I didn't see any posts specifically about how to run E85 in an L98 so I thought I would share my experience.

First off, my motivation was simply detonation protection when running nitrous. No other reason, except perhaps the challenge of doing it.

So far all I have done is replace the injectors (48 lb./hr.) and retune the PCM. With the measured 79% alcohol content in the E85 I calculated 40% more flow volume was required to run stoichiometric. Offsetting that with the big injectors gave me a new pulse width vs. LV8 table that ran pretty much bang on lambda 1.0 in open loop.

Everything else stayed the same and it runs pretty much the same. If anything I would say it makes even more power than on gas but that is just seat-of-the-pants based on having a harder than normal time keeping the tires hooked on launch.

In addition to the new O-rings that came with the injectors I also replaced a couple of other O-rings that were damaged during the fuel rail removal/installation. I'll keep an eye on things to see if the ethanol causes any leaks from degraded seals. There are a ton of naysayers out there about problems with running high concentrations of ethanol in a non-flex fuel car, while others that have done it don't seem to have many issues. I figure I'll just wait and see, and replace stuff as I need to.

Anyone else have E85 results to share?

 

stock fuel pump???what fuel pressure you runnin?

 

So far just the stock fuel pump, but I have a Walbro GSS340M to install before I start running nitrous. I have the fuel pressure adjusted up to 47 PSI. My goal for the setup is the 400 HP range. Time will tell.

 

what mods are done other than e85???

 

Not much yet. Custom progressive dry nitrous with FI enrichment is on the way

The biggest mods so far are electronics (Ostrich emulator, bank switcher, WBO2, datalogger). Mechanical stuff is minimal (mufflers removed, high flow cat, 170 degree thermostat, K&N, airfoil, Pertronix ignition coil/module, 48 lb./hr injectors, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump soon).

 

any times????ive been wanting to do e85 for a while maybe when i go turbo...id need like 100 lb hr injectors though

 

E85 won't really buy you any speed on it's own, any more than running racing fuel will. I need a power adder before I will be going fast.

100 lb injectors should take you to the 800+ HP range on E85. Basically take your gas injector size and multiply by 1.4. That would be one sweet L98 if you actually needed 100 lb injectors!

 

haha so if i need 40lb injectors for my turbo setup id need 56 lb and a big fuel pump

 

Now I dont feel like the Lone Ranger, Ive been using it about 6 months. No nitrous here but the octane and challenge are my reasons. I'm using the same 24# LS1 injectors, I had on gas. Jacked up the FP to 70# and tweaked on the tune to compensate. Local station just switched from winter blend to summer last week. I hope to get some good et numbers next week.

 

There is one other person here for sure working with this, I won't say his name in case he wants to keep it quiet, but he said on the dyno it does make a lot of difference, but I think he is still in the middle of making a full conversion.

 

 

 

 

Ran E85 in a turbo car of mine for 3 years. Walbro 255 and 880cc Precisions. No other mods to the fuel system. Car would sit through winters. I opened the gas tank several times and saw ABSOLUTELY no change or any issue whatsoever. I never had any problems and fully enjoyed the lower EGT's and spool time reduction by 800rpm. E85 will make some torque if you put in some timing.

I also soaked various parts in a glass container of E85 for over 2 years...absolutely nothing wrong either. Only thing I did have an issue with was local gas stations switching between summer/winter mix without notice. E74(winter)-E79(summer) will impact a/f ratio's and E85 is a bit "pissy" at certainly loads and a/f's versus gasoline. As a result I had two tunes for my car burned to chips....one for winter mix, one for summer.

 

Not to be a naysayer, as many here have had some success with E85 on few mods for it, but I hope you've got some deep pockets, as if this link is true you'll be due for some engine work in the not to distant future from what this says: http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/goss/2706.shtml

 

Goss is just repeating what he has heard or read. I'd bet he has never used E85 personally. For instance, I quit reading when I got to the part when he says "the fuel rails have to be stainless". Methanol is corrosive to aluminum, ethanol is not. Its not the same. I soaked some plain cheap carb type rubber fuel line in e85 for several months. It did nothing. Did not even remove the 3/8' fuel line printed on the outside. Try it yourself, you may be surprised

 

I agree, some people seem to confuse methanol with ethanol and they are definitely not the same.

That being said I am not expecting everything will last as long as if I had kept using gas either. Some stuff is more readily degraded by alcohol than gasoline. I can live with that. It's still better than replacing pistons!

 

Whats with puttin that hippie juice in your vette.

Stick with old fashioned crude.

 

I agree it will take time for it to destroy something. But he does reference the General, and that stuff about the heads is what would deter me. I'm not messing with any head stuff until my kid is old enough to help me (I hope)....

 

Well, where I come from there are countless other people running it as well. I was one of the first, because it came to my area fairly early, but MANY people now run it without any issues. The number of hours/miles on E85 have proven there is no damage...period.

You can watch motorweek videos or take it from those who have used it for years...up to you.