Might Just Try It - E85

[TurfBurn]

I did some reading and research no it... and while there are some claims of corrosive problems from E85 used in cars, there doesn't seem to be any other major issues associated. Since I run engine management I can obviously capitilize on the extra octane (E85 pump gas is 104 octane) and it's cheaper too! (about 40 cents per gallon cheaper). Toying with putting at least a couple of tanks through the car of the stuff... that won't damage anything for sure... long term exposure is the only thing that would cause any corrosion issues...

Thoughts?

Later,

Steve

 

[Spooled]

It's cheaper? That's odd. Do all high octane fuels cause corrosion? Where are you getting the fuel from? I don't see why it would be a problem to run a couple tanks through it, but you will get hooked on it like crack, so you better make sure that there aren't long term ill effects.

 

[TurfBurn]

It's "bio fuel" used for flex fuel vehicles... it's hard to get, but I live in a tree hugger area so I'm not that surprised that we have a few stations carrying it... only 6 total in wisconsin and we have 2-3 stations. It's cheaper because it doesn't use much crude oil... it's 85% ethanol gasoline... that's why it is more corrosive...

Most of the stuff I have read said that it will cause rust or eat rubber seals over time... but it sounds like a tank here and there is fine.. so it makes me really want to try to run it for race days or so forth... I may try running it and seeing how it feels for daily driving etc...

But basically the price should be anywhere between the cost of 87 octane gas or as much as about 20 or 30 cents cheaper than 87 octane gas... so 104 for that cost is sweet if you ask me LOL.

 

[Bigg Tim]

That does sound interesting, but the corrosive part makes me weary. Let us know what you come up with. Maybe a dyno to compare the difference????? If this bio fuel is that high in octane for that price, then a little here and there may be okay for a track or dyno day.

Beau @ MAM sold me some Torco and that stuff is great. I use a half a bottle per tank of 91 octane and I get around 95 octane with it. I was able to add more timing and the car feals much stronger now. So yeah, my tank of gas costs me a few bucks more, but the extra octane definatly helps. At 1 point I added 7 degree's of timing with it, that day was a bit cooler though.

 

[goldstar]

According to Mazda, E10 (10% ethanol, or gasohol) is suitable for our cars and will cause no problems. Any fuel with a higher ethanol content may have corrosive effects, can damage the fuel system and is not recommended.

 

[TurfBurn]

According to Mazda, E10 (10% ethanol, or gasohol) is suitable for our cars and will cause no problems. Any fuel with a higher ethanol content may have corrosive effects, can damage the fuel system and is not recommended.

Yep... but it does require extended exposure.. and this stuff is nowhere near the corrosive levels that Methanol is... it's not automatically 8 times more corrosive because it is 8 times more ethanol... I've read a lot of stories of people having absolutely no problems running it when they aren't supposed to be as well... I'm researching more and will decide over time!

Later,

Steve

 

[berrywise]

I was actually looking into this on a different message forum because gas here is now up to 2.49 and I've seen e85 for 1.85. I would love to have that kind of savings. I have actually read though that you get a fewer miles per gallon (not enough to matter because of the cost).

Check out http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/faq.php for more info.

 

[TurfBurn]

well the premium I have to run is like 2.69 now here... so E85 is good there... I've heard as much as 30% loss in mpg... but if it's runny at about 60% of the price it's still good and I hear there is more power anyway...

 

[TurfBurn]

I've been reading that link as well... but the only thing not covered is really how corrosive or long term it really is... I've read about people just ignoring the potential corrosive factor and running it anyway and having no problems at all. Synthetic oil however I believe is a must.