The E85 Thread

[tom_kauf]

My understanding is that you can run anything from 100% 98 octane to 100% E85 without the need to retune. Stock injectors will suffice, just upgrade the fuel pump. So it's not a massive drama if you can't always access E85. Just throw some 98 in and the ECU will work out what's going on.

That's what I thought until earlier this year.

Message from Matt from end of May (this is in regard to my 2.5GT, so may vary for 3.0R and others):

"Unfortunately full flex fuel only works on stock injectors so far. So it would need to be down to 50/50 so on a long trip if you got to even half a tank, fill with 98 and then fill with E85 as available OR swap tunes."

[jaydece]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltWcgiCm4NY

MCM: E85 Fuel Explained - Race Fuel of the Future?

[spoolin]

I watched this with my wife last night, when I got home this afternoon she says, "did you find out what we have to do to use ethanol yet?"
Haha she likes the environmental side, it just surprised me she was so keen.
I already vaguely know what is involved in running it in my Lib but I am waiting to speak to the guys at AM auto to find out whether it's worth building the engine somewhat to go up from the 205kw I have at the moment.
Then tossing up the engine build outlay with buying a E60 V10 Beamer.

[dr20t]

Go the Beemer (never thought I'd reccomend a bm trouble you to anyone but definitely better bang for buck than any Subaru)

[jslayz]

Go the Beemer (never thought I'd reccomend a bm trouble you to anyone but definitely better bang for buck than any Subaru)

Only if you can handle the SMG gearbox.......not to my taste at all.

[spoolin]

There's a lot to weigh up, a lot more than just maximum power output or 1/4 mile times anyway.
- Initial outlay for the beamer would be 20K more than my current Liberty + 12K spent on the engine.
- Ongoing service/repair/modification costs, all of which would be higher than the Liberty.
- Needing to find a new Mechanic, the one I have is extremely good but draws the line at Euros.
- No AWD and as Jslay said the SMG
All of which I could and will ignore if I break or explode something everytime I put my foot down in the Lib.

[kiwigene]

Just ran from Traralgon through Melbourne (maybe 50kms at urban speeds) to Albury with E85 from United. On the freeway was doing between 100 and 102 or 110 and 113 where permitted. 4 up in the car with a weeks worth of luggage. Averaged 11.4 l/100km. Filled up with ~55 litres BP ultimate 98 and was doing between 110 and 115 for a little over 500km. Averaged 8.6 l/100km. Thank you Matt for "virtual" flex fuel!

[BillyCorgi]

Sounds good!
Mr Matt is the MAN!

Went home to Mittagong and back twice over the weekend with some city running.
11.0litres/100km on EFlex.

Went up to Newcastle and back yesterday, navigating up Silverwater Road and Pennant Hills Road (crap stuff-should I say carpark?).
11.2litres/100km, again on EFlex.

Gotta love the KiDo_Tune!

[tom_kauf]

Has anyone who has upgraded their fuel pump noticed an increase in noise from the pump over stock?

A fellow member recently installed (what I think is a DW65c), and asked me if the extra noise is normal. I still have my pump in the cupboard, waiting for E85 to be available locally. But I hadn't heard of others reporting the extra noise.

I like my car quiet, and people who have loud exhausts might not notice the extra noise from the pump. But I probably would (only have a dump pipe and mods that keep the car stealth).

[BillyCorgi]

Hi Tom,
I have not noticed an increase in sound levels. I fitted a PSI pump, however the longevity of those pumps is another question.
(I have a Kobe pump now to use as a replacement when the eventual happens]
There are other independent posts suggesting that the DW65c pumps are noisy?

What vehicle is noted as having a louder pump?
Reason for asking is that Turbo GT Libertys and H6 Libertys have a Fuel Pump Control unit to regulate the voltage across the pump and therefore its speed (and noise will vary)
The N/A cars have only a single speed operation.

It may be more difficult to detect a sound level increase in a car with the fuel pump controller.
, whereas an N/A car it may be more prevalent?

As a total aside, I know that Matt [KiDo_Tuning] updates the values for the fuel pump controller speeds for E85 to get the pump to flow extra volume for E85.
A higher volume pump also needs higher power available to deliver the extra fuel flow.

[shav]

I have a Kobe 265L pump and did noticed a little more noise but nothing I was worried about.

[tom_kauf]

Thanks BillyCorgi, yes it was an E85 conversion on an NA. So good to hear our GTs should be quieter . Matt did tune that car, but the lack of variable speed may be the cause.

Thanks shav, as long as it's minor that's good.

[BillyCorgi]

Is the owner of the NA with the E85 conversion a forum member?
Are you able to put me in contact with him?

I am trying to piece together the longevity of upgraded fuel pumps running on the NA single speed fuel pump power circuit.
Please let me know if you can share the owner's details.
Cheers!

[tom_kauf]

Yes, he is. It's Bening93 on the forum. More active on the local Liberty Facebook page than this forum, but he's on here.

[SomeFReaK]

i installed a DW65c in mine 12 months ago now i think. mine has no extra noise over stock.