E85 fuel

[Coolvet]

Are we allowed to tune our cars to use E85 fuel? What do the regs say, if anything? With the move towards a greener environment, perhaps we should be considering this.

[DNF'77]

Hmmm. Not sure about any possible amendment to the the regulations (if required) but given the quality of E.85, it would reduce performance...which is the opposite of what motorsport is all about.

As for any 'green' motivation, I would think the impact on the environment of a few old bangers getting about every other weekend would be bugger all....

Just my 10 cents (including the forthcoming carbon tax)

Matt.

[Coolvet]

Hmmm. Not sure about any possible amendment to the the regulations (if required) but given the quality of E.85, it would reduce performance...which is the opposite of what motorsport is all about.

As for any 'green' motivation, I would think the impact on the environment of a few old bangers getting about every other weekend would be bugger all....

Just my 10 cents (including the forthcoming carbon tax)

Matt.

Hi Matt,

I wasn't really motivated because of any green benefits but a highly reputable tuner suggested going to E85 and he denied there were performance decreases as a result of switching to E85. He did say it would use 30% more fuel though.

[small bangers]

CAMS schedule says the fuel has to be "commercially available" E85 is, so it should be legal. Would I do it? Not on your life!!!

[Coolvet]

Why not, David? Is it because of performance, cost of conversion or some other reason we should know about? I wonder why the V8 Supercars went that way.

[DNF'77]

Hi Matt,

I wasn't really motivated because of any green benefits but a highly reputable tuner suggested going to E85 and he denied there were performance decreases as a result of switching to E85. He did say it would use 30% more fuel though.

Hi Coolvet,

That's interesting. I would have thought the decreased octane rating would have been reflected in decreased performance, just to preserve the engine - particularly in turbocharged applications. The 30% increase in consumption seems in line with LPG conversions but I guess a dyno or long term test would provide the answers....any volunteers??

:)
Matt

[GMSEXA]

I have seen a performance increase in turbo cars but you use more fuel, need bigger injectors and a bigger fuel pump. In the long run i have been told the fuel affects the rubber.

[small bangers]

Why not, David? Is it because of performance, cost of conversion or some other reason we should know about? I wonder why the V8 Supercars went that way.

I'm naturally a cautious person, let someone else be the "crash test dummy". The fact that V8 Supertaxis went that way doesn't impress me, how much money went into Tony Cockbrain's bank account as part of the deal? I'm told there will be a performance advantage but at the cost of the conversion (fuel lines, pumps injectors etc.) and a much increased fuel consumption of up to 100% increase. In the races we do of such short length, the increased consumption shouldn't be an issue, but we don't have the luxury of having someone else pay for regular engine tear downs, cleans and rebuilds like the taxi boys do. I'll stick with the high octane fuel and be happy with the predictability of knowing what is in each drum is the same, undilluted fuel as the previous drum. I don't even buy normal avgas from a tanker for fear of how it might be contaminated or dilluted.

[DAVIDH]

Hi Guys,
Using E85 is no black art, with proven power increases for turbo cars. Using E85 would be the fuel of choice for me compared to using rocket fuels that are now not legal, if I were competing in a turbo car.
Please note that a person wanting to convert their car to use E85 fuel should apply to CAMS for a component substitution for the use of alternate injectors, fuel regulator, etc to avoid any eligibility issues at the racetrack if someone was to compain !

Regards.

[small bangers]

Gees, we can tell you're no longer competing with us David, have you forgotten how fast the turbos are already? And now you give them more of an advantage!!! I think you now owe all of us non turbo drivers a beer.

[DAVIDH]

Hi Small Banger.

The car is not sold so i will continue racing it until it is !

My motivation behind confirming the pro's of using E85 fuel for turbo cars is that when I beat them, I can also remind them that real race cars ( V8's ) only need to use premium unleaded !!!!!

Racers, let the sledging begin.

[Coolvet]

Hi Guys,
Using E85 is no black art, with proven power increases for turbo cars. Using E85 would be the fuel of choice for me compared to using rocket fuels that are now not legal, if I were competing in a turbo car.
Please note that a person wanting to convert their car to use E85 fuel should apply to CAMS for a component substitution for the use of alternate injectors, fuel regulator, etc to avoid any eligibility issues at the racetrack if someone was to compain !

Regards.

That was good advice, David. I contacted CAMS and they had Bruce Richards and Frank Lowndes discuss the pros and cons. They conculded that it was too big a change and took away from the historic nature of the category...so E85 is not allowed.