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The Terminator
Engine/Tuning
E85 conversion help
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<blockquote data-quote="DCguy" data-source="post: 16633153" data-attributes="member: 196849"><p>One thing to keep in mind with E85 is the ethanol content is inconsistent the further North in the country you're located. You're in Norcal looks like so you may want to ask around and see....if you're in a place like FL you're prob going to have >75-80% year round but if it gets seasonally cold where you are pumps will typically use a lower grade ethanol, like 60-70% during the winter. You'll frequently hear guys talking about "winter mix" and "summer mix" - this is what its referring to. Lower ethanol content/more fuel allows for easier starting/operation of the car in cold climates so that is one reason why its used during the winter as its a bit richer fuel mixture.</p><p></p><p>This obviously creates a problem, in that you now have an inconsistent fuel mixture by using pump E85. There are workarounds of course.....having a "summer tune" and "winter tune", tuning the car conservatively probably a bit more than normal but leaving power on the table, driving the car only during the better "summer mix" time of year, testing the fuel prior to pumping it with an E85 checker, having a 93 pump tune as a backup, etc. Some even buy their E85/E90 direct from a vendor/race shop in order to keep the fuel consistent and the tune on point. So, there are many compromises here........when on a stock PCM. Talk to your tuner that knows your area and see what they recommend.</p><p></p><p>The BEST solution is to go with a standalone ECU that allows you to run an ethanol content sensor and will adjust the fuel tables / timing curves in the tune automatically based on the ethanol content in the fuel......this can add a considerable cost to your budget but its something to keep in mind and ask your tuner about depending on your needs. You would simply add the sensor to the return fuel line and I would also suggest using a Lambda capable AFR gauge, especially if you plan to also have a 93 octane tune, since the stoich points for the fuels are not the same. This route may be more expensive, but if you have some decent $$ in your engine build its money well spent to help keep the tune happy no matter what pump E85 you're using (as long as its above 60%).</p><p></p><p>The other major cost, in addition to whatever fuel system you choose, is going to be injectors. Those will need to be upgraded to at minimum a 1000cc considering your power goals....if you can afford, I would suggest a 1300cc as it will allow for lower fuel pressures / duty cycle and room to grow in the future.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="DCguy, post: 16633153, member: 196849"] One thing to keep in mind with E85 is the ethanol content is inconsistent the further North in the country you're located. You're in Norcal looks like so you may want to ask around and see....if you're in a place like FL you're prob going to have >75-80% year round but if it gets seasonally cold where you are pumps will typically use a lower grade ethanol, like 60-70% during the winter. You'll frequently hear guys talking about "winter mix" and "summer mix" - this is what its referring to. Lower ethanol content/more fuel allows for easier starting/operation of the car in cold climates so that is one reason why its used during the winter as its a bit richer fuel mixture. This obviously creates a problem, in that you now have an inconsistent fuel mixture by using pump E85. There are workarounds of course.....having a "summer tune" and "winter tune", tuning the car conservatively probably a bit more than normal but leaving power on the table, driving the car only during the better "summer mix" time of year, testing the fuel prior to pumping it with an E85 checker, having a 93 pump tune as a backup, etc. Some even buy their E85/E90 direct from a vendor/race shop in order to keep the fuel consistent and the tune on point. So, there are many compromises here........when on a stock PCM. Talk to your tuner that knows your area and see what they recommend. The BEST solution is to go with a standalone ECU that allows you to run an ethanol content sensor and will adjust the fuel tables / timing curves in the tune automatically based on the ethanol content in the fuel......this can add a considerable cost to your budget but its something to keep in mind and ask your tuner about depending on your needs. You would simply add the sensor to the return fuel line and I would also suggest using a Lambda capable AFR gauge, especially if you plan to also have a 93 octane tune, since the stoich points for the fuels are not the same. This route may be more expensive, but if you have some decent $$ in your engine build its money well spent to help keep the tune happy no matter what pump E85 you're using (as long as its above 60%). The other major cost, in addition to whatever fuel system you choose, is going to be injectors. Those will need to be upgraded to at minimum a 1000cc considering your power goals....if you can afford, I would suggest a 1300cc as it will allow for lower fuel pressures / duty cycle and room to grow in the future. [/QUOTE]
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