E85

So after seeing Rhys Millen's Pontiac Sunfire, with something like 600 hp, that runs on E85, we started talking a bit about it and I started reading a bit about it. Some quick thoughts.
Stoich is around 9.7:1 vs. 14.7:1 in gasoline
Octane of E85 100-105

Benefits: Race gas octane level at 50 cents cheaper than the 85 octane fuel. Less heat in engine.

Disadvantages: Need pretty much new fuel system. No aluminum fittings or rails, larger injectors, fuel lines that can withstand, fuel pumps, etc. Must be using a stand alone ECU.

It's likely something I may try in the future. Considering I'm replacing most of the components anyhow over time.

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Grant Hughes

The Boullion brothers from downstate MI run e85 in their focus. They said they were getting something crazy like 220 at the wheels.

http://www.automobilsport.com/fiesta-st-trophy-ford-bio-fuel-e85-world-rally-championship-bp-environmentally-positive-green-strategy-petrol-co2-efficient---24259.html

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"Talk about drugs. Driving a car like that, going that fast, it’s like all the drugs at once." - Tommy Byrne

"Now, Pinky, if by any chance you are captured during this mission, remember you are Gunther Heindriksen from Appenzell. You moved to Grindelwald to drive the cog train to Murren. Can you repeat that?" - The Brain

Something like 60% of the rally cars that competed in Sweden (not the WRC event, the country) last year ran E85. They have a Fiesta Flex Fuel cup series as well.

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Grant Hughes

I ran some numbers 3 years ago and found many reasons to use AGE85 in the rally car. AGE85 did not require changing the parts in the system as it was non as crosive.

I have not found a place where I can buy 55 Gal drums of the fuel how ever or I would us it in my plane as I happen to own one of the few models the FAA allows to run this fuel in today.

D

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In the long run reality always wins.

The Boullion brothers actually stopped using the fuel as it was not making as much power as 94 Octane gasoline.

The problem with E85 is the power density. My understanding is that compared to gasoline is will not make as much power as gasoline given the same motor settings. It does have a higher octane rating so you can crank up the compression or boost to compensate somewhat.

And like grant said it needs almost a completely new fuel system.

A lower power density only requires more fuel to over come, it will make the same power if you diliver more of it, IE larger injectors and since air is the limiting factor in most race motors the lower amount of air required for E/AGE85 is a real gain. Just look at our firends in the top fuel dragsters.

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In the long run reality always wins.

What about the octane rating though? We tune our cars on 110, 112, 114 oct. Could we use E85 and just run alot more fuel? If so are we gonna be able to make it beetween fuel stops with a 60-80L tank?

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Gone fishing

According to Wikipedia the octane rating is 105.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E85

So you could tune to that octane and just crank up the fuel. But like you said you would have to burn a lot of it and mpg might become an issue.