Then why hasn't it been at 85% yet since introduction? :idea:
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Brett you clearly come across as someone who is basing all their information from 3rd part sources. Guys like Tom, myself and many others have been using this stuff for years.
The composition of all modern fuel lines is 100% compatible with ethanol. We've ran the stuff in our old VT's let alone new VE's no problems
Yes you are right that caltex does state eflex "can" vary between 70-85% it even states it on the pump. But the facts are based on samples done by Dale in Sydney, Martin in Adelaide and myself in Melbourne is that all year round samples taken at different locations around the country confirm that it's ~E74 all the time from introduction till now.
Had ours for nearly 6 months now and still loving every moment in it! (Alto though)
Petrol is BS out here, Just got back from a Sydney trip tonight, Left Riverina Friday night Shell V Power $1.74, Saturday morning Shell V Power in Windsor $1.60! back here tonight $1.75! Massive difference!
And still no sight of any E85 branded petrol! Im guessing it wouldnt be anywhere near as cheap if it ever lands itself here.
you are right I certainly don't have laboratory tested samples throughout various times of the year so ill have to take your word for it. It seems strange that Caltex state they vary the percentage if they don't.
I still don't think its right to promote using E85 in cars not originally designed for it, The fuel line may be compatible but you can't guarantee every link in the chain is. So you are taking a risk for hardly any benefit.
I can guarantee that I and many others have experienced no ill effects from running high % ethanol fuels.
You hardly need a lab to test accurately for ethanol content either.
I fail to see how you see it as having hardly any benefit. More power, cleaner engine, cheaper/km and better for the greenies.
Only real con's to the fuel is increased consumption. But that's mitigated against the price so its a mute point.
Seems the only people that bag E85 are the ones that have never used it.
I love E85. Even in my standard ute. I can notice the difference. Better throttle response definately and a better shove in the back too. I hate watching that fuel gauge go down though.
no direct comparison for me as setup was changed !!! but now I drive to the drags running pump e85 compared to $12 a litre c16 !!!
So question for E85 experts...
I'm getting closer to building my new engine and the question of E85 vs 98 has been raised.... (Engine is a 427ci LSX with a HTV2300 charger, car sees a fair bit if circuit work).
What happens if your car is tuned for E85 and you run 98? Will it be an issue for just putting around town or is it a bad idea regardless of how hard you drive.
See the thing for me is i will be doing some long distance road trips around Vic/Aus and E85 probably wont be available everywhere. I dont want to be stuck with a E85 tune and no fuel. Could i fill up with 98 and just say stay below 3000pm/25% throttle?
The thing is my fuel system should be good enough to support E85 so i wont cost me any extra to run it, its just the convenience factor i need to worry about.
Cheers
Dual tune PCM from doubledip I think that's his username, I'm still yet to get one but when I get a bit more spare cash I will for sure. 2 tunes, run it low and fill up or drain the tank. Easy.
It will all depend on the ECM being used.
For LS1B, a duel tune setup would be the go as there is no "flex fuel" settings to manage the change in fuels.
For E40 / E38, I'd run the standard flex fuel tables, unless other factors prevent this. Running a duel tunes is a massive compromise as neither will be able to compensate for a blended fuel composition. the Flex fuel settings on the other hand will blend fueling and spark tables between ULP and E85, exactly what you want in this case. When switching between fuels, you will not be running either ULP or E85, as some residual fuel will remain in the tank from the previous fill. To give an idea, if you were running ULP and then filled with 65L of E85, you will still have had 7L of plain ULP in the tank. Assuming you filled with actual E85, your fuel tank now contains closer to E76. That will result in a significantly richer mixture if run on a true E85 tune with no blending.
The newer ECM's are designed for flex fueling and from SII come with real Ethanol % sensors. It's there, make use of it!
Simon
Edit - Swington posted before i hit submit
Thanks for that info