Gas vs Race Gas vs E85 vs Alcohol
Moderator: John_Heard
Gas vs Race Gas vs E85 vs Alcohol
Guys, just wanted to weigh the advantages of which would be the best for the upcoming year.
For me, I do drive a bit on the street, I was leaning towards the E85, but for the mileage (about 150 a year) is it worth it to convert the carb over to save a 1.50 a gallon? Then, can you run Nitrous on E85? To convert the carb. what is needed? I am assuming new metering plates and E85 specialized jets? or alcohol jets? Timing and so on?
The engine is a 454 standard bore with TRW LS6+ replacement pistons, a Comp LS6+ cam, proform 850 main body/baseplate, Victor intake, GM 990 heads and 2" primary headers (hedman), the car last year ran 11.80, with no real tuning.
Straight alcohol? I would think the E85 would be better?
For the price, is it better just getting some Cam 2, and mixing a 50/50 mix with 93 unleaded? Can I run just Sunoco 94?
Open to any suggestions. Just trying to keep the hobby going even with the gas this high this year.
For me, I do drive a bit on the street, I was leaning towards the E85, but for the mileage (about 150 a year) is it worth it to convert the carb over to save a 1.50 a gallon? Then, can you run Nitrous on E85? To convert the carb. what is needed? I am assuming new metering plates and E85 specialized jets? or alcohol jets? Timing and so on?
The engine is a 454 standard bore with TRW LS6+ replacement pistons, a Comp LS6+ cam, proform 850 main body/baseplate, Victor intake, GM 990 heads and 2" primary headers (hedman), the car last year ran 11.80, with no real tuning.
Straight alcohol? I would think the E85 would be better?
For the price, is it better just getting some Cam 2, and mixing a 50/50 mix with 93 unleaded? Can I run just Sunoco 94?
Open to any suggestions. Just trying to keep the hobby going even with the gas this high this year.
I can't wait for race season, this has got to be the year.
- John_Heard
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Re: Gas vs Race Gas vs E85 vs Alcohol
Unless you do your own conversion, it's probably not going to pay for the switch for fuel savings. I think they get like $800 to switch them over but I may be way off on that $.
You can run Nitrous on E85 ..
You can run Nitrous on E85 ..
My 1971 X275 Nova | Facebook
Re: Gas vs Race Gas vs E85 vs Alcohol
I think the compression is about 10 to 1, GM 990 heads with the 119 chambers. There is no porting or anything done. I may try to clean the casting flash and just smooth the runners out. The block is not decked. Its a 4 bolt, HI PERF block with the 1054 crank and dimple rods.
I can't wait for race season, this has got to be the year.
- John_Heard
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Re: Gas vs Race Gas vs E85 vs Alcohol
With that low compression, it's not going to require super high octane to work with. I would bet with the timing set right you could drive it on pump gas, and run it on 110 octane / turbo blue low cost race fuel if you want to spray it a little if you don't get too carried away.
My 1971 X275 Nova | Facebook
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Re: Gas vs Race Gas vs E85 vs Alcohol
I ran mine in E85 just changing the metering blocks to the Quick Fuel ones and jetting up 10%, but i wouldn't reccomend it...it idled horribly. I had Mark Sullens do a full conversion and I am happy with it. My car picked up a little bit and it runs/ idles just as it did on gas. When you convert to E85, everything in your carb needs to flow 10% more fuel. I believe my conversion was just over $200, but I already had different metering blocks. He did re work them some though. http://marksullense85carburetors.com/
Also, If you switch to E85 or alcohol your entire fuel system needs to be compatible with Alcohol. Basically no rubber as it will break down.
I have 8:1 compression.
Also, If you switch to E85 or alcohol your entire fuel system needs to be compatible with Alcohol. Basically no rubber as it will break down.
I have 8:1 compression.
"I always compare drag racing to lighting $100 bills on fire, only it's more expensive." - Craig W.
Check out my website...
http://www.findmoneyraces.com
'71 Nova E85
6.69 @ 100.2 MPH 9/6/14
1.4257 60'
1700' DA
13:1 439 BBC
3330 lbs
Check out my website...
http://www.findmoneyraces.com
'71 Nova E85
6.69 @ 100.2 MPH 9/6/14
1.4257 60'
1700' DA
13:1 439 BBC
3330 lbs
Re: Gas vs Race Gas vs E85 vs Alcohol
I run 91 in my small block Nova, best of 11.17@122 on that fuel. It is around 10:1 as well and as a matter of fact the car picked up going down from 93. Too much octane is a killer. Now on the NOS front...not sure.
- John_Heard
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Re: Gas vs Race Gas vs E85 vs Alcohol
$200 is pretty reasonable for the conversion - not sure where I got $800 at? and yes you can spray it on E85. If you've got a good source for the fuel that might be a good way to go.
My 1971 X275 Nova | Facebook
Re: Gas vs Race Gas vs E85 vs Alcohol
bracketnova, how much did you pick up?
- BracketNova
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- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2009 6:46 pm
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Re: Gas vs Race Gas vs E85 vs Alcohol
Let me do some digging...I'm in the process of moving so I may have to use other means than my log books to check
"I always compare drag racing to lighting $100 bills on fire, only it's more expensive." - Craig W.
Check out my website...
http://www.findmoneyraces.com
'71 Nova E85
6.69 @ 100.2 MPH 9/6/14
1.4257 60'
1700' DA
13:1 439 BBC
3330 lbs
Check out my website...
http://www.findmoneyraces.com
'71 Nova E85
6.69 @ 100.2 MPH 9/6/14
1.4257 60'
1700' DA
13:1 439 BBC
3330 lbs
- BracketNova
- Posts: 618
- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2009 6:46 pm
- Contact:
Re: Gas vs Race Gas vs E85 vs Alcohol
So going back through my posts...37 pages back...here on DS, I can say this: When I switched to E85 by just swaping metering blocks my car became alot more consistent but didn't really pick up any. After Mark went through my carb (and I listened to his tuning advice - instead of thinking I knew more than him) it picked up a solid .06 in the 1/8 mile, maybe even .08.
Here's a link I posted in '09 Has some jetting for N20 and E85.
http://www.nitrousexpress.com/Instructi ... etting.pdf
Here's a link I posted in '09 Has some jetting for N20 and E85.
http://www.nitrousexpress.com/Instructi ... etting.pdf
"I always compare drag racing to lighting $100 bills on fire, only it's more expensive." - Craig W.
Check out my website...
http://www.findmoneyraces.com
'71 Nova E85
6.69 @ 100.2 MPH 9/6/14
1.4257 60'
1700' DA
13:1 439 BBC
3330 lbs
Check out my website...
http://www.findmoneyraces.com
'71 Nova E85
6.69 @ 100.2 MPH 9/6/14
1.4257 60'
1700' DA
13:1 439 BBC
3330 lbs
Re: Gas vs Race Gas vs E85 vs Alcohol
very nice. 0.06 in the eigth is pretty stout and about what i expected.
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