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True cost of running E85

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Old 07-19-2011, 08:41 PM
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Default True cost of running E85

I have an LS1 with long tube headers and an LS6 intake.

I'm looking into adding a supercharger kit with less than 10psi boost. I'm shooting for 575hp@crank, which I'm told is about the max without a forged rotating assembly, etc.

Besides probably replacing the valve springs with a set of Comp Cams 26921-KIT, I want to do something to allow for some timing advance and additional boost. I have three options I'm looking at. I have a lot of questions on the 3rd option, E85.

Option 1: Thick Head Gasket
lower the compression ratio with a Cometic C5475-075 head gasket to 9.8:1 and just run straight 93 octane gas.
Cons - not sure if 575hp@crank is obtainable
Cost - $120

Option 2: Meth
ECS/Snow meth injection at WOT
Cons - not many local places sell Meth
Cost - $600

Option 3: E85
Bigger injectors, more fuel pump
Cons - maybe cost of fuel system?
Cost - ?????

Using a B.S.F.C of 0.7, I estimated injectors would need to be rated at 55 lb/hr for gas with 58 psi fuel pressure to hit 575hp@crank (source http://www.rceng.com/technical.aspx). Assuming E85 requires 51% more flow, the injectors would need to be 88 lb/hr. Injectors aren't really a problem, because the S/C kit supplier will provide 100 lb/hr injectors for another $100. My real question is the fuel pump. The S/C provider includes either a BAP or a high output pump with the kit at no additional charge. For another $120 I can get both. The problem is, even with both the fuel rate maxes out at 80 gph.

.....The High Output pump puts out 60 gph.
.....With a BAP added to OEM, the flow rate is 66 gph.
.....With a BAP added to the High Output pump, the flow rate is 80 gph.

The other option it to purchase a 2ndary pump system which runs $1100. This is a pretty costly option.

Is a 2ndary pump really necessary for e85 or can a 80 gph pump support 575hp@crank?
Old 07-19-2011, 08:48 PM
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Option 2: Meth
ECS/Snow meth injection at WOT
Cons - not many local places sell Meth
Cost - $600

Wiper fluid rated to -20* F will work or you can mix your own solution with HEET Gasline antifreeze, the yellow bottle sold at most auto parts stores. Meth injection imho is going to be the cheapest.
Old 07-19-2011, 08:54 PM
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I thought E85 required 25-30% more flow, not 51%
Old 07-19-2011, 09:48 PM
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Option 1
Old 07-19-2011, 09:54 PM
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You can get a DIY dual Walbro in tank kit for $210. 80lb injectors vs 60lb or whatever you planned aren't that much more expensive.
Old 07-19-2011, 10:00 PM
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You can run more than 575 crank there are many people on here hitting that in rwhp.
Old 07-19-2011, 10:18 PM
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Lol at the biased bs from a hater.
Old 07-19-2011, 11:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Sumter
I thought E85 required 25-30% more flow, not 51%
I found some sources saying around 50%, but I've heard others say it's actualy closer to 33%. I really don't know.

If it is closer to 33%, I don't see why a 80 lb/hr fuel pump wouldn't work.

This sight says to use 47% based on stoichiometric for Gasoline @14.7 and E85 @10.0
http://injector-rehab.com/shop/e85_injector_size.html

This sight says to use 50.5% based on stoichiometric for Gasoline @14.7 and E85 @9.765
http://ethanolpro.tripod.com/id213.html

This sight says to use 55.1% based on max power for Gasoline @12.5 and E85 @8.06
http://www.xtremeracingtuning.com/fo...php?f=51&t=192
Old 07-19-2011, 11:05 PM
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You won't need that much injector for E85 either. 60's should be fine.
Old 07-19-2011, 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Gunrock_T/A_0811
Option 2: Meth
ECS/Snow meth injection at WOT
Cons - not many local places sell Meth
Cost - $600

Wiper fluid rated to -20* F will work or you can mix your own solution with HEET Gasline antifreeze, the yellow bottle sold at most auto parts stores. Meth injection imho is going to be the cheapest.
I was looking into washer fluild earlier and ALLEN2M4 posted this on it. I don't know if this is correct or not.

Originally Posted by allen2m4
if your S/C'd than washer fluid is out. the turbo guys use more, our s/c's dont run as hot so what happens is the water in the washer fluid pools in the intake. and it makes everything blue on the inside.
Old 07-19-2011, 11:08 PM
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Originally Posted by GreatV8
Option 1
did you do this to your engine? if so, how much boost are you running and what kind of power is the engine making?

Last edited by tb30570; 07-19-2011 at 11:36 PM.
Old 07-19-2011, 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by 93camaro_zzz
You can run more than 575 crank there are many people on here hitting that in rwhp.
How much power and boost do you think is safe with a stock rotating assembly, head bolts, etc.?

Last edited by tb30570; 07-19-2011 at 11:34 PM.
Old 07-19-2011, 11:10 PM
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Originally Posted by McNasty
Lol at the biased bs from a hater.
?????
Old 07-19-2011, 11:25 PM
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Originally Posted by MJD
You won't need that much injector for E85 either. 60's should be fine.
These guys have told me I can't use a single fuel pump. Honestly after running the numbers I'm not sure why, but I'm no expert.

Originally Posted by BLOWNBLUEZ06
With E85, you'll need a secondary fuel system to supported the added flow demand. You'll also not have to worry about finding an E85 station to get you home.
Originally Posted by corvettesforfun
Stay away from the E85. You cannot add a BAP and run E85. You will need to replace your injectors with 100-120 and you will need a secondary fuel pump.

Last edited by tb30570; 07-19-2011 at 11:32 PM.
Old 07-19-2011, 11:31 PM
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I don't know what the F-bodies run pump wise but my vette has direct alternator power and I start to run out of fuel above 5.4K. With a BAP I'll have enough fuel and be making more power. I run 60# motrons and am at about 80% duty cycle. BTW that's on E85.
Old 07-19-2011, 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by MJD
I don't know what the F-bodies run pump wise but my vette has direct alternator power and I start to run out of fuel above 5.4K. With a BAP I'll have enough fuel and be making more power. I run 60# motrons and am at about 80% duty cycle. BTW that's on E85.
I have a 2000 Vette.

how much boost are you running? Have you had it on a dyno?
Old 07-20-2011, 06:13 AM
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Well I've made over 600 rwhp on a single walbro 255 and 100% meth from a 15gph nozzle. I have 60lb injectors and around 60-70% injector duty cycle. This is on 92 octane pump gas with 11:1 compression, my engine made 444 rwhp before the turbo.
Old 07-20-2011, 08:43 AM
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500-550rwhp is easy enough just on regular pump gas.
Old 07-20-2011, 12:20 PM
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Meth with pump gas would be the easiest with low HP like 575crank.

If you are wanting more, E85, dual pumps, 83lb injectors would be the way to go.
Old 07-20-2011, 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by tb30570
I was looking into washer fluild earlier and ALLEN2M4 posted this on it. I don't know if this is correct or not.
I ve never seen any sc run anywhere near as cold IAT wise as a turbo. Most of the sc I see run 180-200 degree iats........which is of course retarded. A water meth kit can drop that to 95-105 degrees. My turbo system run 95-105 with no water/meth at the same 95 degree ambient. I get to high 60's with water/meth and these are at much higher boost numbers then the sc'ers. Im not comparing them all, but two prochargers, a vortech, and a whipple......

As for the true cost of e85.....my injectors are cost me 1000.....but its not for 575hp either. 575 hp, is pump gas and a devils own water/meth kit, and 60's.


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