber seals with viton in the fuel lines, fuel pump, carbs and reserve tap. This includes the rubber fuel line hose.

(2) Look out for fuel boiling on hot days. Ethanol lowers the boiling point causing floats to sink in the carb and pour fuel out. It took me a fair while to diagnose the issue and cured it with additional heat shielding.

(3) As mentioned above, E fuel has less energy per gallon compared to regular. I found going richer with the carb needles helped solve that issue.

Otherwise, I think that was about it. If you plan on leaving the car standing for a few months a fuel stabiliser would be a good idea. Ethanol absorbs water that can start rust in the tank. It also degrades and will cause poor running and varnishing. Stabilisers will help mitigate both those problems.
 
E85 with turbos is now pretty much the done thing for big power in Australian custom scenes from what I’ve seen?
I’ve got an E85 safe fuel pump and regulator from Aeromotive for my project as a general future proofing measure..
Jim
 
Yeah I'm thinking I'll build the engine for 98, but have the fuel system E85 compatible for the future. Not enough e85 outlets around here yet, and I can easily swap a cam and composite head gaskets for tin to adapt the motor...maybe....
 
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