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converting to E85

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Old Aug 3, 2009 | 07:23 PM
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Default converting to E85

currently i have an NA 408 (CR would be around 12.5:1) and figuring for around 520 to the wheels once its tuned. With that being said, would 1 walbro 255 in tank and 42lb ford injectors be enough of an upgrade to handle the extra E85 needed or would i need more?
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Old Aug 3, 2009 | 09:51 PM
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A single 255 pump will be good for approx 550rwhp on gasoline.

For E85 you need approx 30% more pump capacity.
A single 255 will probably be good for 425rwhp on E85.

Your 42# injectors will probably max out around 400-425rwhp as well.

Feel free to give me a call for a custom pump/fuel system setup for your application. 724-322-8505 9:00am-11:00pm eastern time.
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Old Aug 3, 2009 | 10:41 PM
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At 442rwhp my 42# greentops are at 80% duty cycle. Probably be smart to go 60# and give yourself some breathing room.
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Old Aug 3, 2009 | 11:37 PM
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are stock fuel lines and rails ok though?
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by CBIII
are stock fuel lines and rails ok though?
Ethanol will corrode them away eventually.
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 08:16 AM
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Originally Posted by brad8266
Ethanol will corrode them away eventually.
Hmmm haven't heard that one yet? Do you have proof or experience with this happening? So since pump gas has 10% ethanol in it, then regular pump gas should corrode all fuel lines?


To the OP, a Walbro 255 and 60#'ers should be fine. We've done three 98 vettes with NA 427's on stock pumps, lines, and 60's in the 530rwhp range. Two of them are in the 600-700 range on the juice.
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 08:35 AM
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Originally Posted by No Juice
Hmmm haven't heard that one yet? Do you have proof or experience with this happening? So since pump gas has 10% ethanol in it, then regular pump gas should corrode all fuel lines?


To the OP, a Walbro 255 and 60#'ers should be fine. We've done three 98 vettes with NA 427's on stock pumps, lines, and 60's in the 530rwhp range. Two of them are in the 600-700 range on the juice.
Brad is correct on this point. E85 compliant vehicles must have steel lines as opposed to the rubber/petroleum based lines that most other passenger cars due to E85's high corrosive properties.
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 02:36 PM
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I may just decide to run a mix of race fuel and 91 for the time being and upgrade the fuel system at a later point.
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by 98RedBird
Brad is correct on this point. E85 compliant vehicles must have steel lines as opposed to the rubber/petroleum based lines that most other passenger cars due to E85's high corrosive properties.
Says who....
Might be optimum but not fully required. I run e85 and so do others with standard braided hose with rubber inners. It might slowly eat a tiny bit of rubber, just check and clean filters occasionaly.
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 03:58 PM
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i didn't think ethanol was corrosive. on the other hand methanol is very corrosive to aluminum lines. i think this is where most people are confused with e85.
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 09:57 PM
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Though ethanol is not as corrosive as methanol, it does have the ability to absorb moisture. This will cause corrosion to most metals & must be approached with caution.

Typically alternative fuel cars do not have steel or aluminum components for these reasons & none should contain rubber. The ethanol can decompose rubber line over time, leading to failure. Your fuel system must be approached with caution for both the safety of yourself & your car.

Your stock lines will not be an immediate problem, but should be monitored & the fuel filter changed often just to be safe. You will not be the first to do this, but be aware that your fuel system will dictate how much power you can support.
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Lonnies Performance
Though ethanol is not as corrosive as methanol, it does have the ability to absorb moisture. This will cause corrosion to most metals & must be approached with caution.

Typically alternative fuel cars do not have steel or aluminum components for these reasons & none should contain rubber. The ethanol can decompose rubber line over time, leading to failure. Your fuel system must be approached with caution for both the safety of yourself & your car.

Your stock lines will not be an immediate problem, but should be monitored & the fuel filter changed often just to be safe. You will not be the first to do this, but be aware that your fuel system will dictate how much power you can support.
Im just trying to get the car back on the road for right now, so i imagine ill be mixing race and 91 octane until i can afford to upgrade the fuel system, ill be contacting you soon though!
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Old Aug 5, 2009 | 06:45 PM
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Hey Lonnies Performance,
Curious, I have 2001 Camaro-OEM fuel tank 15gal. (black poly?) If I decide to change the gas system of my Camaro to E85 or E70?, do I have to change the fuel (black poly?)tank to stainless(non-corrosive)tank?
I am studying on change the fuel system to E85 on my 2001 Camaro in future.
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Old Aug 6, 2009 | 02:53 PM
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I would doubt there is any issue with the plastic tank.
I know of many people using E85 with that tank.
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