E85 anyone?
- Thread starter jptshadow
- Start date
Not much point to use E85 on the FX. I don't think it's rated for flex fuel anyways. I run it on my 335i sometimes but it's tuned for it. If I mix a few gallons and get ~E30, I can run more boost and it's a lot of fun. But E85 has less energy per unit as someone says so the OEM fuel pump can't handle more than that.
OP, were you trying to run E85 for performance reasons or environmental? For the FX, neither argument makes sense. You'd only see performance if you were boosted. In the US at least, ethanol doesn't really have any environmental benefits because of how it's made now. If they find a way to make ethanol from the waste part of corn, it could make sense. Or if they end up making it from something that isn't basically replacing food production, it could make sense. But as it stands, E85 wouldn't be viable without the subsidies. And with the transport costs and so on, it's not really doing the environment any favors. The technology is getting more efficient so it may be viable at some point.
OP, were you trying to run E85 for performance reasons or environmental? For the FX, neither argument makes sense. You'd only see performance if you were boosted. In the US at least, ethanol doesn't really have any environmental benefits because of how it's made now. If they find a way to make ethanol from the waste part of corn, it could make sense. Or if they end up making it from something that isn't basically replacing food production, it could make sense. But as it stands, E85 wouldn't be viable without the subsidies. And with the transport costs and so on, it's not really doing the environment any favors. The technology is getting more efficient so it may be viable at some point.
jptshadow
Member
- Car
- 2011 Infiniti FX35
- Name
- Shane JP Tseng
jptshadow
Member
- Car
- 2011 Infiniti FX35
- Name
- Shane JP Tseng
Hey, thanks for chiming in.
I was looking at it at more of an eco-approach. I agree with the fact that the idea is meant for good but the the ways of production currently is controversial in the US.
As for fuel pump, why would it matter to need a larger fuel pump?
If I want to get my car tuned for anything, do I need to buy one of those HKS computer (like PowerCommander for motorcycles)? or they can tune directly onto the factory ECU?
I was looking at it at more of an eco-approach. I agree with the fact that the idea is meant for good but the the ways of production currently is controversial in the US.
As for fuel pump, why would it matter to need a larger fuel pump?
If I want to get my car tuned for anything, do I need to buy one of those HKS computer (like PowerCommander for motorcycles)? or they can tune directly onto the factory ECU?
E85 has a lower energy per unit of volume so 1 gallon of E85 has less energy than a gallon of gasoline. In order to maintain the same power output from your engine, you have to use more E85. At some point, the OEM fuel pump can't handle the additional flow. As an example, on my BMW I see a drop of 2-3 mpg just by mixing in 3 gallons of E85 with 12 gallons of gas. That's because the E85 has less energy per unit so all other things being equal, you need more E85 at the same level of power. I'm not sure if this would matter on the FX as I don't know how much extra flow the stock pump is capable of.
I think the only tune available is Uprev and I'm not familiar as to how they would handle E85. Also keep in mind that E85 isn't great for fuel systems not designed for it. That may be why the manual says not to run it.
I think the only tune available is Uprev and I'm not familiar as to how they would handle E85. Also keep in mind that E85 isn't great for fuel systems not designed for it. That may be why the manual says not to run it.
