Has anyone done the e85 tune? I was thinking about it since it will give you big gains and its cheaper than super, but not quite sure on what all is needed and if in the long run if it will be worth it. Your thoughts? Thanks!

 

You will want to upgrade the fuel pump at least on the stock turbo. Yes the gains are good. A couple people have done it so far on the Ralliart.

I was planning on moving to E85 before the BBX turbo upgrade just for some data. Depends on timing. If so, I will have the data to post.

- Bryan

 

Whats 'E85'?

 

http://tinyurl.com/36b7pw4

 

Would probably been as quick to tell me, eh?. I did Google E85 but what's to say that what I found would have been the correct definition in this context?

 

I've been on E85 for a month now. You need to upgrade the fuel injectors to around 1,000cc and the fuel pump. I have FIC 1100cc injectors and Walbro 255 pump. The setup is not cheap depending on what brand you go with. I paid $450 for the injectors and $350 for the pump both brand new. You could find used parts for cheaper. I recommend getting it tuned after the install. With my setup, using the Mustang Dyno, it added 38 HP (about 42 HP for other dyno brands).

The down side (if you care) is you will lose some MPG. I average 17 MPG with the E85 tune. Stock's average is 20 MPG. However, the price difference between E85 and 93 is about $.60 where I live.

 

I would also like to mention one other great benefit to moving to E85. I do not have a cat in my exhaust to burn off the exhaust fumes. With my 93 octane tune, I would smell the exhaust fumes on a regular basis. Reminded me of my 72 Camaro with glasspacks. With the E85, I have NOT noticed any fossil fuel exhaust fumes or smells. I am really excited about that!

 

Here is a tool to compare MPG. Based on fuel prices in my area, I basically break even on fuel cost.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/savemoney.shtml

 

the only problem is there is not enough e85 stations around.

 

Not enough? You live in Wisconsin which has 125 stations!

We only have 37 currently in California.

http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/stations/state

- Bryan

 

Question,

What happens when I'm tuned on E85, but run low can put in regular gas? I only have one E85 station close to me on the way to work. It's about 15 miles away from home. So I could always fill up before or after work since I drive by it all the time. I wish there was a e85 station in South Jersey than I wouldn't have to pay tolls just to go get gas.

 

I think that wold be dangerous. You would most likely be running much more timing advance on E85 among other things.

 

Can one switch back to 93 octane and to E85 by reflashing the ECU with the appropiate maps? I have several E85 stations in my area, but if I end up traveling, I may want to switch back to 93 oct. Comments?

 

I guess I might be carrying my laptop and charger around switching maps.
I read all the mid-west evos posts and I'm so jealous. They are on e85 everyday. I think an emergency fuel cell and a 5gallon jug would be needed for me as I drive a lot.
I could be able to do without it, but filling up 3-4 times a week would suck...I'm averaging 230-250 a tank as of today. I don't know if I can live with 160 miles per tank again. That was tough in my evo....

 

Provided you have the two maps, you can switch between 93 and E85. However, you must make sure you are at the lowest fuel level possible and I would only do that if you get caught in a bad situation. This also means you have to carry your laptop with you at all times.

If you mixed the fuels or accidently put 93 in with the E85 tune, you could destroy your engine. I fill up with E85 whenever I hit a quarter tank just to be sure.

This all sounds like a pain in the a** but the HP and lack of exhaust smells, if you are running catless, is totally worth it!