?? How reliable is E85 for a tune
Jul 26, 2010, 12:36 PM
#2
Evolved Member
iTrader: (55)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Monroe - WA
Posts: 3,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd definitely do it, assuming availability. One of the big things to keep in mind is how drastic ethanol changes for you during the winter. If it changes pretty drastically then you wouldn't want to be tuned to the bleeding edge, unless you have a backup map that you can switch to.
Also, I have heard it can be harder to start in colder temps, so if you don't have a nice garage that could be an issue during a Michigan winter. I assume you have a decent tuner that can take care of this for you, and you know what you'll need for setup and that you won't get as many miles/gallon. G/L!
Also, I have heard it can be harder to start in colder temps, so if you don't have a nice garage that could be an issue during a Michigan winter. I assume you have a decent tuner that can take care of this for you, and you know what you'll need for setup and that you won't get as many miles/gallon. G/L!
Jul 26, 2010, 12:44 PM
#3
Yes, the biggest issue can be the winter blends of "E85," which can go down to 70% Ethanol. The minimum values are 79%, 74% and 70% depending on the time of year.
the good part is that even on 70% Ethanol E85, the fuel is still good enough to let you tune it to MBT (Minimum Best Torque) without seeing knock. this means that you shouldn't see knock if tuned on the good E85 (79%+) and fill up on 70% E85 in the winter. Your AFR values will change with the concentration of Ethanol, but it usually causes no issues.
Yes, it an be hard to start on cold days. You can help this in the tuning, but it's not a sure fire solution. I've had issues with mine in the winter, and I'm in Alabama where is rarely gets to the 20's or below.
Even so, I highly recommend E85 if it's available. I'd recommend using a tuner that is available to modify your tune if needed when the fuel changes happen though, just in case.
the good part is that even on 70% Ethanol E85, the fuel is still good enough to let you tune it to MBT (Minimum Best Torque) without seeing knock. this means that you shouldn't see knock if tuned on the good E85 (79%+) and fill up on 70% E85 in the winter. Your AFR values will change with the concentration of Ethanol, but it usually causes no issues.
Yes, it an be hard to start on cold days. You can help this in the tuning, but it's not a sure fire solution. I've had issues with mine in the winter, and I'm in Alabama where is rarely gets to the 20's or below.
Even so, I highly recommend E85 if it's available. I'd recommend using a tuner that is available to modify your tune if needed when the fuel changes happen though, just in case.
Jul 26, 2010, 12:50 PM
#4
I'd definitely do it, assuming availability. One of the big things to keep in mind is how drastic ethanol changes for you during the winter. If it changes pretty drastically then you wouldn't want to be tuned to the bleeding edge, unless you have a backup map that you can switch to.
Also, I have heard it can be harder to start in colder temps, so if you don't have a nice garage that could be an issue during a Michigan winter. I assume you have a decent tuner that can take care of this for you, and you know what you'll need for setup and that you won't get as many miles/gallon. G/L!
Also, I have heard it can be harder to start in colder temps, so if you don't have a nice garage that could be an issue during a Michigan winter. I assume you have a decent tuner that can take care of this for you, and you know what you'll need for setup and that you won't get as many miles/gallon. G/L!
Jul 26, 2010, 12:57 PM
#5
Here is an idea of the kind of gains you could see from E85 ...
http://www.projecttuning.com/dynoGra...85_compare.pdf
This is my car after the first tuning session on E85. Nothing else changed but the fuel and the tune.
http://www.projecttuning.com/dynoGra...85_compare.pdf
This is my car after the first tuning session on E85. Nothing else changed but the fuel and the tune.
Trending Topics
Jul 26, 2010, 01:17 PM
#8
Evolved Member
iTrader: (55)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Monroe - WA
Posts: 3,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Going with Buschur and no winter driving? No brainer, then! 
I'd totally do it for only $1100, and I agree with Mike, at least on the 92 octane side; I've gotten some turd fillups in the past that were supposed to be 92 or even 93 octane. 
I'd totally do it for only $1100, and I agree with Mike, at least on the 92 octane side; I've gotten some turd fillups in the past that were supposed to be 92 or even 93 octane.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
doncarbone
Evo Engine / Turbo / Drivetrain
14
Dec 29, 2014 03:02 PM
