[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by olddog

E-85 is a fairly high octane fuel. Its biggest problem in my area, Ohio, is that it is blended anywhere from 50% gasoline to 15% gasoline. It is my understanding that 15% gasoline (85% ethanol) is difficult to start in cold weather. So from one tank to the next you never know what the blend is.

I have heard of dirt track racers running E-85 with a carb. I have also talked with people who set up 1989-1995 5.0 Mustang to run E-85 with the old EEC4 EFI. The biggest issue is the variability in the mixture, which is why the new flex fuel cars have a sensor that measures the mixture.

That all said, California may have a more stable mixture. So this may be an option, but you will have to check into that. Get the facts first.

Your fuel lines would have to be the correct material. If your running a carb, you may have to get an alcohol rated carb to be able to meter the extra fuel.

Wish I could give more knowledgeable useful information, but I have no hands on experience.

It's much more than this. E85 is not a substitute for "octane". You cannot simply take an engine not designed for E85 and run E85. Besides the corrosive component on fuel pump, lines, etc, all of the fuel delivery system will be wrong. Since the energy content (per unit volume) of E85 is much lower you will need at least higher rate of fuel delivery to compensate. (Either a carb or higher flow injectors). If fuel injected you would also need a correct "tune". Flex Fuel (Ford's name for E85 vehicles) detect the use of E85 automatically and make engine adjustments accordingly.