[E85 and C5 Corvette Compatibility]
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 216
From: Houston Texas
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
[E85 and C5 Corvette Compatibility]
I'm seriously considering using E85 this time around. Does anyone know which parts in the factory fuel system are not compatible with E85?
- Let's assume that you have an external pump, aftermarket regulator, fuel rails, and ethanol compatible braided hose.
- Is a Racetronix 255 in tank E85 friendly?
- Is the stock transfer line between the tanks and the jet siphon pump compatible?
- Are the plastic factory feed lines ok?
- Any other items to consider or change out?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 88
From: Pearland Texas
Pretty sure all the stock stuff IE: transfer lines the siphon pump and level indicators as well as the factory feed lines.
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/can-any-car-use-e85/
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/can-any-car-use-e85/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,295
Likes: 40
From: East Coast fl
The problem is if it sits in the vehicle for LONG periods of time.... injectors,...or pumps, SOME fuel lines...could deteriorate. If you daily it or use it often, you would likely no have an issue. Stabil or other stabilizers can be added to a tank to provide lubricant when storing.
That said....highly recommend E85.
That said....highly recommend E85.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 26
From: Concord NC
I've been running it for about 1.5 year now without issue. All the lines to/from my secondary pump along with filters and regulator are E85 compatible. But other than that I'm running a standard Walbro 255 in tank and all the factory feed/crossover lines are still being used as well. I fill up a 55 gallon barrel and keep it in the garage. I check the alcohol content with every new barrel and haven't had to make any adjustments yet (so far 90% every barrel). I think I am about to cut it down myself to about E70 now though to give me some headroom with my injectors since they are pretty much maxed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,295
Likes: 40
From: East Coast fl
nice. Whats it cost for a 55 gallon drum? Curious if it comes in a plastic, or steel drum. Plenty of E85 around me but...just curious...in case I was feeling lazy or traveling to an event.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 26
From: Concord NC
I actually take a plastic 55g drum with me in the truck to the only pump around here and fill it up LOL. Sorry for not being specific.
I have looked into ordering drums of E98 and mixing my own but it gets pricey real quick when going that route. I will stick to my $2 race fuel for now
I have looked into ordering drums of E98 and mixing my own but it gets pricey real quick when going that route. I will stick to my $2 race fuel for now
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 216
From: Houston Texas
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
Thanks everyone. Good info and I'm liking what I'm hearing. 
What kind of stoich value are you entering and what lambda are you commanding?
I know on 93 and meth, I would run slightly leaner during spool-up, richest at MBEP and then hold till redline.
Does E85 respond to similar tuning methods?
:
What kind of stoich value are you entering and what lambda are you commanding?
I know on 93 and meth, I would run slightly leaner during spool-up, richest at MBEP and then hold till redline.
Does E85 respond to similar tuning methods?
:
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 26
From: Concord NC
I've been tuning mine with the same equivalence ratio (1.28) as I do with regular gas. For wot under boost I command roughly 11.4 afr on a gas scale which is roughly 7.5 afr on E85 scale, I'm still on stock internals so I haven't pushed it any further with a leaner ratio. My stoich value in tune is set to 9.7.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,472
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From: Houston TX
St. Jude Donor '11
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 26
From: Concord NC
Just to throw this out there just for some reference. I am running DW 95lb injectors. My base fuel psi is 65 so they are actually 108lb inj at that pressure and I am running a boost referenced system on 14 psi so far it traps 125mph in the 1/8 155+ in the 1/4 @ 3300 lbs. I havent had it on the dyno but with that MPH and weight its making roughly 900whp and my duty cycle is 98%
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 56
From: Houston Texas
Ben, I would just make sure you're using viton seals on all the new stuff and regulator is alcohol compatible. Wouldn't worry about the transfer lines as much since they're low pressure anyway. Not sure on the filter socks in the tanks.. Our earlier ones use a big sock on PS tank siphon, the 01 and later don't have a sock on them. Probably not a big deal though.
I'm planning on corn myself, but switched to the Haltech with flex sensor. Regular pump last fill had 8% alcohol. During the winter they dilute the E85 down, so would want some sort of content sensor at the very least if using stock PCM still. I don't remember what the % was Bret told me when he put some in his car last, but it was significantly under 85%.
You might be able to do something cheap by putting a Continental GM flex sensor in your return line, give it 12V and measure the frequency on output wire. 50hz = 0% alcohol, 150hz = 100%
I'm planning on corn myself, but switched to the Haltech with flex sensor. Regular pump last fill had 8% alcohol. During the winter they dilute the E85 down, so would want some sort of content sensor at the very least if using stock PCM still. I don't remember what the % was Bret told me when he put some in his car last, but it was significantly under 85%.
You might be able to do something cheap by putting a Continental GM flex sensor in your return line, give it 12V and measure the frequency on output wire. 50hz = 0% alcohol, 150hz = 100%
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,797
Likes: 52
From: Boise
Nope. Boise never goes below 75%..
Also my car sits for months at a time...no issues. But for those of you who are convinced you need X in order for it to work I'm sure there is a company who will be happy to profit off you.
Also my car sits for months at a time...no issues. But for those of you who are convinced you need X in order for it to work I'm sure there is a company who will be happy to profit off you.