e85 on the street??
I use E85 regularly. The car runs really good on straight E85 with my modifications. To find the right balance, I have been experimenting with mixing in E10 & find that at around E57-E65 I get the best performance.
Here's my setup:
1967 Barracuda
273 V8 (I estimate this engine can pull around 300hp)
* 1985 Cop Heads, 1.80/2.02 valves/about 9.0:1 compression (ironically I did this
to run 87 octane...apparently the old comp ratio works better w/ E85)
* Higher Perf Cam (forgot what the specs are, but this does
throw an extra bit of complexity which, when I get it right, screams like a BEAST.
* Electronic Ignition (Orange Box).
* 650cfm Demon Carb (upped the jet sizes to 100 & 85 - I think, memory fails me)
Changing the jets really made a difference. Also, I rebuilt the carb w/ an
Alcohol rebuild kit.
* Changed Out All Runner Fuel Lines to be Fuel Injection Spec (about a $25
change)
* Fuel Pump: Standard Mech, but I'm watching it closely. 1 year, no problems.
However, I'd rather have an Elec pump rated for Alcohol. I've used one & it
works good, but I took it off for another project.
* Headers, Dual Exhaust
* 904 Transmission w/ a whopping 2.73 gear in the 8.75 RE (I know, I know...
but it was free)
I take the precaution of never letting the Alcohol fuel sit too long. No more than a
month. Once I let the fuel sit for about 7 months when I was overseas & had to rebuild the carb. A fuel stabilizer seems to provide a little insurance.
Here's what I've noticed:
* Power: More. If I was a better tuner, I could probably say "A lot more".
* MPG: About 20% less, but the E85 is about 15% less, so the cost for fuel isn't
much different.
* Emissions: MUCH CLEANER. So clean that I was able to register the car as an
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (It's fun to drive legally w/ no passengers in the HOV
Lane...All those 'EVO' & Prius drivers give me the dirtiest looks ;/ )
* Total Cost to Mod: Approx $100 (Lines, Carb Kit, Jets & Extra Fuel Filter)
Overall, I am glad I did it. I don't race (but would like to learn it). Anyway, I'd like to hear some thoughts about how to tune it better, so if anyone has experience w/ it, lemme know.