Finding E85 . . . Use E51-E83?

cidsamuth

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So, I began exploring the idea of converting my boosted 4.6 to E85. As a newbie, I wanted to educate myself.

In my area, only Sheetz sells the higher ethanol content stuff. Problem is, the pumps only say it can be 51-83% ethanol content. Apparently, that is consistent with labeling requirements effective July 2016, which allows the retailer to use +/- 10% labels (e.g. E50 can be 45-55%), OR to use the broad 51-83% label. See here:

What You Need to Know about the Federal Trade Commission’s Final Rule Regarding Labeling of Ethanol Blends Beyond 10% | Renewable Fuels Association

Seems like most will CYA and use the 51-83 label. I know there are testing kits. Problem is, if you're tuned for E85, and the only station around me tests in at 55% on any given day, how would I deal? Seems like I'd have to have a tune ready for 55, 65, 75, and 85%. Or, pay the crazy price for E85r, which is supposed to guarantee the ethanol content.

Am I missing something?
 

cidsamuth

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I haven't tested it . . . I was using that as a hypothetical. If it says E51-83%, it could theoretically be anywhere in that range. So, trying to figure out how guys plan for that inconsistency with their tunes. Or, if they have to pay for E85R.

My buddy has a new Camaro, and their E85 conversions allow for a simple sensor on the fuel rail that will adjust the tune for the ethanol content. But, I haven't seen anyone offer that tech for our cars. It would be a nice solution to my concern, though.
 

SynergyGreenSS

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I run e85 on my cobra like many guys do, and I have to be really picky about where I get it. There are a lot of gas stations that have “e85” around me but most of them only test around 60%. There’s one that’s pretty good, usually 80% or higher but it’s a bit of a drive. I guess that’s the price to pay for the extra power. I have a tune for E, and a super basic tune for 93 to get me to the next e85 pump if I’m really running low. Most tuners from my understanding don’t tune for super high quality E, they often tune the car to a slightly lower ethanol content so if you happen to get not so good ethanol it’s not the end of the world. Again, that’s my understanding and it’s possible that not all tuners do that. I have an app called alternative fueling stations that shows me pretty much every e85 station there is. It’s super helpful. I would download that app and go test any pumps around you, then decide if you want to equip your car for it. Just buy a cheap ethanol tester on amazon.
 

BLOWN9646

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I haven't tested it . . . I was using that as a hypothetical. If it says E51-83%, it could theoretically be anywhere in that range. So, trying to figure out how guys plan for that inconsistency with their tunes. Or, if they have to pay for E85R.

My buddy has a new Camaro, and their E85 conversions allow for a simple sensor on the fuel rail that will adjust the tune for the ethanol content. But, I haven't seen anyone offer that tech for our cars. It would be a nice solution to my concern, though.

Test it, I'd bet it's near ~E80. You won't have any issues running E70, tuned on E85
 

Reaper14

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They opened up a new e85 pump at a truck stop with that same rating. It only sells e85, but says 53%-85%. I havent tested it yet. The old co-op station has 4 different types ranging from e15-e85. The label rating on that pump says e85 from 70-85 in winters. Ive tested that one & never has it been below %70 in winter & only as high as %83 in summers. I asked my tuner about it & they said most pumps range from %70-85 & their tune is set for that. So I stick to the old co-op pump.

Vic
 

cidsamuth

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Hmmm. So, I guess I'll wait for spring (my car gets stored during the winter anyway) and test the ethanol content. Would be great if E51-E83 really means something close to E85, but I hate that uncertainty.

Once I know where it sits, see how that would play with whoever I get to tune the car.
 

BLOWN9646

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Hmmm. So, I guess I'll wait for spring (my car gets stored during the winter anyway) and test the ethanol content. Would be great if E51-E83 really means something close to E85, but I hate that uncertainty.

Once I know where it sits, see how that would play with whoever I get to tune the car.

You can test the fuel any time, your car in storage is irrelevant. Buy the tester and check it
 

BLOWN9646

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Hmmm. So, I guess I'll wait for spring (my car gets stored during the winter anyway) and test the ethanol content. Would be great if E51-E83 really means something close to E85, but I hate that uncertainty.

Once I know where it sits, see how that would play with whoever I get to tune the car.

You can test the fuel any time, your car in storage is irrelevant. Buy the tester and check it
 

rotor_powerd

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Sheetz are the only stations around me that have ethanol at the pump as well. They generally test 70-85%
 

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