Flex Fuel question

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Jan 14, 2008 | 06:26 AM

pott_2

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Flex Fuel question

E85 ethanol has an octane rating of 100-105, versus 85-95 for gasoline, but manufacturers do not tune E85 ethanol-capable engines for higher performance than their gas-only counterparts. Since the octane level is higher in E85, couldn't you use a programmer to install a higher octane program in the computer a get better gains?

Jan 14, 2008 | 11:56 AM

screwy

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From: Over Yonder, MN

Simple answer, Yes.

Jan 14, 2008 | 12:49 PM

King Ranch Glenn

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From: Houston, Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by pott_2

Do not believe so. E85 may have a higher octane rating, but it is not as volatile as gasoline (meaning it will not explode as good). So you now have a product which produces less heat (i.e., less power). I would think the E85 would be about like converting an engine to run on propane. Propane also has a higher octane rating but is less volatile. With propane, you can add in about 36+ degrees advance without the threat of preignition (because of the high octane rating) but you will lose about 10HP on a properly tuned engine because it does not burn as efficiently as gasoline.

I am not a Chemical Engineer so the above may be viewed as laymans terms.

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