That reminds me. I forgot to set my Edge Programmer to level three which is configured for higher octane and more timing advance. Now I'll have to try another tank some day.

That is the best I've ever heard it stated.

It cost me money to run this tank of E85, so actually we are further subsidizing it by using it.

 

I ran about 4 tankfuls thru mine just to try it, my mileage went from 12.5 running troyers custom 93 performance tune down to 8.3 mpg. Not to mention cold wheather start up sucks on straight E-85. In my situation, E-85 would have to cost 2/3 of the price of 87 octane gasoline for me to just break even, but when I tried it I only saved 40 cents a gallon so it cost me more to run E-85 than straight gas. Now periodically I will run a tank or two thru just to clean my fuel system and try to prevent the varnish buildup inside the fuel lines and injectors.

 

What is the issue with cold weather start up?

 

Well your up in wisconsin, so you know all about winter up north. I'm down in cleveland, we're a little warmer in the winter than you are but we still get below 30 degrees on a regular basis during the winter.

At least on my truck it would act like I had a 2.3L out of a ranger in it when it was below 30 until the engine warmed up. So basically when the fuel and engine were both cold it felt like it was down about 50-60% on power until the engine was at least partially warmed up. Where your at, I would think E-85 would act the same or even worse in the colder climate than I have. And remember, alcohol is very hydroscopic (it attracts and absorbs water easily) and it very well may freeze up where your at in winter. I totally stay away from E-85 during late fall, winter and early spring, I only run it thru during warm weather just to clean out my fuel system.

 

The system just can't pump enough fuel to get a good start in cold weather with that much alcohol in the fuel.

In Brazil, where they all run E96, a lot of cars have a small auxiliary tank for pure gas that's used for cold starts.

 

E-85 has about 80,000 BTU's. Gasoline about 125,000 BTU's. E-85 is 105-110 octane therefore a more controlled burn but harder to start burning. Gasoline 87 octane, easier to start burning but less controlled burn.

 

I'm pretty sure that would be a very bad idea. They are talking about boosting engine compression not engine timing.

 

Without increasing compression, more timing advance is what you need - the higher the octane, the more advance it can handle.

 

That's not my opinion, that is straight from Edge. Both advanced timing and higher compression require higher octane. That is why that thread reminded me of what Edge has replied when I asked them.

 

Maybe we can take up a collection to fund this experiment since this is going to cost someone some extra money to run 4 tanks through. That is unless we can find someone with more dollars than sense.

 

I did know that part but I wasn't sure about the high octane tune.

I'm sure there is someone who regularly runs E85. Heck I know people who run 93 oct in little cars intended for 87 just for fun.