E 85

[1997v6ixxr]

Did a couple searches and didn't find the info I was looking for! What, if anything, needs to be done/changed to 3800 SII inorder to run straight E85?

[Rob Bell]

Re: E 85

You would have to change almost everything that is non-metallic in the fuel system, because the alcohol in E85 will eat rubber and (probably) plastic components, of which there are a lot. Plus you'd have to tune the computer to be able to use it.

I don't think E85 is worth it anyway. Around here it's 10 cents cheaper than regular 87, and you take a 30% hit in mileage. So you'd be losing big time if you are just trying to save money. If you want to do it just because it's a renewable fuel source, then that's personal preference.

[1997v6ixxr]

Re: E 85

Thanks! I was interested because E85 has higher octane and greater potential energy than regular pump gas. Here the cost difference is about $1.00/gallon and that's the other reason. Not sure about Northern Illinois but here all the pump gas is at least 10% Ethanol anyway, so kinda figured that the fuel systme could handle straight ethanol. But you're right about the loss in MPG's and it really doesn't seem worth it if I have to change the entire fuel system. Thanks again

[Rob Bell]

Re: E 85

Actually even though E85 is higher octane, it has less power (BTU's) per gallon than straight gasoline, which is why you lose mileage. True, the alcohol in E85 raises the octane. But octane is only a measure of the fuel's resistance to pre-ignition.

Here in Northern Illinois the gas is all "up to 10% ethanol" too. I don't know if that means it really is 10%, or if it could just potentially be 10%. Today's cars are designed, though, to handle 10% ethanol. I think they may even be able to go up to 15%, but I'm not sure on that.

[nimrod.sixty9]

Re: E 85

Sucks! Less energy for more price. And not at the pump. It costs this country more money than gas, in many different areas. It is true you can run higher compression but at a cost... IMO E85 is a joke and it was just to shut up the few who dont know anything about it...

[Rob Bell]

Re: E 85

I agree, it's a complete waste of money and resources. It's purely political around here because we grow a lot of corn. Without government subsidies the enthanol industry would not have a prayer. Plus it supposedly takes more fuel to produce the ethanol, taking into account the farmers tractors and such, plus refining, transporting, blah blah blah, than you get out of the fuel. So it's a net energy loss. It's ridiculous.

[nimrod.sixty9]

Re: E 85

I agree, it's a complete waste of money and resources. It's purely political around here because we grow a lot of corn. Without government subsidies the enthanol industry would not have a prayer. Plus it supposedly takes more fuel to produce the ethanol, taking into account the farmers tractors and such, plus refining, transporting, blah blah blah, than you get out of the fuel. So it's a net energy loss. It's ridiculous.

Thanks Rob for clarifying my mess of a post. :tup:

So less energy per volume than gas and more energy to make less energy. SO complete rip off while at the same time rising prices in many different areas. Ive even seen local stations advertising "Ethanol free gas". 10% E is about a 3% less energy out put while at the same time rising gas prices... (correct me if Im wrong)

[landj]

Re: E 85

I agree, it's a complete waste of money and resources. It's purely political around here because we grow a lot of corn. Without government subsidies the enthanol industry would not have a prayer. Plus it supposedly takes more fuel to produce the ethanol, taking into account the farmers tractors and such, plus refining, transporting, blah blah blah, than you get out of the fuel. So it's a net energy loss. It's ridiculous.

Rob, not disagreeing with you. I was wondering about it's potential to produce more power. Dragsters burn alcohol right? I read an article about some "supercar" that ran both E85 and gas. They claimed it was rated at 800-hp on gas and over 1000-hp on E85. (Gas mileage I am sure was **** for both). I think it was called "Koenigsegg CCXR." There must be some advantage to E85 in an engine.

Does anyone know of any conversion kits out yet? Would be interesting if you could get an extra 20%hp just by converting.