Anyone here have experience with e85 and are currently using it?

I'd like to know.

 

You're active on VS and ask questions like this on this forum? The majority of posts are related to "What is a PCV system and where do I order parts for it?". If someone on here is running e85 and can really explain to you everything you need to do, I would be shocked.

And use google...

Converting to E85 (ethanol fuel) - Turbobricks Forums

E85 Conversion - Performance Modifications - Volvospeed Forums

 

The better place to post it would be in
Nitrous, Super Chargers, & Turbos - Volvo Forums - Volvo Enthusiasts Forum
Since those modifications would usually necessitate ECM re-mapping it's more likely someone cruising those threads would have knowledge of E85 requirements in an 850s engine.
It's much more than a maintenance question.

 

I drew straws b/w the 5 volvo forums I frequent, this one was selected, I hate posting the same thing 5 times...

I then search engined it while posting, found out it's not as corrosive as previously understood.

BUT I did pm lucky to see if my remap would be affected by the ethanol.

This is the one i found on vs, not the one you just posted: up.Anyone Using E85? - Performance Modifications - Volvospeed Forums

I also read a bit of the tb e85 thread yesterday too.

Preciate it.

 

I went through the links and buried way into one of them was this guys post. I was interested and had a few questions and am waiting on answers.
Main thing I'm getting from the reading is you need to increase fuel delivery by at least 30% and specific mapping is desirable.

This guy was running a turbo bigger than 19T.
Following cut and pasted:

Posted 30 December 2011 - 12:08 AM
I've been running straight E85 for 10,000+ miles now.

After about 7,500 miles, I replaced my fuel pump, not knowing if it had ever been touched, with a Walbro 255. I had heard rumors of "buildup" with E85, as well as the rumors of degradation of rubber. I found none of the above - just a squeaky clean pump assembly, and a rubber pickup hose of unknown age in good shape with no cracking, swelling, or deformation. All other rubbers in the fuel system are fine as well.
I'm getting 275 miles per tank in an automatic on straight E85.
See this link for the facts on what E85 is compatible with instead of listening to BS being slung in the forums:
http://www.dupontela...wardEnglish.pdf
My setup is an ARD Black tune
Walbro 255 pump
42# injectors (I think these are "green" tops, 450cc at 3 bar)
4.0 bar (48.5 lb or about 510cc's)

Like the picture, you can never have too big a turbo

 

Interesting topic...

Vmax; are you interested in running E85 all the time or switching back and forth between E85 (maybe for the track) and gas (for the street)? As you've read, switching back and forth would not be optimum.

Do you have plenty of access to E85 in your area? I think there's one station in my locality. Kind of restricts roaming..

 

Being in Minnesota I didn't understand people talking about it's limited availability as a lot of stations up here have it. Taking a look at the maps I can see it's harder to get on either coast and down south. It could be tough if you're tuned for it and end up someplace you can't get it.

E85 Map

Flex Fuel Station Finder |*Ethanol Retailer

 

 

Bro, Walbro 255, greens, replace some lines.. then get lucky to re-tune you.... Done... LOL
Didnt you see the thread on FVC?

 

Do you have a link for that thread ??

 

Heehee very good. Here's the thread: Florida Volvo Community • Login

Here's what the ARD tuner himself replied:


"E85 requires approx 30% more fuel to maintain proper ratio to air than regular gasoline. So without proper re-tuning you'd be quite lean initially. You could install Green injectors which flow approx 25% more than stock which would get you close.....

-Lucky"

 

I have a lot of experience running/tuning E85 but in another platform. The rules are the same, however. It is so important to monitor lambda. A O2 sensor (wideband) is a worthy investment. Def not something to tune and forget because the AFR ratios will keep changing due to the ever changing ethanol content. Also very important, bigger injectors, new pump, new higher flowing fuel pump and a fresh fuel filter which should be replaced at least twice after you switch to E85. You would be amazed at how much crap E85 will clean out from your 10+ year old fuel tank.

 

A wide band is something everyone should do the minute they start doing performance work regardless of E85 or anything else

 

True, a wideband is something i'd get if i've got full 3" exhaust and a 19t+.

I'm debating whether to go e85 or go meth injection. I'm on the fence but will know soon enough.

 

Wouldn't natural gas be a lot more cost effective?

 

Rspi, now you've been in the spiked 'Nog

CNG would need a new tank, new filler assembly, new lines, new mixer (throttle body) with a custom adapter to the manifold. Most of the work would all be custom, way $$$$$$ expensive.

I don't think you can turbo CNG because they don't make a mixer that will accept pressure, I could be wrong but last time I worked on it there wasn't any provision for "charging" the intake air. I don't want to gut my turbo for CNG !!

Would it be cheaper in MPG, oh ya, no doubt but I think we're going for a bit more power and not really thinking of the economy of it. I'm looking at E85 for safer, higher boost, cooler running engine because the alcohol naturally cools the intake and intake air charge and absorbs heat energy in the combustion chamber and thereby hinders engine knock when pushing the limits.