f-bodybuilding

Im getting my build together and im debating on running e85 vs 110 octane. I have heard a lot of good things about e85 lately but have no experience with it. My set up is 408ci in a notch, planning on spraying 200-250 through it. Just curious on what everyones opinions are. Pros and cons between running e85 and 110. Both are readily available in my area. Any input is appreciated.

Exidous

iTrader: (11)

How much does that 110 cost compared to the E85. That if more than enough pro/con right there.

The ONLY con to E85 is the decrease in MPG. 20-30% roughly.

Iam Broke

E85 needs ~30% more fuel, larger injectors & FP but is a great alternative to 110.

BIGsmokey10

iTrader: (3)

E85 will make more power if the 110 is not oxygenated, E85 is oxygenated... don't worry about fuel consumption.. works great with spray as well... hot plug and run it fat... go to yellow bullet under the fuel section and there's a 30+ page thread on it, tons of great info..

f-bodybuilding

Thanks for the info guys. And yes 110 is much more expensive than e85. The only thing I truely worry about is the ethanol content, I know alot of people say it varries quite a bit. I've thought about just buying a 55 gal drum but from my understanding ethanol is like a sponge and builds a lot of moisture when sitting. Is this true?

98TransAmWs-6

iTrader: (11)

The varying content comes into play only during the colder months since they put a bit more gasoline in it to help with cold starts making it more of e70. During the warmer months this isn't a issue. There are test kits you can get to see what the content actually is though. Not sure if it will absorb water from inside a container.

f-bodybuilding

Okay, thank you. That was one of my biggest concerns. I will have to pick up a test kit then. Any suggestions?

98TransAmWs-6

iTrader: (11)

I think you can find them on ebay.

BIGsmokey10

iTrader: (3)

I have that one from quick fuel... like 14 bucks or something, painfully simple to use... I tested probably 10 batches of it from may to October.. all of it was dead on at e85

maroonls1z

Zeitronix ethanol content analyzer

.boB

iTrader: (1)

I road race with a heavily modded SBF - big displacement, higher compression, huge came, etc. Make 514hp on the chassis dyno. Road racing is tough on an engine - lap after lap flat out (which is boat-loads of fun). And it can get pretty darned hot and dry here in CO - track temps of 145* with a humidity of 12%. Tough conditions.

Previously, I used Sunoco 110 octane. I had a pro tuner do the final tune on a dyno. Engine ran pretty good, and I made fast lap times. Partly because of cost, I changed my custom EFI system around to accomodate E85. Again, had it tuned by a pro on a dyno.

Holy cow, what a difference! The car never ran as good on 110 as it does on e85. It feels so much better, especially on a hot day. Water and oil temps are about 15-20* cooler. It's a remarkable improvement, and well worth the effort for me.

Yes, I do use about 25% more fuel on a track week end. Sunoco 110 is about $9.50 a gallon, and E85 is about $2.80 a gallon. I could use 300% more fuel, and still save money.

I also use it on the street in the summer. Again, I burn a litte more fuel, but the cost comes out about the same. And the car runs better and cooler, especially in city traffic.

That was 3 years ago. So far, no detrimental effects on the fuel system.

There is one thing you have to be careful of. The octane rating of e85 is around 108-110, depending on who you listen to. But the 15% gasoline in the mix is the cheapest and nastiest stuff they have left over. If you have too much cylinder pressure, it will get under the first ring land and detonate. That breaks the ring land and pushes it up.

If you're going to be using high boost or high compression, you're a lot safer with a quality racing e85.

f-bodybuilding

Thanks for the input! And I am aware of the higher fuel consumption but like you said it's still a he'll of a lot cheaper. And burns much cooler. If I'm not mistaken they use the low octane fuel because it is much easier to ignite right? Since e85 burns so cool it would slow the burning and throw off the combustion process, correct me if I'm wrong. But I was not aware of that risk, I was planning to use pump e85 but is there a better way to purchase quality race e85?

.boB

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, you can buy a race version of e85 from Sunoco, but it's not cheap.