I am considering installing some Ford Performance 47lb injectors so I can run E-85 in my 2012 GT Auto. Looking for pros and cons. I already have an SCT tuner and a Steeda Cold Air Intake. Hoping to shave a tenth or two off my quarter mile time. Do I need a boost-a-pump? Do I need anything else? Should I just save my money?

 

While the stoichiometric (chemically ideal) air/fuel mixture ratio for gasoline is approximately 14.7:1, with ethanol it is around 9.79:1. In carbureted applications you will usually need higher-flowing metering blocks calibrated for E85, while in fuel-injected applications you may need to upgrade the injectors to a greater lb/hr rating. In all cases, Ksiazkiewsicz notes, “You need to look over your entire fuel delivery system, including the pump and lines, to ensure it can deliver the additional fuel mass.” And while you’re there, here is another issue to consider: materials compatibility. Ethanol can be downright unfriendly to some traditional fuel-system materials-cork, for example. On late-model cars it’s not a big problem since they are already designed for fuel blends up to E20 (20 percent ethanol). But on older cars in particular, gaskets, seals, and hoses will need to be updated to ethanol-compatible materials, as in the long term the exposure will shorten their service lives. Also, aluminum fuel lines must be fabricated from standard anodized tubing. Naked aluminum corrodes when exposed to ethanol. However, ethanol presents no hazard whatsoever to oxygen sensors and catalytic converters-a definite plus.

 

Save your money.