E85 in a 5.0 Experiment
07-29-2013, 12:21 PM
#23
Senior Member
87 is in the 3.40 range here right now. I planned to run 89 in my truck because I think 87 in a 10.5 compression engine is too low. 89 is about 3.50 here. I did a break in cruise with the new pickem up last week and saw one station about 10 miles south of here had E85 at 2.49 a gallon. Station about a mile from my house is 2.59. Once I drain the tank my dealer left me with I am running on corn.
07-29-2013, 12:57 PM
#24
I'm about half way through my tank of E85 and the power and response is still great. Probably better as the computer has compensated. I pulled out on to a busy highway yesterday and was surprised at how much grunt the thing had. Tossed me back in the seat. Fantastic!
The mileage is crappy. Around town I'm seeing about 13 (versys 15.5.to 16 on dino juice).
At this point, the responsiveness is very nice, but I didn't have any complaints on 87 RUG. The cost difference between E85 and RUG87 is only about 10 cents a gallon. Maybe $2.00 to $2.50 a tank less, but losing a lot of MPG. So much so that gas is the better deal.
Again, if I can fish around and figure out how to build a corn liquor still and make my own ethanol, that's a game changer. I would imagine the feed stock is not cheap, neither would the propane required to heat up the mash.
I love alternative fuels because I'm all about finding a better way. But so far, only biodiesel seems to make sense and be viable. Back when I drove diesels, I used to run B100 in them that a local guy made from restaurant grease. It was a simple chemical reaction using acid and lye. The byproduct was glycerine which he sold to a homemade soap shop.
The mileage is crappy. Around town I'm seeing about 13 (versys 15.5.to 16 on dino juice).
At this point, the responsiveness is very nice, but I didn't have any complaints on 87 RUG. The cost difference between E85 and RUG87 is only about 10 cents a gallon. Maybe $2.00 to $2.50 a tank less, but losing a lot of MPG. So much so that gas is the better deal.
Again, if I can fish around and figure out how to build a corn liquor still and make my own ethanol, that's a game changer. I would imagine the feed stock is not cheap, neither would the propane required to heat up the mash.
I love alternative fuels because I'm all about finding a better way. But so far, only biodiesel seems to make sense and be viable. Back when I drove diesels, I used to run B100 in them that a local guy made from restaurant grease. It was a simple chemical reaction using acid and lye. The byproduct was glycerine which he sold to a homemade soap shop.
07-29-2013, 10:01 PM
#25
One Bad MoFoMoCo Owner
I've posted pretty extensive reviews on running E85. I get 14 versus 17 in the city. That's nearly a 20% decrease in mileage drop. That means at $3.50 a gallon for regular, E85 needs to be $2.85 a gallon to break even. Those are rough numbers, but you get the point.
As far as performance, there isn't a huge HP gain, Ford states 15, but it feels like alot more because of the increase in low end torque. That's why you feel stronger performance when driving around normally. At WOT, there is an increase, but it's not as noticeable, because this engine revs up to peak RPMs fast.
The engine will idle even smoother, but will be even throatier when toed in.
With E85 versus regular at the pump right now, it's a free way to add a little enjoyability to the truck.
Just remember to run regular every third tank.
As far as performance, there isn't a huge HP gain, Ford states 15, but it feels like alot more because of the increase in low end torque. That's why you feel stronger performance when driving around normally. At WOT, there is an increase, but it's not as noticeable, because this engine revs up to peak RPMs fast.
The engine will idle even smoother, but will be even throatier when toed in.
With E85 versus regular at the pump right now, it's a free way to add a little enjoyability to the truck.
Just remember to run regular every third tank.
08-01-2013, 08:44 PM
#27
Finished the tank of E85. Averaged 14mpg with some full throttle runs for fun tossed in.
I filled up with 100% gas (no ethanol) 93 octane (for a whopping $4 a gallon! Yikes). Gonna see what sort of mileage I get. Fro $94 worth, it better be good!
I filled up with 100% gas (no ethanol) 93 octane (for a whopping $4 a gallon! Yikes). Gonna see what sort of mileage I get. Fro $94 worth, it better be good!
08-02-2013, 11:43 AM
#28
I don't think I'll ever run e-85 again. Tried it about 6 years ago in my 99 flex fuel ranger and it just didn't run right. I'll stick with good ole 87 or put 93 if I want a slight increase in power.