E85 - conflicting information

[ahazuarus]

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!

[geoffinbc]

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.

[IsaacHayes]

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".

[Guest]

e85 is not 120 octane. Its 106

[Carlspike]

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.

[geoffinbc]

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.

[treeZ24]

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.

[IsaacHayes]

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??

[geoffinbc]

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.