What's your take on it?

If I'm looking to run as safe as possible on E85 would low boost be the way to go...or is it just not worth the effort?

Is it any more beneficial?
More power to be made?
Safer?

I can't recall seeing any power graphs with anyone running low boost and making decent power.

 

E85 isn't always just about running lots of boost... Although that is one great benefit. However another great thing is you can run a lot more timing without knock, which makes power everywhere even before you get into the upper boost range. So yes switching to E85 is a great idea. Say you're running 23lbs of boost now, just up it to 25-26 and add more timing. You'll still see a solid 30+ hp gain for minimal cost and effort..

 

The whole point of going e-85 over 93 octane is to run higher boost and more timing, safely. With lower combustion temps, high octane rating, and cleaner burning fuel this is possible with ethanol. You could possibly run more power on corn than 93 octane, but not too much.

I am talking lower boost than 25ish. If you are above that then definitely switch. I guess it all depends on your definition of low boost, and how far you want to push the car. If you are at 25 and above, switch, if not, then its not worth the effort.

 

^^ What he said.

Although most people convert to e-85 in order to run higher boost and make more power it still is a fuel that burns better which reduces knock. That is because e-85 has a higher octane rating somewhere between 100-105.

I say go for it. You will gain some power and still be tuned safe and reliable.

 

Ya my def. of low boost is the 20-23 range.

So not worth it if I'm not planning to run high boost?

 

No, then it is not worth the switch. I run 24 on oem 8 turbo on 93 and have ZERO knock. 93 will be perfect for that setting. Really anything 25+ on stock turbo needs e-85.

 

I want to make the switch and still know that my motor is safe...I don't want to run crazy high boost or crazy timing...

Is there a way this can be accomplished...like I know normal tunes you tune for knock and then dial back a bit...but with e85 it wont knock and you'll be far beyond it's limits and then risk the motor...

 

You can play around with it and give it a shot if you like it, but you will have to upgrade your injectors at least to run ethanol. Just go for it, and if you don't like it then swap back. It won't hurt anything, that is for sure. Especially at those low boost levels.

 

That's exactly the point that I'm at right now...I was just thinking that I could get the E85 and pick up about 20-25hp without having to change boost levels...with just a minimal amount of timing adjustments

I'm not looking to make big power...just want a little increase.

 

Yes I have the fuel pump already installed and a set of FIC 950cc injectors laying around...I just wanted some input on whether it'd be beneficial to run a "safe" e85 tune

 

You will need larger injectors to run e-85. e-85 can provide less knock because its ignition temperature is higher. However, I was always curious if the higher ignition temps hurt the engine. You could experiment, but like I said earlier, I run 93 and have ZERO knock from my tuner on 24psi, so if I were in your shoes I would stick to 93.

 

Are you still on the stock boost level? I run 24psi and it is completely safe. Much more worth it to just turn the boost up, and tune it with 93, than to convert to e-85 IMO.

 

No i'm tuned at 24lbs...but I'm at the limit of my 93...I can't add any more boost or timing...due to knock coming on...

 

Let's say OP is happy with the power you make now. Why should you go to E85?

Well, besides the geopolitical, economic and environmental reasons, with E85 you could make the same power you make now with LESS boost. Nothing wrong with that at all. Lower EGT's. Run more timing. Turbo spools faster. And you place less stress on your engine. Sounds like a 'win win' to me.

I was running 20psi for the past six months. I was absolutely amazed at how fast the car was even at that "low" boost. You will definitely like low boost and E85 combo.

 

Ok. e-85 may give you a little play room to adjust timing however, I do not have personal experience with it so I cannot say how much more power you would gain from it.