8 replies to this topic

[CaptRon]

Is there an advantage (other than cost savings)  to tuning a car (blown and/or NA) to a lower octane fuel? Seems I read where some folks were tuning to 87 or 89 octane fuels? From reading the E85 thread it seems that that's a different beast all together but considering that I've seen 2 maybe 3 E85 pumps in my life and none closer than 150 miles from me I can't consider that an option for a daily driver.

[Speedy]

No benefits.  You get lower power due to the reduction in timing that would be required with no benefits.  For FI cars I don't think you could even properly tune one for 87.  Too low of timing is about as bad as too much.  Same with AFR.  To rich isn't good just like too lean isn't.  Too much timing and too lean will damage things faster, but too low of timing and to rich AFR causes issues over time as well.

[CaptRon]

Ok, that was my thinking but less detailed than yours!! !

Running on cheaper fuel would be great but I can do that with a Corolla.

[muzza61]

Where is this E85 thread?   I can't find a dedicated thread with search, but finding bit's and pieces of info around. 

 

I'd like more info and in particular find out what needs to be done with the '12 SRT.  I'm not looking to drop $2k - $3k on a full fuel system upgrade...unfortunately.

[Speedy]

I wouldn't mess with E85 unless there's some new way to avoid all the problems with it gumming up fuel systems.  I've seen that A LOT and it's a mess.

[muzza61]

Is the gumming up a result of having rubber in the lines still, or just E85 gums up itself?

[Speedy]

I think it's some of both.  Now take what I say with a grain of salt since I've only seen others' experiences and have none of my own.  There was a guy on here named Archatan that had a TT bad ass Challenger with E85 and he had lots of issues.  You might find the threads on it if you search.  He sold the car so he's no longer around here.

 

I was at the Texas Mile and a guy had a nice TT Mustang that was out of commission due to the same issue.  It either blew the motor or almost blew the motor from going lean.  When they checked things the fuel pump socks were totally caked in gelled up E85.  I saw the socks and they were pitch black and nasty looking.  He said it had been a constant problem for them, but no idea about how they had the fuel system setup.

 

Just be sure to cross check everything before jumping in.

[muzza61]

Wow, thanks for the info.  Certainly something I need more research on....but hey, that's why I'm on MMF.....and to find out where to buy blue carbon fibre dash kit

[sharkcohen]

Higher octane is better. AJ is tuning me for 94.