Hey guys, for the last couple years ive been running my Novi1000 at 6psi. My supporting mods are a 70mm single exhaust, test pipe, AEM V2 ECU, ID1000s injectors, and Walbro 255. Im going to install my 3.2 pulley which should put me around 12 psi or something like that.
My tuner thinks that I should run E85 to maximize the most out of my set up. I live in SoCal where E85 is basically nonexistent. Fortunately there is one gas station locally that sells it. I expressed my concerns about being stuck running E85 only and he mentioned that I could run a flex set up and that all I would need is the sensor and a new fuel pump.
My questions to you guys is:
Will running E85 ruin any drive-ability with the car? Right now my car drives and operates just like a stock car and is mostly daily driven.

Are there any drawbacks to using the flex sensor? Does it ever have issues monitoring the gas mixture?

Any other concerns or comments I should now?

Ive also noticed there are a few different sensors on the market so if anyone can comment there experiences with those that would be great.

Thanks guys

 

E85, when tuned properly will not hurt any drivability aside from lower MPG's. Generally, E85 makes things smoother.

Nothing wrong with a good Flex Fuel sensor. You will require two tunes and then designate the interpolation in between the two maps (dictate how timing ramps up and fueling changes).

I've been on E85 in my S2000 for coming up on 3 years, 5 or so years on my STi, and a couple years on my SHO before I sold it. I won't run a boosted car on gas as long as E85 is still being made.

 

I am also running a flex fuel setup with the AEM Infinity ECU. I got the SoS flexfuel kit, it uses the highest quality fittings and a great mounting solution. The drivability is all in the tune, but in winter months, you will have to do a little extra tuning for E85 cold starts.

E85 is the answer to our 91 piss water, I saw a nice jump in power with the ethanol.

Some people will bitch about the cost of the SoS flex kit, but its so well made and put together, its a simple bolt up and go kit. No hassle with fittings, cutting lines, splicing and soldering wires. They already did it all for you.

 

If cost isn't a big factor, you may want to look into the N1200 upgrade as well... its a much more efficient blower.

 

Thinking of doing the e85 flex fuel setup aswell. Run 94 octane in the winter and e85 in the summer and for track days. Is it possible to do half and half?

 

That is what Flex Fuel is for... To run any percentage of ethanol/gas you want and will adjust by sensor input.

 

Thanks for the response. Makes me feel better about going this direction.

I found a thread that talked about the SOS kit but when I hit the link the page didn't exist. I then went on their website and could not find their flex sensor kit. I wonder if they don't make it anymore?

Maybe one day but my blower has barely been used since it was rebuilt so hopefully this will last me a long time

 

Are you monitoring your e85 with a gauge and if so which one?

 

Here you go:

https://www.scienceofspeed.com/index...el-system.html

I guess you could get away with buying the sensor and associated mounting hardware for about $100 less, but, the SOS kit is just clean.

And, considering you've go to tune it again...the cost isn't that much extra.

I'd do it in a heartbeat if I had to get retuned, 'cause the power increase you can get is huge. And you're right, depending on wear you live in SoCal, and E85 station can be a long way away, especially if you are only getting about 17mpg with our 12 gal tank!!

But, if you drive a lot, the flex fuel kit is great. Anytime you are near and E85 station, you just fill er up.

 

David is right on, the head ache you will save with SoS's kit is priceless. No trips to the hardware store etc, it hooks right up and is practically plug and play, minus having to insert the ethanol lead into your ecu but thats pretty easy as well.