Why the aversion to E85?

[bonespec]

Since E85 can vary from between E70 and E85, how do you plan on testing each batch and retuning the motor for it????

You can buy E85 in a sealed drum, it's not cheap.

Works GREAT with turbocharged cars......but is NOT enviromental friendly.

[jhooten]

The club is looking at the fuel rules and what needs to be done to allow alternate fuels. Nothing happens overnight.

[CRallo]

Well it might not be totally green, but it seems better than gas... What's so bad about it? Atleast its renewable...

[shwah]

The tractor plowing, planting, harvesting, truck/train transporting, refining part takes more energy per energy potential in the fuel than gasoline.

It can be done better, but the way we do it, it isn't green.

[RSI]

this is so funny, I want to talk why its not in use, and how its good for the IMAGE of racing and some folks wanna talk about how its not green and its an inefficient source of fuel...

The funny thing is in this world of ours is that image is half the battle, for everyone who lives in states where motorsports are cool because this whole climate change thing just aint gonna happen...cool.

But the truth of the matter is that Portland International Raceway was almost lost because there were barely enough people in our city of 1 million to see any value, and all they saw was polluting cars and people who didnt care about the environment.

All politics aside...a more environmental image sure would help us out here in the PNW...

As for testing the E85 I use a hydrometer to check all fuels. Our local oil company carson fuel has even offered to sell it to us in E100 drums to blend our own E85. THey were willing to sell a 55 gallon drum for something around $2.10 a gallon last I checked.

[bonespec]

If allowed to run E85, will class rules allow for 50% larger fuel injectors to handle the extra needed volume?

Locally, here in Cincinnati OH, E85 is only a dime cheaper than 87. So 30 cents a gallon cheaper than 93 octane, but you use 25-30% more on the street. I was looking at it for the street motor I'm building, 13.7:1 compression D15 nonVTEC for the street and strip.



I've seen a electric tool for measuring and testing, easier and more accurate than a hydrometer.

How about making your own race fuel? Last time I checked the federal permit was only $100 and some "consumption" was allowed.

[Duc]

If allowed to run E85, will class rules allow for 50% larger fuel injectors to handle the extra needed volume?

This is definitely a sticky subject. The increased volume of fuel required would mandate, at minimum, the capability to tune FI, and in most cases larger injectors. Most carburetors should be able to re-jet for it. Another disadvantage over pump gas is the amount of energy per mass of ethonal vs. pump gas. Here is a good comparison: Ethanol Properties

The reason you can use E85 in most modern cars is that they have compensation tables based on calculated ethanol percentage. Some of the oem's (Ford in particular) have been supporting Ethanol for a while.

Is it worth perusing, yes I think it is, the image of racing is important. Will it be feasible for all club members racing, not sure. I will be giving it a try once I can tune just to play with it.