How does the hot rod community feel about retrofiting engines to burn E-85?

Question

E-85 is a blend of 85% alcohol with gasoline that is availible where I live (Midwest). I feel that this could be a new trend in engine building, given our current options. I know that my next engine will be built to burn E-85, and I'm looking for some input and technical comments.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

E-85 is just as powerful if not more than the highest octain Gasoline. I personaly dont have a problem with it, Expect the fact that it will wear out the engine FAST if not done the right way. E-85 is very dry, unlike gas which has oil in it, E-85 will allow parts to make contact, mostly the injector heads, allowing them to wear out much faster. but if you add a bit of oil to the mix, then you would have a very good thing. that wont wear out parts any quicker than you would with gas.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

thanks good point, Red Line sells some cylinder lube that mixes with alcohol

Answer 2

read this article about Dan Schwartzkopf...8 second 1/4 mile times using ethanol...5 years ago...and he'd been doing it 5 years before this was published...

Source(s):

http://nhra.com/fedmog/2001/news/april/0…