E85 has become increasingly popular in the performance automotive world, and for good reason. This high-octane alternative fuel offers several advantages over traditional gasoline, but converting your vehicle to run on E85 isn't as simple as just filling up your tank. Let's dive into everything you need to know about E85.

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What is E85?

 

E85 is a fuel blend containing up to 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The exact ratio can vary seasonally, but it consistently offers significantly higher octane ratings than standard pump gas. This higher octane rating is what makes E85 particularly attractive for performance applications.

 

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The Benefits of E85

- Higher octane rating allows for increased boost pressure and higher compression ratios

- Provides better cooling properties than standard gasoline

- Potential for significant power gains when properly tuned

 

- Generally cleaner burning than pure gasoline

- Often more cost-effective than premium fuel

- Renewable resource as ethanol is primarily derived from corn

 

Converting to E85 isn't as simple as filling your tank with the new fuel. E85 requires significant modifications to your fuel system for several reasons:

 

E85 requires approximately 30-40% more fuel volume compared to gasoline to achieve the same power output. This means your entire fuel system needs to be capable of flowing significantly more fuel.

 

E85 is more corrosive than gasoline and can damage components not specifically designed for ethanol use. Compatible materials are crucial for:

- Fuel tanks

- Fuel lines

- Fittings

- Seals and gaskets

- Fuel pumps

- Injectors

- Fuel pressure regulators

- Filters

 

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Essential Components for E85 Conversion

You'll need larger injectors that are specifically designed for E85 use, typically featuring:

- Stainless steel construction

- E85-compatible internal components

- 30-40% higher flow rate than gasoline equivalents

 

A high-flow fuel pump is crucial for E85 conversion. Whether choosing an in-tank or external pump, ensure it's:

- E85 compatible

- Capable of supporting the increased flow requirements

- Properly sized for your power goals

 

- Stainless steel braided lines are recommended

- AN (Army-Navy) fittings provide reliable, leak-free connections

- All components must be ethanol-rated

 

Your fuel tank needs to be either:

- Replaced with an E85-compatible unit

- Modified with a conversion kit

- Verified to be already ethanol-compatible

 

While not strictly necessary, a flex fuel sensor is highly recommended as it:

- Monitors ethanol content in real-time

- Allows the ECU to adjust tuning automatically

- Provides flexibility to run both E85 and gasoline

 

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Tuning Considerations

Converting to E85 requires proper engine tuning to:

- Account for the increased fuel flow requirements

- Optimize timing for the higher octane rating

- Adjust for different air-fuel ratio requirements

- Take advantage of the cooling properties

 

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The Bottom Line

E85 can be an excellent choice for performance applications, offering significant power potential and often at a lower cost than race gas. However, the conversion process requires careful planning and proper component selection. It's essential to approach an E85 conversion systematically, ensuring all fuel system components are compatible and properly sized for your specific application.

 

Remember: never attempt to run E85 in a vehicle without proper conversion, as this can lead to serious fuel system damage and potential failure. When done correctly, however, an E85 conversion can provide impressive performance gains while potentially reducing fuel costs and environmental impact.