E 85

[383 chev]

I am going to convert to E85 sometime. the sooner the better but what fuel system changes do i need besides the carb. i have a holley electric fuel pump,braided fuel line from front to back. So can i use any alcohol carb or does it have to be a specific E85 carb

[kitz]

Just curious, but why is switching to E85 sooner better than later?

Kitz

[Dave Severson]

Nothing specific for E-85 on carbs, just go up in jets a couple sizes and tune it from there...

[383 chev]

Just curious, but why is switching to E85 sooner better than later?

not that i need to do it has soon as possible i would just like to know what i may need to be compatible so i can start looking at switching it over by mid to late summer

[Dave Severson]

We've got a couple drag cars and one parts truck on E-85. No problems so far, and really like the higher octane and being able to run a bit higher compression. It does scrub off some of your mpg.....

I'd better clarify on the carb, you DO NOT run an alky carb, just a gasoline carb with bigger jets and maybe a bigger shooter... Alky carbs are set for running on Methanol, not E-85....

[383 chev]

so just bigger jets and i am on my way. i have steel braided fuel line will that be ok. is there anything that should not be on the vehicle when i do this. like rubber hoses.what about any of the gaskets in the carb will them be allright or do i need diff material.

[Dave Severson]

Any of the fuel lines that are rubber should be ok. The rubber breaking down because of the ethanol issue was addressed years ago and the problem fixed by the hose manufacturers. As with any fuel, a good filter is mandatory and for safety reasons the use of rubber hose should be kept to a minimum. Same for the carb gaskets, if they're not leaking now, I doubt they will. I would recomend using an exhaust gas analyzer on the initial tune up to get your air fuel ratio correct, then check the plug reading after some miles...

[383 chev]

thanks for the help dave!!

[Dave Severson]

No problem. We have two big block Fords running E-85 in drag cars. Both run at 11:1 compression, and both are over 500 rear wheel horse on the dyno. Last year was the first full season on E-85. Both engines looked great on the winter teardown and inspection....

[JerseyRodder]

What about fuel pressure? Don't the factory duel fuel capable vehicles run a higher pressure fuel pump? ---Rich

[Dave Severson]

Nope, on both the drag cars and a couple of my own vehicles that I converted I left the fuel pressure the same as for gas... The factory dual fuel cars are injected, which is a higher pressure pump then a carb.

[383 chev]

Hey dave another ? can i still use gasoline jets sizes? and how do u figure a good starting point any figures or just throw them in and tune it till its right?

[Dave Severson]

Yup, gas jets are what you'll use. Alcohol jets are the same, just bigger sizes. For a starting point, go up 2 sizes, if you are running 66 jets now, go to 68's. I do suggest the initial tune be done with an exhaust gas analyzer to see what the mixture is running, ideally you will want it at 14:1 throughout the RPM range. I usually check at idle, then at about 2500. The analyzer will save you a lot of time making test passes and reading plugs and IMO it is a lot more accurate. It can be done by reading the plugs, but the only accurate way to get a plug reading is to install new plugs....gets a bit spendy after awhile..

[robot]

Dang! My mom was wrong.....alcohol and cars DO go together!!!!

[Dave Severson]

Don't be drinking this stuff, Robot!!! I could see where it could become a problem for some folk, get to the track and put the Windsor in the car and the E-85 in their cup!!!!!