E85 versus C16 Air temps

[modular46]

Does anyone have experience with testing air temps with both E85 and C16? Right now I run E85 but I seriously considering switching to running C16 full time. This is a mildly driven GN that I don't mind have a 55 drum. I'm trying to factor in how much higher air temps will be given apples to apples. I'm currently running a HPT 68-70 turbo at 29-30 psi with a Precision factory intercocoler. Air temps are about 120 through the traps in nice cool weather, haven't had a chance to see what they would be in 80 degree weather. I would expect 150ish. I'd like to avoid fabricating a new intercooler if possible but I was curious to see if anyone has any experience with just testing both fuels and how much air temps changed. I just ran this past weekend here's my car

I'm sure some people are asking me why I am considering switching its because I have a pretty expensive motor and setup and I can go 2 months without running my car. I have considered a drain system and running something like VP110 when its not being used but its a pain to do that and with the stock tank its hard to drain all the fuel out so I will always have some unknown mixture in it when I put E85 back in.

Thanks in advance.

 

[John Larkin]

I would check the shelf life of having that drum around. That would be an expensive recycle if you can't use it all.

 

[modular46]

I would check the shelf life of having that drum around. That would be an expensive recycle if you can't use it all.

I wont have any problem going through most of it and it has a shelf live over 1 year when stored in the right environment which it would be. First thing is first I need to get data to compare.

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Why are you attempting to tie air temp to choice of fuel?

 

[modular46]

Why are you attempting to tie air temp to choice of fuel?

Because E85 has better cooling affects for air inlet temperature and I don't want to be 170 plus going down the track at 30 pounds of boost. I"m trying to find someone that has done testing on both to get an idea of what kind of differences the fuel makes.

 

[pacecarta]

i doubt you're measuring air temp at the valve , mostlikely the sensor is in the plenum
unless your spraying e85 before the sensor youll see the same temps with or without e85

 

[modular46]

i doubt you're measuring air temp at the valve , mostlikely the sensor is in the plenum
unless your spraying e85 before the sensor youll see the same temps with or without e85

I'm not spraying alkoy or E85. I"m running straight E85. My air temp sensor is in the charge pipe before the throttle body. Just looking for feedback for anyone that's done both.

 

[pacecarta]

some have sprayed e85 in the up pipe to drop temps
if you are just getting the e85 through injector it wont change the sensor temp

i dont have the data but e85 should reduce egt temps vs c16

 

[BEATAV8]

The air temp upstream of the fuel injection will remain the same.
The lead in the C16 will quickly poison the air/fuel ratio sensor and kill the ECU’s ability to control the AFR in closed loop. You’ll have to go open loop control with that fuel.
I’d recommend going flex fuel instead. You can run E85 for fun time and fill it with 93 octane gasoline when it’s parked.

 

[GNVYUS 1]

Tons to say here but I'd assume E85 in a drum is cheaper than C16 and in the end you'll make more power on E85 than C16, you won't come close to maxing out either fuel.

In case this is mostly based on the hassle of drums, you don't need E85 at your cylinder pressures. You'd be surpassed what E70 and E60 can handle knock wise which means you can mix and get more out of a 55 gal drum.

 

[TexasT]

As long as you are not detonating the engine, I would think you are good. Either fuel should work.
What is a precision factory intercooler? Stock location?

 

[Chuck Leeper]

"

GNVYUS 1​

Well-Known Member​

JoinedDec 15, 2002Messages4,330
Tons to say here but I'd assume E85 in a drum is cheaper than C16
Currently: C16 $780
E85 race quality $470

 

[GNVYUS 1]

Whoa that's more than I thought, $310 difference.

I just mix in the winter, E30 etc but you need the flex fuel sensor inline and computer calibration. I run the AEM failsafe 3-1 sensor so I see ethanol blend at all times (though Scanmaster 2.2 does also).

I added a tank drain petcock and it was a nice option when needed.