Ok, so I have been waiting for a while, but now some of my local gas stations are selling e85 at the pump. What I was originally planning was to convert my DSM over to e85 and up it to 1000cc injectors and lock in a tune at close to 30psi. However, I'm more than satisfied with the performance on 93 octane. So, I've been toying around with the idea of a turbo e85 maxima. I wouldn't be shooting for a ton of power, as I'm still trying to daily drive it once its all said and done. And with ethanols resistance to predetonation, I think it could be built to last running about 8psi or so. Now I understand everything that I am going to need for a complete build, and already have many misc parts around the house from building the DSM. From what I can find e85 requires about %30 more fuel as compared to 93 octane, so I'm thinking some larger injectors than a normal turbo build. Another issue I was curious about is tuning, I know with my DSM its as easy as dsmlink which offers many of the perks of full standalone while still utilizing the factory ecu so that you retain the factory fuel maps. I see that emanage is fairly popular on here, has anyone else tangled with other software that isn't full standalone? I am also under the impression that the transmission on the 4th gen is a weak link as well. So basically I am looking for any input or pointers from anyone that has tried an e85 build or who has any insight. Thanks alot.

 

I can't really see any reason to run E85 at such a low boost level. You're not going to detonate on 93 octane with only 8psi and stock timing. Running E85 just means a bunch of unnecessary tuning and equipment changes at that power level in my opinion. I see E85 as something you step up to when you're running out of power on 93 octane and don't want to have a car that has to be run on race gas all the time. You'd definitely be pioneering if you did do an E85 setup though.

 

Sounds real interesting to do e85 setup, but why? I don't understand why go e85 unless you plan on attempting a 1000hp build? or something? Most people mod for a reason, whats your reason on spending more time, money and complications to get this project up and running? If your looking @ only 8psi, just like nealoc187 said thats easily done on pump gas!

 

i wish we had e85 around here, i've take a few classes on it at school and would like a chance to mess with it first hand.

 

Isn't E85 corrosive to your fuel lines?

 

ive been running E85 for the past 3 months with no problems . I was just about to go rmt but im currently selling the setup i put together and going a differnt route. Ive ran E85 on 2 other boosted low compression motored cars and cant say enough good about it. It is GREAT at knock suppression, however you are able to run it lean and if your not paying attention you can get VERY high EGT's using the stuff. Alot of people have ended up saying byebye to mr motor and melting stuff because they think they can lean it out while tuning in a way you would regular gasoline sense theres no knock retard going on and its making more power. If you plan to proceed in your project hit me up with a PM and i can help you out. Ive been dealing in or around E85 based boosted and NA cars for the past 2-3 years now.