Mach Results on E85

[TKat13]

Originally Posted by JPJNTX

My wife's mach has a v trim on it and 4.10s. We're getting between 16 and 19mph depending on who's driving. I get better than she does cuz she likes to hear the exhaust when going through the gears. I'm wondering what mpg we'd get with e85 and our set up. We're running 42lb injectors now. I've been told to go up to 55-60.

E85 responds very well to FI, and I suspect you will need more injector, how much HP and boost are you currently making?

[SloSVO]

Originally Posted by TKat13

Because I live in Texas I do not have to worry about the Winter blend. I have yet to have any adverse effect on E70 vs. E85.

It has more to do with the attention given to the mix at the depot.. Here in AZ a good friend of mine works for a Western Refinery.. he tells me some stories that would make you wanna buy a LEAF..lol.. sometimes its E99 sometimes E65.. its all good in their eyes.. they don't give a frack.. A fellow cobra owners tests it every time he buys and has seen some discrepancies in the ethanol... Maybe since Tex is a oil state its more controlled? dunno

[Stopsign32v]

I'd like to do this...

Boss 5.0 block
BigBore/Stroked
12.5:1 compression
Heavily ported heads
Comp 106400s or bigger
Short runner intake ported
1 7/8" longtubes
3" exhaust
90mm MAF
Accufab TB

all on an E85 tune. Bet it would drive like stock but make over 500rwhp before 7,200rpms.

[TKat13]

Originally Posted by SloSVO

It has more to do with the attention given to the mix at the depot.. Here in AZ a good friend of mine works for a Western Refinery.. he tells me some stories that would make you wanna buy a LEAF..lol.. sometimes its E99 sometimes E65.. its all good in their eyes.. they don't give a frack.. A fellow cobra owners tests it every time he buys and has seen some discrepancies in the ethanol... Maybe since Tex is a oil state its more controlled? dunno

Sometime ignorance is bliss? Now you have me wondering if I should test this...

I went to fill up today, the pump had 'out of service' on the E85 pumps, I am having to run 93 tune right now... urg!!!

too many suburbans with Flex hitting the markets and they are using up my race fuel. lol

[4vlover]

Originally Posted by TKat13

I thought I would share my experience with changing to E85 on my Mach. The change is done to a lightly modded setup; 4:10 gears, K&N Filter only, Magnaflow weld-in mufflers, removed the back two cats, Spec Alum. Flywheel and RAM Clutch. That is it.

The Tune consisted of adding an SCT Chip and tune selector switch and having HPP do the tune.

My goal was modest, 300HP and 300TQ on E85. I knew going into this that my gains would be small if any since it is an N/A car but I wanted to run it anyway. (Future mods will be NO2)

To make sure I knew the exact impact of the different kinds of fuel, HPP tuned the car with 93 and then on the same day, emptied the tank and replaced with E85 and re-tuned. This way only one parameter changed, fuel.

I did not do a baseline today, I wish I had but I simply forgot. However, I did a dyno run when I purchased the car new in 2004.

All results are 'corrected'

2004 Results, KN and Magnaflows installed:
HP - 264
TQ - 280

2011 93 Tune by HPP
HP - 296.8
TQ - 314.8

2011 E85 Tune by HPP
HP - 310.1
TQ - 320.8
.

Holy crap! Look at the gains just from tuning it for the 93!!

[TKat13]

While it is true you do gain, the pre-tune numbers were done soon after I purchased it and was on a different dyno/shop. That place has since closed their doors. Then I found HPP and have never gone anywhere else since.

Btw, I am finishing up my nitrous install in the next week and will have another tune added to my SCT chip. Can't wait to see how the nitrous responds to the nitrous.

Saying all the above, I would do it again as the car really woke up , pulls better and responds better. Wish I would have done it years ago.

The e85 and 93 tune was done the same day. For the nitrous install, I needed more fuel so last month I dropped in a divisionX 340lph pump. Super easy install.

[TKat13]

Oh yea, added bonus, I like the smell of E85 ! Haha

[Mach828]

What was changed in the e85 tune vs the 91 tune.

What was your air fuel and timing for each one?

[4vlover]

The NGK plugs that everyone gets ( I have now) are good for this setup? Or is there a plug you should get for the fuel?

I'm also gonna put a wideband in my car. What would be an ideal number at WOT for the different fuel?

[Mach828]

Originally Posted by 4vlover

The NGK plugs that everyone gets ( I have now) are good for this setup? Or is there a plug you should get for the fuel?

I'm also gonna put a wideband in my car. What would be an ideal number at WOT for the different fuel?

I am using the tr55s. .052 gap. On the dyno mine made the best power at 12.8 air fuel at 22-23 degrees of timing. You have to turn off the knock sensors.

[Mach828]

If you get a wideband, make sure to tell your tuner to leave the WOT options open in the SCT tune file. Tell him to give you at least 6 points of adjustment both lean and rich. The e85 mix changes from season to season. Its enough that it will change your air fuel. So being able to make small adjustments is nice. This will also help during the winter. When it gets cold it helps to throw in 2 gallons of regular gas, otherwise cold starts can be annoying.

Make sure he spends some time tuning the driveability as well. If he doesn't then it will make cold starts more challenging.

[TKat13]

Originally Posted by Mach828

What was changed in the e85 tune vs the 91 tune.

What was your air fuel and timing for each one?

I do not remember and frankly I have learned a ton more since that outing and now I know to ask better questions. I will ask when I have it re-tuned for the Nitrous in the next week or so. It does have a noticeable difference in driving.

[TKat13]

Originally Posted by Mach828

When it gets cold it helps to throw in 2 gallons of regular gas, otherwise cold starts can be annoying.

Make sure he spends some time tuning the driveability as well. If he doesn't then it will make cold starts more challenging.

I can second that, the cold weather can be brutal on starting. I have never been stranded but my normal 1st flip of the ignition in winter takes 3 at times. In fact, when it is real cold I flip the switch to the other tune and run 93.

[Mach828]

Originally Posted by TKat13

I can second that, the cold weather can be brutal on starting. I have never been stranded but my normal 1st flip of the ignition in winter takes 3 at times. In fact, when it is real cold I flip the switch to the other tune and run 93.

Mine starts easier if I turn the key to the on position, hear the fuel pump, turn it off, and then back on again, wait to hear the fuel pump. And then crank it over.

[4vCrush]

Deff subscribing lol

[Alex302]

Originally Posted by TKat13

1. Stock Pump - Yes
2. Stock Injectors - Yes
3. Chip - Yes, That is the one thing I added. It is the SCT chip with tune selector mounted in the coin slot location.
4. Cost per mile - Figured I would break even in the cost per mile department. No misconceptions from me going into this.
5. I did replace my fuel filter as well, just an OEM replacement from WIX. My old one had 70k+ miles on it. (to me that did not count as a mod)

Again, I will mention that I am still adding the BAP for the sake of not running the pumps at 100%. I was told that at WOT I was getting close to maxing out the pump. I did not feel like dropping the tank so the BAP is an easier install and is required for my next mod anyway.

i have a question you say the stock pump was maxed out at WOT, how about the the stock injectors are they maxed out or is there still room to play? reason im asking new gas station opened up near me and they have e85 :-)

[Mach828]

Originally Posted by Alex302

i have a question you say the stock pump was maxed out at WOT, how about the the stock injectors are they maxed out or is there still room to play? reason im asking new gas station opened up near me and they have e85 :-)

Stock injectors were fine. Get a focus pump or the airtex e2448 just make sure its the walbro in the box. The e2448 actually has a lower duty cycle than my focus pump did. I like running the Lucas ethanol treatment as well. As far as performance gains, a no conservative 91 oct will make the same power as an NA e85 tune with the stock long block.

Sent with a shot of DROID go fast

[Alex302]

Originally Posted by Mach828

Stock injectors were fine. Get a focus pump or the airtex e2448 just make sure its the walbro in the box. The e2448 actually has a lower duty cycle than my focus pump did. I like running the Lucas ethanol treatment as well. As far as performance gains, a no conservative 91 oct will make the same power as an NA e85 tune with the stock long block.

Sent with a shot of DROID go fast

would there better gains with larger mass air and injectors on a full bolt on setup?

[TKat13]

Originally Posted by Alex302

i have a question you say the stock pump was maxed out at WOT, how about the the stock injectors are they maxed out or is there still room to play? reason im asking new gas station opened up near me and they have e85 :-)

Although I installed a BAP to fix the WOT issue, I later also installed a stryker 340lph fuel pump because I installed nitrous. Given the choice now, I would have just installed the fuel pump and not messed around with the BAP. Again, agreeing here with Mach828. Both will be for sale soon.

Originally Posted by Mach828

Stock injectors were fine.
Sent with a shot of DROID go fast

X2, stock injectors have never been an issue.

Originally Posted by Alex302

would there better gains with larger mass air and injectors on a full bolt on setup?

As long as the injectors are not maxed, then I do not see how adding larger injectors would help power, duty cycle would be less I suppose but I would think this would be a waste of money. I guess it all depends on your bolt ons.

[OWmach1]

Is there a link on what's needed to run e85? I found a local station just curious to know for future reference.

[Alex302]

Originally Posted by TKat13

Although I installed a BAP to fix the WOT issue, I later also installed a stryker 340lph fuel pump because I installed nitrous. Given the choice now, I would have just installed the fuel pump and not messed around with the BAP. Again, agreeing here with Mach828. Both will be for sale soon.


X2, stock injectors have never been an issue.


As long as the injectors are not maxed, then I do not see how adding larger injectors would help power, duty cycle would be less I suppose but I would think this would be a waste of money. I guess it all depends on your bolt ons.

Thank you guys!! ill keep you posted on my e85 swap..

[ab_mach1]

Good thread! There are a ton of E85 gas stations in my area. Also, I'm pretty much stock, so this is a nice mod for me to ponder.

Couple questions...

1. Given the variance of E85 throughout the seasons, is there an "off the shelf " addative for sale that could be used to keep you from having to switch to 93 gas?
2. Is it imperative that the knock sensors be disabled completely for this fuel mod? I would personally prefer to keep them in, just "backed off" a bit. but, only if needed. Although, I've heard headers can make the knock sensors activate prematurely - or falsely (if thats a word, Lol)
3. Any reason to believe there could be issues with fuel lines, tubing and the rails with E85 long term?
4. Do you have to change any wiring with the SVT Focus fuel pump? (didn't see anything about the wiring in prev posts)

[Mach828]

Originally Posted by eruza

Good thread! There are a ton of E85 gas stations in my area. Also, I'm pretty much stock, so this is a nice mod for me to ponder.

Couple questions...

1. Given the variance of E85 throughout the seasons, is there an "off the shelf " addative for sale that could be used to keep you from having to switch to 93 gas?
2. Is it imperative that the knock sensors be disabled completely for this fuel mod? I would personally prefer to keep them in, just "backed off" a bit. but, only if needed. Although, I've heard headers can make the knock sensors activate prematurely - or falsely (if thats a word, Lol)
3. Any reason to believe there could be issues with fuel lines, tubing and the rails with E85 long term?
4. Do you have to change any wiring with the SVT Focus fuel pump? (didn't see anything about the wiring in prev posts)

I've ran e85 for 50k miles and no issues with anything. Only problem I had was dirt in a batch of e85 from a cheap station that clogged my filter and burned up my pump.

I ran 28 degrees of timing for fun and it didn't detonate. There is no reason to keep the knock sensors on. You won't get the car to apply much timing with them on. They like to be leaner vs have more timing. I run mine at ~12.8 afr on e85

Focus pump and similar pumps are plug and play. No mods needed.

Lucas e85 additive is my favorite.

The difference in blends isn't significant. You can always add or remove a little fuel from your sct. If you don't its not a big deal.

Sent with a shot of DROID go fast

[ab_mach1]

Originally Posted by Mach828

I've ran e85 for 50k miles and no issues with anything. Only problem I had was dirt in a batch of e85 from a cheap station that clogged my filter and burned up my pump.

I ran 28 degrees of timing for fun and it didn't detonate. There is no reason to keep the knock sensors on. You won't get the car to apply much timing with them on. They like to be leaner vs have more timing. I run mine at ~12.8 afr on e85

Focus pump and similar pumps are plug and play. No mods needed.

Lucas e85 additive is my favorite.

The difference in blends isn't significant. You can always add or remove a little fuel from your sct. If you don't its not a big deal.

Sent with a shot of DROID go fast

I was reading that you leave the unlocked on your SCT. Do you do a global fuel adjustment or in a certain RPM range?

Since I changed plugs to TR6's gapped at .035, I haven't had anything near pinging, even with the A/C on. I'm probably less gunshy with the knock sensors after the plug change.

[wldtang]

I plan to run my new Mach motor on e85. My terminator swap cobra made 700 rwhp on e85. This fuel is like magic.