e85/propane

[bear76]

While I have my 250 l6 on the stand getting freashned up for transplant I started wondering about setting it up to run on e85 or propane. E85 would be OK sine there is a filling station close by with it. What would I have to do? I paln on keeping the monojet on it for the time being. I'm thinking I would have to open up the jet about 20%, but would I need to do anyhting else to the fuel pump or carb?

I also know nothing about propane, but there is a filling station near by for that.

Thanks.

 

[jonrpick]

While I have my 250 l6 on the stand getting freashned up for transplant I started wondering about setting it up to run on e85 or propane. E85 would be OK sine there is a filling station close by with it. What would I have to do? I paln on keeping the monojet on it for the time being. I'm thinking I would have to open up the jet about 20%, but would I need to do anyhting else to the fuel pump or carb?

I also know nothing about propane, but there is a filling station near by for that.

Thanks.

I'm no expert, but I've looked into it some. The E85 deal of course requires a richer F/A mixture, which as you mentioned involves opening up the jet to allow more fuel.

The bigger, costlier, and more time consuming part is making sure the rest of the fuel system is up to snuff. You'll a non-corrosive fuel system, as the ethanol can eat up gaskets, seals, old fuel lines, etc...

From what I've read, an engine using E85 *may* be harder to start in extremely cold climates (didn't see where you're located) but I don't know that to be 100% fact.

Propane is a different deal... From what I've seen it's more of a bolt-on affair. You basically need a few parts that are readily available on eBay like a 'mixer' and regulator that's meant for this purpose. eBay the word "impco" and you'll find most of the parts.

E85 vs. Propane...well, from what I can tell, it's easier to do a dual-fuel setup with gas and propane vs. gas and E85. Both E85 and Propane have higher octane ratings than gasoline, so if you were to build an engine specifically to take advantage of that (higher compression) you could get away with it and not have to worry about the engine knocking under load.

By the way, it's cool that you're running a 'six. If you haven't already, get a copy of Leo Santucci's book on building them. Some of it doesn't necessarily pertain to low-end torque and trucks, but there's a lot of great info in the early chapters on buildup and prep.

If you do build that engine for higher compression, watch out for the headbolt holes on the front of the 250 block, as they're supposedly weaker. You may consider o-ringing the head or block if you go that route.

Or you could get a 292 block...

~jp

 

[bear76]

Thanks. I don't see too many folks running 6's out there, I want to be differnt. I haven't got the book yet but my dad used to race dirt track back in the day and has wealth of info on the I6's and some old parts (offy intake, 2bbl carbs, 292 exhaust manifold (it flows better than the 250)). I happened to come across this 250 for a few hundred bucks so I'm going with it because I have it, but I have looked for 292's.

I am sorta leaning towards E85 because there seems to be more stations available with it right now. I'll also plan to run metal fuel lines where ever I can but I'm worried about the fuel pump and carb. I've looked at elec. pumps for racing since they somtimes use alcohol(sp) but I'd rather use mech parts where ever possible. I'm usure how the carb seals will stand up to it.

 

[jonrpick]

Thanks. I don't see too many folks running 6's out there, I want to be differnt. I haven't got the book yet but my dad used to race dirt track back in the day and has wealth of info on the I6's and some old parts (offy intake, 2bbl carbs, 292 exhaust manifold (it flows better than the 250)). I happened to come across this 250 for a few hundred bucks so I'm going with it because I have it, but I have looked for 292's.

I am sorta leaning towards E85 because there seems to be more stations available with it right now. I'll also plan to run metal fuel lines where ever I can but I'm worried about the fuel pump and carb. I've looked at elec. pumps for racing since they somtimes use alcohol(sp) but I'd rather use mech parts where ever possible. I'm usure how the carb seals will stand up to it.

There's a guy here, his screen name is TARussell. He built up a 292 for use in his K5. He may be a good source of info if you have any questions about a 'six build. I'm thinking of doing one too. I want to hold out for a 292, but I may play with a 250 if I can get one cheap. A turbo'd 292 would be unique and could pull down a barn.

E85 is a good fuel, but based on what I've read and heard, I wouldn't want it in a dual-fuel setup with gas. If you're doing E85-only, then go for it. Since you have it readily available in your area (I can't find it here) it's probably a good option. I may try Propane simply because a dual-fuel setup wouldn't be very hard at all. The existing carb wouldn't have to be re-jetted.

~jp