E85 / Flex Fuel

[jptruck]

If (and that's a big if) an ethanol based fuel such as E85 were available in my area, would it be possible to convert an LR3 to accommodate the gas? I know E85 is a higher octane fuel, but creates less energy. I also realize that converting is not ideal, but it is possible in some cars.

If I'm going to burn gas at 14 mpg, it might as well be something better than Saudi gold.

 

[grommet]

Sorry, a vehicle can't "easily" be converted to E85. It has to be designed for it. It would be fairly expensive, vehicle specific and would need full EPA certification/approval.

Also, you'd get 2-3 less MPG on E85. (Well, based on my friend's old FFV capable Ford car.)

 

[M3orLR3]

according to GM, most any engine can actually run on E85... fuel lines, injectors, anything that handles fuel.

true about the reduced gas milage, though E85 generally costs a bit less (which help compensate).

i am looking now at the LR3 or the new Avalanche, and Flex Fuel ability is going to be a part of my decision.

 

[grommet]

Yes, most any engine can be designed to run on E85. It just can't be converted without grief. No aftermarket vendor has even attempted to go through the cost/effort required... on any vehicle.

I think we have 3 E85 stations in all of California. So, if I buy a E85 capable vehicle... I really doubt I'll be using E85.

I do admit the GM and the American corn farmer marketing folks have been pretty aggressive... but I predict in a few years, nobody will care about E85... just like before.

 

[jptruck]

I saw that Dateline piece on Brazil that showed they're using e85 and other fuels almost exclusively. I admit it's a long-shot here in the states, but something is going to change.

 

[grommet]

I expect Clean Diesel to catch on more and more post-launch later this year...

 

[grommet]

In case you are curious where you can find E85:
http://www.e85fuel.com/database/search.php

 

[Houm_WA]

The only silver lining in all this BS at the pump, is that our energy R&D people, wherever they are, are going to be more compelled (and funded) to go out and find a solution.

I just hope that karma comes around and somehow, someway, the energy bullies (Exxon/Mobil et al) do not have a hand in this new fuel infrastructure and they then go the way of the Dodo.

...amen

 

[LR3_WA]

Here is a good article on E85

Automakers Warn Consumers Against Using E85 Ethanol Blend in Conventional Car
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,196627,00.html

and it looks like Walmart is looking at E85

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,197779,00.html

 

[Michael]

If (and that's a big if) an ethanol based fuel such as E85 were available in my area, would it be possible to convert an LR3 to accommodate the gas? I know E85 is a higher octane fuel, but creates less energy. I also realize that converting is not ideal, but it is possible in some cars.

If I'm going to burn gas at 14 mpg, it might as well be something better than Saudi gold.

It would not be possible to convert an LR3 to E85 without considering expense and engineering. It would also require EPA recertification. Some fuel system components are not tolerant of ethanol levels that high, and would quickly decay. In addition, the fuel management system would be operating out of its design range, due the higher oxygen content of the fuel. If you want an E85 vehicle, you'll have to purchase one already equipped for that fuel.