Fitech E85?

[Bowtiek10]

I would like to know if any of you that have more experience than I with your fitech unit, have you ran E85? If so, what settings did you have to change? I believe my current fuel system can handle the need for more flow as E85 requires.

Thanks for any input

 

[skunked]

I've heard of some guys running E85 with FiTech but I haven't messed with it personally.

 

[Shawn]

E85 is amazing if you're boosted or run high compression like 12:1 or more. Basically cheap race gas. It does take 20% more fuel and your pump and injectors needs to be up to task to run that much more fuel. It's also nice if you want to run a cheaper fuel but your mileage will be down. It does coat the injectors and manifold in a black tar like goo in some cases. Cold starting in winter is a BITCH. I ran it in my turbo 4 cylinder, 40 psi, making 1003 hp at the wheels.

If you're just running it in a standard NA v8 I'd say it's not worth it.

 

[Bowtiek10]

Currently I'm running it (Fitech 600hp) on my 406 thats at 10.25:1. Currently 91 (high octane here at elevation) seems to be going up in price. I was going to see if it was worth it for fuel savings but it may not be the case. *Allegedly, those who run E85 in their units only change their CID value, scale it up say 25-33% and leave it. That just seems sketchy to me. I was hoping there could be some flex capability like other open source tuning options out there.

 

[Bent77]

When I was following the FITech and sniper sites close, several people were dabbling in the E85 pool. But no real consensus on it being functional

 

[Shawn]

Currently I'm running it (Fitech 600hp) on my 406 thats at 10.25:1. Currently 91 (high octane here at elevation) seems to be going up in price. I was going to see if it was worth it for fuel savings but it may not be the case. *Allegedly, those who run E85 in their units only change their CID value, scale it up say 25-33% and leave it. That just seems sketchy to me. I was hoping there could be some flex capability like other open source tuning options out there.

You can try E85 and see how your engine runs. Save your 91 config so you can always go back if you're not happy with E85. Start-up enrichment will need to be more as well and you will hate cold starts. All your lines should be E85 compatible, some rubber lines are not. You fuel tank and steel lines should be fine. Most fuel pumps are good with E85. I know Walbro does make E85 safe pumps. It will definitely be cheaper to fill up on E85. You might want to test your fuel to make sure you are getting close to 85% ethanol. The Valero station by my house in Highlands Ranch is usually around 70% so not the best. Hill in Arvada is the best IMO. As for the black tar E85 issue, a tank of 91 and 91 tune would always clean that out. I'd run it once a year to clean it.

Good thread here.
https://www.chevelles.com/forums/89-efi/885185-fitech-e85-tuning-thread.html