E-85 build
06-26-2008, 08:59 PM
#1
E-85 build getting ready to build a new short block for my 02 ss and am going to run E-85 only. I've read through several threads including the one thats 18pgs but I cant find anyone thats specifically built for E-85. Right now I've got an LS1 with small chamber AFR 225's milled to 61cc's. I'm going to build a 408 stroker. If I leave the heads as they are, I'll have about 12.3:1 with a flat top 4cc relief piston. I realize that I'd be sacrificing flow by leaving the heads in a small bore config but opening them would drop my compression quite a bit. All of this is preliminary planning and nothing except the C.I. is set in stone so I'm looking for suggestions, especially from anyone whos built for E-85. I'd also welcome cam suggestions. I'm also not opposed to selling the heads that I've got for something else either. I've got a Fast 90/90 as well BTW. Thanks!
06-27-2008, 08:42 AM
#4
that fuel system is going to kill you on a 408 e85 motor. you'll need HUGE injectors to feed that engine.
i am digging the idea of converting to e85 when i do the h/c swap. i think on stock cubes i can get away with a new fuel pump and maybe 42lb injectors. an ls6 intake, 240* duration cam and set of ported/milled 853s should have no problem making 450whp and being TOTALLY streetable. then you add a 150 shot on top of that..got a mean corn fed street car @ 12:1 compression.
i am digging the idea of converting to e85 when i do the h/c swap. i think on stock cubes i can get away with a new fuel pump and maybe 42lb injectors. an ls6 intake, 240* duration cam and set of ported/milled 853s should have no problem making 450whp and being TOTALLY streetable. then you add a 150 shot on top of that..got a mean corn fed street car @ 12:1 compression.
06-27-2008, 09:41 AM
#5
I didn't do an E85 specific build, persay, but I'm building it to run on E85. What I mean is that I decided to keep my CR down to 11:1 just in case I go on a cruise like the HOT ROD Power Tour and end up somewhere that doesn't have E85. Right now it isn't everywhere. But, when it comes to doing an E85 build, there's really no trick to it. Just make sure your fuel system can flow the extra 30% needed and you're good to go. You'll benefit from the engine running cooler due to the extra fuel. If you're sure you can get E85 where ever you may drive the car, then maybe you might want to go up in CR. Talk to a builder, but I'm sure you can go 13:1, maybe more. Oh, and ask who ever is putting this thing together for you, or someone who builds a lot of them, for a cam suggestion. I ended up getting a custom grind after my heads and intake were flow tested together. It's a ton better to get a cam built for your engine instead of trying to build and engine around a cam.
Good luck.
Good luck.
06-27-2008, 07:34 PM
#6
I'm concerned that 13:1 is too much for 105 octane. I could do it with some etp heads I suppose and still retain the flat top pistons. Where I'm at we have E-85 in more than 8 stations right now and more are adding. I suppose my cam should have an early closing event to keep the bleed off at a minimum? I'm going to switch the current setup over to E-85 soon so I can see where my injector rates are at. I'm running green top 42s right now and will be doing the racetronix conversion in a week or two. The car is a daily driver but it has a 35spline locker and a liberty face plated trans so I dont have to have great manners on the street. Right now I'm running a 228/230 cam on 110+1. Something equivalent or maybe slightly larger for a 408 is what I'd want.
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06-28-2008, 09:59 AM
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07-09-2008, 11:40 AM
#10
Has anyone heard if e85 is going under? Someone told me they saw a thing on the news that said e85 was costing to much in over all prices (food, transportation, soil, ext).........is this true. I live in kansas we have a lot of corn and so does Nebraska......so what's up?????
07-09-2008, 01:52 PM
#11
Considering GM gave millions to BP for the research and development of finding other ways to produce ethanol, and that research has revealed a way to produce ethanol from ANY compost-able materials, I think we're only scratching the surface for ethanol use as fuel. Also, Butanol, another alternative fuel being developed, will likely also be blended with ethanol. Here's a link to some of that info:
http://www.technologyreview.com/read...ls&id=18443&a=
http://www.technologyreview.com/read...ls&id=18443&a=
07-09-2008, 02:02 PM
#12
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i can see 'corn based' e85 getting phased out. switchgrass is a much better source for making e85. per acre, switchgrass or praire grass, provides 7-8 times the amount of ethanol per acre than corn.
switchgrass wont jack up the price of all corn based goods too. hope the bigwigs can get this **** figured out soon.
switchgrass wont jack up the price of all corn based goods too. hope the bigwigs can get this **** figured out soon.
07-09-2008, 07:39 PM
#13
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Has anyone heard if e85 is going under? Someone told me they saw a thing on the news that said e85 was costing to much in over all prices (food, transportation, soil, ext).........is this true. I live in kansas we have a lot of corn and so does Nebraska......so what's up?????
07-09-2008, 10:24 PM
#14
My cars now tuned for E-85 and it def. makes more power. As soon as I get more track time, I'll know for sure. I've heard of Butanol, its supposed to be a 4 chain alcohol instead of a 2 chain like ethanol is. The short version is that its a DIRECT replacement for gasoline. No enrichment necessary and I believe the byproduct is Acetylene. BTW, ethanol on a catless cammed car is great. No more smelling like exhaust when I drive it.
