54 replies to this topic

[Keaton85]

It's a sustainable fuel that in my opinion runs a lot cleaner and could have potential.

We are not talking about a lot of effort here in order to get the correct set-up are we?

[Che'_Moderator]

please delete, on 16 December 2011 - 04:41 AM, said:

It's a sustainable fuel that in my opinion runs a lot cleaner and could have potential.

We are not talking about a lot of effort here in order to get the correct set-up are we?

Ok but it gets half the mpg of diesel.

[Keaton85]

diesel isn't sustainable nor as clean.

I'm just trying to see if we can actually do it and get good numbers that's all. I don't want to go back to driving a TDI Beetle

I would do a new A3 TDI but they are extremely slow, and my wife nor I can handle it.

[Che'_Moderator]

DRIVe Volvo diesel is 65mpg. Algee diesel makes way more sense than E85. And probably 75% of stations sell diesel. How many sell E85? 5% maybe?

[Keaton85]

We still run into how clean it burns and your performance. I would love to have a diesel Volvo but like stated, the power and availability is not there.

Aside from the power, what are the chances of getting a diesel drive train state side for say an XC90.

Anyway, diesel is a whole different topic and I would like to get involved with that but E85 is a challenge that I would like to be able to do.

[Che'_Moderator]

please delete, on 16 December 2011 - 05:19 AM, said:

We still run into how clean it burns and your performance. I would love to have a diesel Volvo but like stated, the power and availability is not there.

Aside from the power, what are the chances of getting a diesel drive train state side for say an XC90.

Anyway, diesel is a whole different topic and I would like to get involved with that but E85 is a challenge that I would like to be able to do.

Diesel VW. As for how clean, they are cleaner than petrol.

[Gideon35T]

[rbodor3]

How often are fuel filter and the pre-filter "sock" on the pump changed? Since ethanol is so much more hydrophilic will the prefilter and fuel filter start to clog up as water builds up? Does this increase filter change intervals??

[Keaton85]

Che, on 16 December 2011 - 05:24 AM, said:

Diesel VW. As for how clean, they are cleaner than petrol.

touché!

I agree diesel is one way to go, but we have what, about 99% petrol as commuter vehicles. Also, diesel can run on E85 when converted. We can not convert all of the vehicles over to diesel as we can to E85.

It's all besides the point as this is just for fun to see what we can come up with.

rbodor3, on 16 December 2011 - 05:58 PM, said:

How often are fuel filter and the pre-filter "sock" on the pump changed? Since ethanol is so much more hydrophilic will the prefilter and fuel filter start to clog up as water builds up? Does this increase filter change intervals??

I don't believe water builds up as it will mix with ethanol just fine. It's not like petrol that separates.

It's actually good to have SOME water content as it will add cooling and a cushion effect on the valve seats. Kind of like water injection....

[Bah]

So, being that i see on the gas pump 1-10% Ethanol is added to the gasoline i purchase, am i actually receiving any benefit from this 'addition' ? I know its not the same topic as E85, but i'm curious what the true effect of adding the 1-10% ethanol to my gasoline, has done to my car, efficiency, MPG, etc etc.
AND for the record....

EVs >>> E85 HERE FAULTY FAULTY HERE BOY COME GET THE DOG TREAT lmfao

[theForgottenone]

All E10 gasoline does it decrease your gas mileage. Nothing to gain on performance.

Diesel is gaining popularity back in the U.S. I would consider Diesel if volvo offer a model at this time. Too bad.

I see that BMW and Mercedes have variety of option, wtf is volvo doing

[Gideon35T]

Volvo is running diesels in Europe. They even have a plug-in/diesel hybrid V60. They realize that the US market just isn't as big into diesel cars as the rest of the world. Besides, in order to compete they have to have a setup that is as reliable and clean and Volkswagons. Either way, Volvo has always been behind the curve in putting out cars that the market desires. Though, they have recently began to finally update and get competitive with advertizing, pricing, and design features.
We're taking this thread WAY offtopic now though, hahaha.

[Che'_Moderator]

The DRIVe engine of Volvo is a generation ahead of VW. As for water in the fuel, yes its harmless to burn but it is hard on components. As for E10 someone hit it on the head. It does decrease MPG, but in the winter its good as it acts as a gas drier.

[850wagonT5]

I've been running straight E85 for 10,000+ miles now.

After about 7,500 miles, I replaced my fuel pump, not knowing if it had ever been touched, with a Walbro 255. I had heard rumors of "buildup" with E85, as well as the rumors of degradation of rubber. I found none of the above - just a squeaky clean pump assembly, and a rubber pickup hose of unknown age in good shape with no cracking, swelling, or deformation. All other rubbers in the fuel system are fine as well.

I'm getting 275 miles per tank in an automatic on straight E85.

See this link for the facts on what E85 is compatible with instead of listening to BS being slung in the forums:
http://www.dupontela...wardEnglish.pdf

My setup is an ARD Black tune, Walbro 255 pump, 42# injectors @ 4.0 bar (48.5 lb or about 510cc's). AFR's are good up to 21psi on a T3/T4E, and the difference in power is substantial. I'm able to put BUS LENGTHS on a friend's 2011 3.7L Mustang (306hp) w/ 4.10's, intake, full catless exhaust, Bama tune. I walk friend's Hemi C that dyno'd 380whp/377wtq. I walk hard on a friend's full bolt on MS3 (lots of Corksport and Cobb parts...tune, intercooler, exhaust, etc etc etc). I haven't lost to a stock turbo SRT4 or STI yet. It should be noted, I ONLY run from a roll, not from a dig.

Judging by what I'm racing, the car makes at least 300 at the wheels, probably closer to 325. If you have access to E85 locally...do it, and don't look back.

[stan_t]

This may be worth adding to the discussion since it will probably affect availability and price of E85:

http://www.detroitne...0320/1148/rss25

My only first-hand experience with ethanol is living in CA we have 15% of it in our fuel and because of this get lower gas mileage in same car with same modifications than people that get pure gasoline. I have a tuned Subaru and know a few people that run Ethanol and tuners that tune cars for it. I also have a solid relationship with a local Subaru shop that has a race car they've been running on E85 for a few seasons in Timeattack (and winning).

A few years ago I was really looking forward to E85 because it was promised to show up around here. I was looking to run higher boost targets and more timing for more power -- basically, cheap race fuel. Common things done on Subarus for the conversion is fuel system upgrades -- much larger injectors, fuel pump capable of moving more fuel, and that's basically it. Most people (including me) run a COBB AccessPort which allows you to switch maps for your ECU, so you can go back and forth if really needed, granted you want to get as much of the different fuel out of the tank as possible. Fast forward few years, there is still not a single station in my area that carries E85, so based on my experience I am anti-E85 for a DD and kinda bitter.

One thing that tuners I've spoken to stress (they are very good tuners and their cars compete and win Timeattack events, so it's not hot air) is that you want to pick a fuel and stick to it, do not mix. Biggest problem they see is consistency of E85 -- it is not always the same and octane may vary. The shop that runs a race car carefully tests each batch of their fuel in-house.

Stan