E85 conversions are impractical

[AZEqualizer]

MotorWeek video: E85 conversions are impractical -

In a recent episode of MotorWeek, as you can in the video above, Pat Goss lays out the reasons why flex-fuel conversion kits are "impractical." Using parts supplied by GM, Pat lists the things in a regular gas engine that just won't work with ethanol. The parts that must be changed to convert a gas car to run on ethanol include: fuel lines, fuel pumps, fuel gauges, fuel tank, fuel rail, capsule assembly, fuel injectors, the fuel injector computer, fuel identifier, exhaust valves, intake valves, valve seats and - last but not least - the cylinder heads must be replaced.
Pat warns against using conversion kits you find on the internet but I don't think he meant to say EPA approved kits are impractical. (AUTOBLOGGREEN.COM)

[Lumberjack]

To my knowledge most older gasoline engines can in fact burn alcohol with very little change too them. I suppose this may be a differance between carb and injection But I also wonder how much of it is more political....

[MikeB]

I drive a Subaru Impreza WRX, and I've been reading on the web about a few guys who put E85 into it with virtually no conversion at all. The only physical change was slightly larger fuel injectors (sold for the higher-performance STI version of the same car). Some have decided to alter the ECU program slightly for higher performance, but it wasn't needed. Apparently the stock program is just flexible enough to accept E85 at the edge of it's limits.


I'd probably be trying this myself if there were any E85 pumps near me.

[Billy]

I drive a Subaru Impreza WRX, and I've been reading on the web about a few guys who put E85 into it with virtually no conversion at all. The only physical change was slightly larger fuel injectors (sold for the higher-performance STI version of the same car). Some have decided to alter the ECU program slightly for higher performance, but it wasn't needed. Apparently the stock program is just flexible enough to accept E85 at the edge of it's limits.


I'd probably be trying this myself if there were any E85 pumps near me.

watch your fuel pump, and injector seals. They'll probably be the 1st to go.

[MikeB]

watch your fuel pump, and injector seals. They'll probably be the 1st to go.

I'm not so sure about that. Most gasoline pumps today are already giving out 10% ethanol, so all engine components really have to be able to survive ethanol currently. It's only on older cars that various gaskets and hoses are not safe for ethanol contact.

[Billy]

Yea, the newer cars above say 1990-1993 are really bad about this. Ask around at the parts stores. 10% Ethanol is way thin as opposed to 85%. Usually with a fuel injected car, if it's not already compatible, don't use it, the OBDII pumps for some of the newer care i.e. 1999 Chevy Truck (1/2 ton) is in excess of $300 + labor. Just be forwarned, I'd hate to see somebody burn up a pump for going "greener" if you know what I mean.