Converting an older van to run on E85?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
Lots of money, new electronics, new injectors. Do a google search on "convert car to E85" and you will find lots of information. In general, the lost mileage won't ever make it worthwhile to convert a non flex fuel vehicle. How old is the van? Injected and OBD I or II?
Good luck,
George
Good luck,
George
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Lots of money, new electronics, new injectors. Do a google search on "convert car to E85" and you will find lots of information. In general, the lost mileage won't ever make it worthwhile to convert a non flex fuel vehicle. How old is the van? Injected and OBD I or II?
Good luck,
George
Good luck,
George
E85 Conversion Kits Change2E85.com
It appears the most expensive thing you need is the computer chip which is around $500? It is a 1995 E-150 with the 5.0 V8. So I am guessing OBD-I Was just wondering if anyone actually did it to their van.
WOW You really are a "jack wagon."
In Europe that is the only way to go, here it is very difficult to find an an Autogas station. Amazing how behind the US is. They push these overpriced hybrids when an excellent alternative fuel technology already exists.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
I actually did research it and found this site:
E85 Conversion Kits Change2E85.com
It appears the most expensive thing you need is the computer chip which is around $500? It is a 1995 E-150 with the 5.0 V8. So I am guessing OBD-I Was just wondering if anyone actually did it to their van.
E85 Conversion Kits Change2E85.com
It appears the most expensive thing you need is the computer chip which is around $500? It is a 1995 E-150 with the 5.0 V8. So I am guessing OBD-I Was just wondering if anyone actually did it to their van.
I recall OBD II was mandatory in 1996 although a few engine families converted earlier--yours is probably OBD I.
Good luck,
George
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 8
Looks like "some jack wagons" lack a sense of humor.
Could've sworn this was mostly an outspokenly antiethanol crowd & that "some jack wagons" here even resented/ridiculed the 10%-15% ethanol gas? Sorry, must be confused w/2-stroke & small motor enthusiasts.
I'm at the other end of the spectrum. Got nothing against ethanol, but don't endorse corn ethanol for fuel. Believe consumers should still have right to buy alcohol free gas for 2-strokes, small/old motors not designed for it.
IMO corn ethanol fuel suggests it's "Amazing how behind the US is." & is not "an excellent alternative fuel technology". Corn ethanol is primarily an "alternative" Farm Subsidy.
Wonder if the rosy 'Myths' section of E85 Conversion Kit website will pass "some jack wagons" sniff test? Too bad their website still shows $50 Off that ended Nov 30.
But you may be onto something linking "jack wagons" to prayer & miracles.
Could've sworn this was mostly an outspokenly antiethanol crowd & that "some jack wagons" here even resented/ridiculed the 10%-15% ethanol gas? Sorry, must be confused w/2-stroke & small motor enthusiasts.
I'm at the other end of the spectrum. Got nothing against ethanol, but don't endorse corn ethanol for fuel. Believe consumers should still have right to buy alcohol free gas for 2-strokes, small/old motors not designed for it.
IMO corn ethanol fuel suggests it's "Amazing how behind the US is." & is not "an excellent alternative fuel technology". Corn ethanol is primarily an "alternative" Farm Subsidy.
Wonder if the rosy 'Myths' section of E85 Conversion Kit website will pass "some jack wagons" sniff test? Too bad their website still shows $50 Off that ended Nov 30.
But you may be onto something linking "jack wagons" to prayer & miracles.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Swap in a VW turbo diesel in there, sure will be a turd, but hey, you wanted fuel economy 
Otherwise, don't complain, your driving a brick on wheels.
Otherwise, don't complain, your driving a brick on wheels.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 188
Likes: 13
From: France
Hi from France
cause here E85 cost $2.20/gallon and the regular cost $6.35/gallon, I converted to E85 my old Dodge windows Van , 318 engine carbureted. Riding 6k miles without any troubles. Original fuel line and pump.
Modified carburetor with Rob from Minnesota, E85carb.com. It’s one way modification, can’t use again with regular gas.
after received the modified carburetor, just mounting on the engine and adjust a little. Change the timing spark with flash lamp + 4 degrees. Change spark plug to Irridium, high quality wire set and MSD coil.
the Van get more couple, more smoother and better throttle responds.
i use the Van daily . Can’t have any problem of condensation in the tank. Anyway the optional 35 gallons Dodge gas tank is make on plastic material.
the less is yes less MPG , around 20%. But with the price between E85 and regular is i win.
the less too is start cold in the winter. Do wait be warm before riding, if not engine stall.
this is my own experience.
i’ve just Purchase an 1989 E150 Club Wagon, 351w EFI. I going to modified the fuel system to work with E85 ...
cause here E85 cost $2.20/gallon and the regular cost $6.35/gallon, I converted to E85 my old Dodge windows Van , 318 engine carbureted. Riding 6k miles without any troubles. Original fuel line and pump.
Modified carburetor with Rob from Minnesota, E85carb.com. It’s one way modification, can’t use again with regular gas.
after received the modified carburetor, just mounting on the engine and adjust a little. Change the timing spark with flash lamp + 4 degrees. Change spark plug to Irridium, high quality wire set and MSD coil.
the Van get more couple, more smoother and better throttle responds.
i use the Van daily . Can’t have any problem of condensation in the tank. Anyway the optional 35 gallons Dodge gas tank is make on plastic material.
the less is yes less MPG , around 20%. But with the price between E85 and regular is i win.
the less too is start cold in the winter. Do wait be warm before riding, if not engine stall.
this is my own experience.
i’ve just Purchase an 1989 E150 Club Wagon, 351w EFI. I going to modified the fuel system to work with E85 ...
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Ethanol had to be subsidized to make it competitive with petroleum based fuels and even now it's still not because it's done on a mandate from the government, and we're "far behind" ? 
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,021
Likes: 132
From: Maryville
I hope you daily drive it, ethanol collects moisture, I now need a new tank for my van, and they do not make them anymore, I either have to have one custom made, or get someone to modify an available tank by relocating the fill/vent, then modify where it mounts under the van, both choices are extremely expensive. E85 is a good choice for race engines, it is cheaper than race gas, but for a regular street vehicle it is a waste of money, you will get less mileage, and will require replacement of every rubber fuel line on your vehicle too.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,021
Likes: 132
From: Maryville
Really ? In Europe they pay $6-10 a gallon for gas most of which is tax to a government who did nothing to earn that. And we're far behind ? We're a exporting oil and gas now to Europe, and we're "far behind" ? Ethanol had to be subsidized to make it competitive with petroleum based fuels and even now it's still not because it's done on a mandate from the government, and we're "far behind" ?
Ethanol had to be subsidized to make it competitive with petroleum based fuels and even now it's still not because it's done on a mandate from the government, and we're "far behind" ?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,021
Likes: 132
From: Maryville
After reading on a site where a guy did that to a vintage car, the results were it ran cleaner, oil had no deposits it seemed, I really wanted to do similar with my 73 but the cost, so much is needed for it, then there is the tank for the gas.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 188
Likes: 13
From: France
Yes, the French State apply 80% taxes on the regular gas and Diesel. I think it's the most high level cost on all states of Europe.
Don't know if you ear something about that, but last winter here have a big big people contestation against the fees on the gasoline, named "yellow jackets"
Don't know if you ear something about that, but last winter here have a big big people contestation against the fees on the gasoline, named "yellow jackets"