E85 is 105 octane give or take a little depending on mixture. However, the cooling characteristics of the fuel make it so it acts like 112 octane.

FWIW- I dont understand the mpg complaints. I average right at 20-22mpgs! In my big block 15 was the ****!

 

The Renewable Fuels Foundation states in its Changes in Gasoline IV manual, "There is no requirement to post octane on an E85 dispenser. If a retailer chooses to post octane, they should be aware that the often cited 105 octane is incorrect. This number was derived by using ethanol’s blending octane value in gasoline. This is not the proper way to calculate the octane of E85. Ethanol’s true octane value should be used to calculate E85’s octane value. This results in an octane range of 94-96 (R+M)/2. These calculations have been confirmed by actual-octane engine tests." [12]

 

I did alittle experiment a couple of years ago when they first started adding ethanol into regular gas. what they are claiming to be about 10% ethanol. I put it in a glass container and let it sit for a couple of days untouched. when I came back to look at it I discovered something rather discouraging, and potentially the reason why they have added ethanol. anyone who has messed with gas before the last 3-4 years knows that when water is in gas, it clearly separates like a "bubble" and will not mix in. what I found in the new ethanol added gas is that it separated into 3 very clearly visible layers. water gas and ethanol. what was disturbing is that yes, there was about 10% of the volume was ethanol, but there was nearly double the amount of water. the water is able to mix with the ethanol, which will then mix in with the gas. so basically, what it has come down to is they have figured out a way to water down gasoline and not be noticeable. this is largely responsible for the inconsistent mixtures of both e85 and regular gas and has DRAMATICALLY shortened the storage life of fuel. it is able to absorb moisture out of the air, which further dilutes it, and then the ethanol begin to break down as more water is introduced. basically leaving you with heavily watered down gas

don't believe me? try for yourself. get some gas from your local pump, put it in a glass container and let it sit for about 2 days undisturbed. you will see it separate out. then if you move it or shake it slightly, it will all mix back in together.
also another interesting fact, go to your local parts store and look for the products that are supposed to remove water from your fuel system. then read their ingredients. you guessed it, pure ethanol.

now maybe some of you will see why I am so against the stuff

 

I'm sorry, this is totally incorrect.

 

Where do you live? Sounds like you just have some terrible fuel in your area.

 

The stuff that removes water from your fuel, like HEET, is pure METHanol, not ETHanol.

Mike

 

20 mpg. Is awesome. Hope mine does any where close to that lol.

I built mine knowing that the closest place that sells e85 is 30miles away. So since I knew I wasn't going that route I just figured use 93 with meth kit.
So if you know you will have a hard time getting e85 or whatever just build your setup for pump and meth.
I see some guys are against. Water/meth injection. Why is that?

 

Bigger gas tank, more stops at gas stations, or get a jetta.

 

Yup. I've pretty much stopped responding to crap like that because I just don't give a **** what people believe anymore but it never ceases to amaze me.

 

what about it is incorrect? tell me how it works then since there is so much other "factual" info in this thread? because all the research I have done has said exactly this, and the friends I have who run it who have been trying to talk me into it have said how it work, so lets hear your opinion Mr. Expert

as for the HEET comment, you might want to do some research before making that statement. that particular brand uses higher methanol content. most other brands are isopropyl or ethanol based

and I live in Florida. most of our gas is terrible.

 

here, Martin. now tell me where my post was misinformative

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tec...5/viewall.html

and since you like to try to quote this site as a reference alot, go over here and argue with these guys:

http://www.yellowbullet.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=422868

 

I think it is your octane and the cooling effect that is limiting you. FWIW the gasoline is the lubricant and as long as you don't let the stuff sit in your car for months at a time you shouldn't have any problems.

You can't compare it to gasoline. You have to compare it to race fuel. Race fuel such as Q16 or methanol is going to be anywhere from $7-9 per gallon and E85 is less than $3 in my area. I have a cheap tester and right now it is 90% at our pumps. I have a catch can I just drain the catch can every few days. It takes a couple minutes. I also fire my car up and let it get very hot before I drive it the first time for the day. This burns up all the condensation in the valve covers, etc... You can tune it to run pretty damn lean at part throttle and cruising and this allows you to get really good fuel mileage.

The best thing is if you want to tune yourself. I am still very new to this and have pushed the limits of these junk yard engines trying to learn how to tune. I basically use them as sacrifices. lol My tune is not really all that safe but the E85 definitely gives you more room for error. More and more E85 pumps will go up. It is all what you want to do. It is everywhere here so I use it. If it wasn't then I would use the 93 and meth.

 

Because it is stupid to suggest that simply dumping more fuel into the engine will make more power. And even dumber to suggest ignition timing plays no part.

 

I'm lost

 

Just for reference, the NGK 8 range plug is a nonresistor type plug. I do not believe there is a plug in the US with an 8 heat range that is a resistor type.

 

so you're telling me that putting more fuel through the engine, at higher boost to compensate, WILL NOT yield higher power numbers than being able to run a couple more degrees of timing? ummm... no. especially considering this is what the e85 is doing, but you are having to run a significant more amount of it


this thread has brought to light just how many people have forgotten the basic principals of how power is made

 

Well by your reasoning....lets just run the pump directly into the intake and forget the injectors. After all...the more fuel you dump in the more power it's going to make !!!

And no, it is not what E85 is doing. Clearly you have no clue about any principals including how power is made !

 

What is this guy smoking? I want some of it...Nic I agree completely. Nic, do you work at a shop? You should hear some of the things I hear on a daily basis....not just here on the internet.

It is not even worth my time to argue with this guy "badhombre". I can't even follow his thought process let alone comprehend half of his sentence structure. Proper punctuation, spelling and grammar would allow you to come off as at least maybe having half a clue as to what you're talking about.

 

Badhombre, trust me you are completely wrong. I understand where you thought process comes in, its obvious you are a beginner at this. And that's ok, but one day you will look back at this thread and say "man i can't believe that's what I thought." I was there before I went to tech school on alot of things.

 

Ok then "gurus" then tell me why the 2 links I posted say the same thing I am saying? And Martin as for the grammar and sentence structure comment, you must have attended the same english class as you did automotive. You seemed to have been absent on some crucial days. But by god you were there on cam day. Might wanna take some refresher courses.
I did go to "tech school" and grew up in my dad's shop building racecars, and my first job was in an engine building shop, which I still deal with. I like how everyone keeps coming in here saying "No, you're wrong. that's not how it works". well I am still waiting for one of you to kindly explain to us all how it does work then because right now all the information that is out there is against your argument. Again, sounds familiar doesn't it Mr. Smallwood? BTW have you made that call to SAM yet? No, instead of using facts and information, you resort to personal attacks. AGAIN. So, seeing as the title of the thread is "Set me straight on pump gas" why don't you set us straight on e85? since everyone I know who runs it, the guys on yellowbullet, popular hotrodding and all the other resources I found, obviously have it all wrong.