Stick to the fuel you're using, (91 or 89), that way you won't be risking anything. E85 contains 85% ethanol and there are doubts about its long term effects on the fuel system, and the engine of the vehicle. Here in England our 95 Ron petrol can contain up to 5% and that is OK, There is also petrol in Europe that contains 10% ethanol. I have seen it on sale but avoid using it.

 

GoatRider, some things to consider when thinking about using E85. Since it is on the gas cap (assuming you have the factory gas cap), using E85 will work with the car. The computer system can sense the E85 fuel and will adjust the air to fuel mixtures accordingly. There is a different air to fuel mix for E85 as compared to standard gas (R85 is a 7:1, where normal gas is a 14.7:1 mix). Keep in mind that E85 burns cooler, so, you are not going to get as much carbon build up in the engine, but this also means that the fuel is not burning with as much intensity. Combine that with the fact that E85 has less energy in it per volume, you will find that your gas mileage is going to go down. The benefit though is that when pushing your car, the E85 is less likely to have pre-detonation (pinging) and therefore you can generate more power for longer without sudden damage.

The "flex-fuel" title was something that the american car manufacturers added to vehicles as a selling ploy. You don't see it on any new vehicles these days. They still have the capability, just not stated on the back of the vehicle.

The other question that you have to ponder is the long term effects. E85 is more acidic than standard gasoline. What this means to you is that the seals in the fuel system will undergo more deterioration. The manufacturers have put in special seals to survive in that environment, but are they something that can last "forever"? That is the big unknown. Supposedly the manufacturers have tested and considered them to have an "adequate lifetime". What does that really mean? I know guys with other model cars that run E85 and have not had any issues after years of use. Right now, I think the long term effects are still being determined.

 

Imho, if YOU RUN E85 OUT EVERY WEEK OUT OF THE TANK , you should be okay.
If it sits in the tank, not good, like 10% its filler not gas, it becomes sugar water.....
Stick with the non ethanol if you can find it.
Good luck, e85 was ANOTHER GOV. SCAM.

 

E85 has its uses. If you are into blown/turbo'ed cars, E85 is a blessing. You can generate a lot more power using that fuel than with even race gas. The problem is keeping the parts from getting eaten by the acid levels of the fuel. Granted, you also go through more fuel because of the lower energy content and the need to achieve the proper air to fuel mix. The pro is for the same power, you are running the cylinders at a lower temperature, so, parts are less likely to fail.

 

And the much higher octane of alcohol is a plus too. I run 10% alcohol all the time if possible.
You should see the inside of the intake tract on cars that use Meth injection. It's spotless! No carbon or oil deposits because the alcohol cleans it all out.
I am looking a Snow system for my XJR but don't want to be the guinea pig!

Still watching the F-Type guys because I have feeling one of them will do it or are already doing it and I have not read about it yet.
We also need a good PCV catch can especially on the blower cars.
.
.
.

 

I always noticed the E85 notice on the gas cap but never really bothered to find out what it was. There happens to be an E85 station near me. Has anybody else tried it?