Reply to "Ethanol E85"

Ron,

E85 (85% corn alcohol, 15% gasoline) is about 30% down on BTUs compred to gasoline AND very corrosive. These are the 2 considerations you have to deal with in a conversion. Conversions by the way, are technically in violation of federal law, and subject to federal penalties.

Flex fuel vehicles, designed to run on E85, have stainless steel fuel tanks, and teflon lined fuel hoses, special fuel injectors, special fuel pumps. They also require special motor oil.

The rubber parts of your carburetor, and most likely the metal parts too, will not be compatible with E85. Your fuel pump, fuel hoses, metal fuel lines, fuel filter, gas tank are all non-compatible.

If you were able to resolve the compatibility issues, you still have to rejet every ciurcuit in the carb to flow approximately 30% more fuel. And hope that the fuel bowl and needle & seat assembly can supply the additional fuel requirement. The engine will require new ignition calibration too. There is a pre heater required to start the motor at 60 degrees F and below. Finally, you'll need the proper oil in your crankcase.

Benefilts? The octane rating of ethanol is better than pump gasoline and the emissions are far superior.

Disadvantages? Where to buy it, poorer fuel economy, reduced vehicle range.

Cars manufactured since the late 80s are considred compatible with lower blends of ethanol, like E10. But not so with cars manufactured before that, such as our Panteras.

One last observation. E85 on average costs perhaps 30% less than gasoline, but since fuel economy with E85 is 30% less, there is no price benefit or disadvantage. It's a break even situation.

your friend on the DTBB