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E85...anyone running it?

2.7K views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  rcb  
#1 ·
With gas as high as it is, is anybody running it? Was wondering what it would take to run it. Also, is it worth it? I think right now it's a dollor cheaper a gallon...was thinking about running it in my '77.
 
#2 ·
E85? that's straight alchohol? or a blend with gas?
The molacules in alcohol are about half the size of gas molicules, so they are consumed at about twice the rate of gasoline, thus you go half as far per gallon. Alchohol burns cooler, but the exhaust burns your eyes if you happen to be behind the vehicle. Alcahol also is very tough on rubber parts like fuel lines and carb gaskets. You can get Alchohol only carbs though I prefer Gas only stations around here like a couple I know of locally, both Sunoco stations. There must be some power to it though as they use it for racing

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* Because E85 is a corrosive solvent, fuel storage tanks and dispensing equipment must be corrosion and damage resistant. Fuel pumps and hoses must also be made of non-corroding materials, and stainless steel is used for fuel tanks. Extra care is required in keeping storage tanks and delivery hoses clean and free of sediment that could be washed into a vehicle's fuel tank and cause problems.
* The lower energy content of E85 results in slightly lower fuel economy and vehicle driving range.
* It is presently more difficult to locate refueling stations. For example, if you were traveling from the mid-west (where most of the stations are located) to California, it might be difficult to find a refueling station that sells E85. There are a limited number of retail E85 refueling stations in the US; about 150-180, mostly located in the mid-west. There is no danger of running out of fuel, however, since FFV's will accept 100% gasoline.
 
#4 ·
The energy people have it all covered to make big profit. The other thing is propane, but the difference between home propane and vehicle propane is the 'road taxes' they will charge you. If they catch you using home fuel, in your vehicle, it could open you for a big ticket. Still I have friends in Utah that do the propane thing and fill out of their home tanks, and also have a cheeseball trunk mounted spicot so's they can use a few twenty pound tanks thus diverting suspision. But that seldom works when your car or truck wreaks of propane stink.
 
#5 ·
Ethanol has about 20-40% less BTU or energy content.  You will use about 20% more fuel.  But in application ethanol and any alcohol fuel creates more torque in any given engine.  Also if an engine is built for alcohol in mind then the fuel mpg loss will be minimized.  E85 engines could take nearly 14:1 compression ratio.
 
#7 ·
I agree with chrysler300le if the engine was built to take advantage of e85's octane rating the difference in mpg would be minimal, while making more power. if i ever get the chance i want to build a 500+ 440 stroker with 13-1 comp 440 stealth heads and tunnel ram fuel injected with 3 caddy 4.9 throttle bodys (six pack) on spacers to tune runner length for solid torque down low, and pullin like a freight train to 6000 6500 tops. of course this is just mind candy at this point, but tasty mind candy no?
 
#8 ·
so could i run it in my freshley rebiult 318? nothin fancy but it is alot cheaper? an is it ok to miss it with a lil gas will it destroy my motor or gast parts after only a couple uses? will it make me motor run stronger/better? im really really curious  ;D
 
#9 ·
If it's a carbureted 318, expect to rebuild the carburetor if you use it persistently for more than 3 months. You will also need to attend to any rubber fuel line you have. That includes vent line. My 79 Power Wagon has a plastic tank, so that may be a concern with yours?

The next go around, if you run all stainless lines and go with alcohol resistant gaskets (copper or other specially formulated material) you can run it with more confidence. Though, really you'd benefit from a higher compression engine. Utilizing a turbo charger can be a solution. Normal compression at start up, but increased compression at higher RPMs... in essence.