E85
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[[File:E85 sign.jpg|right]] | [[File:E85 sign.jpg|right]] | ||
==What is E85?== | ==What is E85?== | ||
| − | E85 is a fuel mixture that | + | E85 is a fuel mixture that contains 51% to 83% denatured ethanol and 17% to 49% gasoline. Ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol) is the "alcohol" found in alcoholic beverages. "Denatured" means that it has been made toxic or undrinkable, often by adding a small percentage of methanol or gasoline. This minimizes the drug value of the alcohol, and also exempts it from beverage alcohol taxes. |
In the United States, ethanol is derived mainly from corn. There are about 1,600 gas stations in America selling E85 fuel. Most of them are located in the Midwest, where corn is a staple crop. | In the United States, ethanol is derived mainly from corn. There are about 1,600 gas stations in America selling E85 fuel. Most of them are located in the Midwest, where corn is a staple crop. | ||
==E85 vs. gasoline== | ==E85 vs. gasoline== | ||
| − | E85 can provide horsepower that is comparable to gasoline. Its octane rating is about 100 to 105. This means that it can be used in higher-compression engines, which | + | E85 can provide horsepower that is comparable to gasoline. Its octane rating is about 100 to 105. This means that it can be used in higher-compression engines, which offer improved power and efficiency. However, E85 gets about 25% fewer miles per gallon than regular gasoline, and it contains less energy per volume than gasoline. |
On a few dyno tests, some people have found that a properly tuned turbo or supercharged engine can be made to produce a bit more power than than the same engine setup for premium gasoline. Fuel consumption is higher though. The main attraction for such engine use is that E85 can be had for around a quarter of the price of "racing gas" while having close to the same octane rating and performance potential. E85 isn't actually "better" than racing gas but sure can be a lot more economical. | On a few dyno tests, some people have found that a properly tuned turbo or supercharged engine can be made to produce a bit more power than than the same engine setup for premium gasoline. Fuel consumption is higher though. The main attraction for such engine use is that E85 can be had for around a quarter of the price of "racing gas" while having close to the same octane rating and performance potential. E85 isn't actually "better" than racing gas but sure can be a lot more economical. | ||
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===Carbureted engines=== | ===Carbureted engines=== | ||
[[File:E85+quick fuel technologies carb.jpg|thumb|400px|Quick Fuel E85 carb]] | [[File:E85+quick fuel technologies carb.jpg|thumb|400px|Quick Fuel E85 carb]] | ||
| − | *There are several carburetor companies now producing carburetors designed for the use of E85, like Quick Fuel Technologies and APD Carburetors. | + | *There are several carburetor companies now producing carburetors designed for the use of E85, like Mark Sullens E85 Carburetors,Quick Fuel Technologies and APD Carburetors. |
| − | *There are also companies that will convert your | + | *There are also companies that will convert your Carburetor to E85 as well, such as Mark Sullens E85 Carburetors.com, They along with Quickfuel, Holley, and others offer New E85 carburetors as well. |
*All fuel and air passages must be modified. | *All fuel and air passages must be modified. | ||
*Many fuel pumps cannot pump E85 on an extended basis. Even the old diaphragm style pumps tend to suffer internal damage. Some seem able to hold up for years. There's no clear evidence of which ones last and which don't yet. Other than the electric racing pumps sold "for use with alcohol/methanol." | *Many fuel pumps cannot pump E85 on an extended basis. Even the old diaphragm style pumps tend to suffer internal damage. Some seem able to hold up for years. There's no clear evidence of which ones last and which don't yet. Other than the electric racing pumps sold "for use with alcohol/methanol." | ||
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*[http://www.e85fuel.com/ EthanolRetailer.com] | *[http://www.e85fuel.com/ EthanolRetailer.com] | ||
*[http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/fuels/ethanol_locations.html E85 fueling station locations] | *[http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/fuels/ethanol_locations.html E85 fueling station locations] | ||
| + | *[https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/ethanol.shtml Basic ethanol info from US EPA] | ||
| + | *[http://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.5b01420 Technical paper on well-to-wheels benefits of ethanol] | ||
| + | *[https://doi.org/10.4271/2014-01-1228 Technical paper on ethanol, octane, and compression ratio] | ||
==E85 conversion studies== | ==E85 conversion studies== | ||
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