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E85 - conflicting information

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  • E85 - conflicting information

    They say e85 is bad for a non flexible fuel vehicle (ffv). Some say just the opposite. Others say that a full tank every now and then is very healthy. Some evidence exists that problems may never even surface.

    E85 is readily available in my area and the price is right. Some have recommended filling up with E85 before taking a trip up into the mountains, the added power is highly useful. This would certainly help me out.

    Vehicle in question: '98 Olds' Acheiva v6 (3100)

    No "conversions" have been made yet. Thanks for your input!
    2001 Chevy Impala (3400)

  • #2
    Well for one there is NO added power. In fact you will loose power if you fill up with E85. And since your vehicle does not support it the ECM will not know your running it and your fuel mixture will be off. The only way people get more power from E85 is because you can run a really nice compression ratio because it has an octane rating of 120. Alcohol will break down the seals and plastics used in the stock fuel system over time. I would not bother with it nor risk it.

    Now it is a different story if you build a motor specifically to run E85 because you can get more power from it with a high compression. Also it works miracles for boosted motors despite its octane rating alcohol fuels have a very high refrigeration effect on the incoming air charge.
    1993 EXT. CAB, 3.4L V6 TBI, 5spd manual. Sonoma
    1990 4Door, 3.2L V6 TBI, 5spd manual. 4X4. Trooper
    Because... I am, CANADIAN

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    • #3
      It will also corrode the system as it absorbs water like crazy.

      If any pumps say "E85 Recommended for Flex Fuel Vehicles" They are illegal and should be shut down. It should say "ONLY for Flex Fuel Vehicles".
      sigpic New 2010 project (click image)
      1994 3100 BERETTA. 200,000+ miles
      16.0 1/4 mile when stock. Now ???
      Original L82 Longblock
      with LA1, LX9, LX5 parts
      Manifold-back 2.5" SS Mandrel Exhaust. Hardware is SS too.

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      • #4
        e85 is not 120 octane. Its 106

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        • #5
          Without a higher compression ratio E85 will also get worse fuel mileage. Your injectors may even have a hard time keeping up. Unless you have an engine built for it (and the correct fuel components) then I wouldn't risk it.

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          • #6
            Originally posted by Shaun41178 View Post
            e85 is not 120 octane. Its 106
            Yea could be I was going off the top of my head. But in either case it is still a sweet octane rating.
            1993 EXT. CAB, 3.4L V6 TBI, 5spd manual. Sonoma
            1990 4Door, 3.2L V6 TBI, 5spd manual. 4X4. Trooper
            Because... I am, CANADIAN

            Comment


            • #7
              there's a guy over on the v6z24 boards that is using e85 on a stock gm fuel system (3400 turbo swapped) and a tune + bigger injectors to compensate for the additional fuel requirements.

              so far there are no effects known.
              got zap-straps?
              89 Z24
              13.886 @ 96.16 mph
              street trim - slicks

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              • #8
                Yeah Scott he's over here too. He sold his stuff and now is building a new setup.. He may be fine, but if he were to run it for 5 years or so then who knows??
                sigpic New 2010 project (click image)
                1994 3100 BERETTA. 200,000+ miles
                16.0 1/4 mile when stock. Now ???
                Original L82 Longblock
                with LA1, LX9, LX5 parts
                Manifold-back 2.5" SS Mandrel Exhaust. Hardware is SS too.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Ha ha well they can have fun with E85 for a little while but soon enough the seals and plastics will all fail.

                  Car companies didn't invest millions in new products and materials to run E85 because they felt like it.
                  1993 EXT. CAB, 3.4L V6 TBI, 5spd manual. Sonoma
                  1990 4Door, 3.2L V6 TBI, 5spd manual. 4X4. Trooper
                  Because... I am, CANADIAN

                  Comment

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