Thinking about switching to an E85 setup, but running into a few concerns with my ESS G3 S550 Gen 3 Tremec 6-speed.
For those running water/meth instead—what’s your reasoning? Let’s hear the pros and cons!
I switched to E85 when I installed my supercharger. It’s easy to get in my area, runs cooler, reduces LSPI/detonation, and I don’t drive in cold weather.
I test every fill-up, and I’ve only gotten bad ethanol once.
I had to switch to a return-style fuel system per my tuner’s recommendation.
Also, if you’re tuning, I’d go with Wengard and avoid Lund. Lund’s been dropping the ball lately—bad customer service, and they talk down to you even when they’re the ones messing up. Their tunes are a bit more conservative, though, if that matters to you.
@Chase
Agreed. I’m currently running a Lund tune, and it’s definitely conservative. Lost almost 80hp compared to a local dyno tune, but the drivability is really smooth.
@Chase
What do you mean by testing it first? Do you carry test strips or something?
I don’t know much about E85, but I’ve used meth before and let’s just say… it’ll get you going. Just stay away from the cops. 
If you go E85, consider a KPM or Arcane Performance fuel system. They retain the fuel bucket, so you don’t have to worry about running a low tank like you do with an open return system.
Pair it with an ethanol gauge, CANbus, and PCMTech, and you can adjust your ethanol mix on the fly.
E85 is the way to go. It cools almost as well as meth but is way easier to manage. Plus, you can swap between 93, E30, and full E85 without much hassle.
Also, MPG only drops when you want it to… 
Alton said:
E85 is the way to go. It cools almost as well as meth but is way easier to manage. Plus, you can swap between 93, E30, and full E85 without much hassle.
Also, MPG only drops when you want it to…
E85 has about 30% less energy than regular gas, so expect about 30% less range if you drive the same way.
@Orson
Yeah, fair point.
@Orson
Where I live, premium gas is so overpriced that E85 still makes more sense despite the range drop.
Alton said:
E85 is the way to go. It cools almost as well as meth but is way easier to manage. Plus, you can swap between 93, E30, and full E85 without much hassle.
Also, MPG only drops when you want it to…
If you’re supercharged, switching between fuels is a pain. You have to drain the tank completely each time.
@Chase
Just wait until you’re almost empty before refilling. No need to overcomplicate it.
Drue said:
@Chase
Just wait until you’re almost empty before refilling. No need to overcomplicate it.
That’s not how it works. Even 1-2 gallons of pump gas in an E85 tune can mess things up.
Ford’s ECU doesn’t handle flex-fuel like GM’s does. My tuner actually gave me a tune just to run the fuel pumps dry so I could fully switch fuels safely.
And they specifically told me not to rely on the fuel gauge because a lot of people accidentally bend the float when swapping pumps.
@Chase
1-2 gallons of 93 mixed with E85 isn’t going to ruin your day. Have fun running your pumps dry.
Drue said:
@Chase
1-2 gallons of 93 mixed with E85 isn’t going to ruin your day. Have fun running your pumps dry.
I’m just following what two different tuners told me. You do you, boo.
#2 and #3 on your cons list are total BS. I’ve been running E85 for 5 years with no issues.
Also, water/meth injection isn’t great for modern fuel-injected engines. It was useful on old carb setups, but with FI, there’s no way to guarantee even distribution to each cylinder.
@Hale
You actually shouldn’t go below 1/4 tank on a return-style setup.
And yeah, you do have to fill up more often. I’m only getting 12 MPG on E85 with a Paxton blower, even on the highway.
@Hale
A) Do you have a Gen 3?
B) Are you running a return-style fuel system?
If you’re running dual pumps, they do get hot, and they do need to stay submerged or they risk burning out.
Jadiel said:
@Hale
A) Do you have a Gen 3?
B) Are you running a return-style fuel system?
If you’re running dual pumps, they do get hot, and they do need to stay submerged or they risk burning out.
You’re fine down to about 1/4 tank. Just don’t go full throttle when you’re almost empty.
Jadiel said:
@Hale
A) Do you have a Gen 3?
B) Are you running a return-style fuel system?
If you’re running dual pumps, they do get hot, and they do need to stay submerged or they risk burning out.
I’m not running a return-style system.
And return-style setups actually pick up heat from the engine bay. As long as fuel is moving, it keeps the pumps cool.
