Mercedes Mullins
Flex-fuel vehicles are those that have been mechanically altered to run on any ethanol blend, up to 85% ethanol. This is known as E85 fuel, which is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. While flex-fuel conversion kits are available, they may not be worth the cost, as they can cause a drop in miles per gallon of up to 40%. However, with the rising price of gasoline, some people are considering converting their cars to flex-fuel.
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What You'll Learn
Ethanol blends and corrosive damage
Ethanol is a renewable fuel produced from plant biomass like corn, which absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it grows, resulting in reduced lifecycle emissions compared to fossil fuels. It is a popular choice for flex-fuel vehicles, which can run on any ethanol blend up to 85% ethanol (E85). However, concerns have been raised about the corrosive effects of ethanol on engines, particularly older ones.
Ethanol is known to react with oxygen in the air to form acidic compounds, which can lead to corrosion in fuel system components and engine wear. This corrosion is accelerated in the presence of water and can affect various metal types, including aluminium, steel, and zinc alloys. Older vehicles with steel fuel systems, cork gaskets, or aluminium carburetors may be more susceptible to long-term damage from ethanol exposure. Additionally, ethanol can be corrosive to certain plastics and natural rubber, potentially causing degradation in older engines.
To combat these issues, fuel additives like Biobor EB have been developed to protect engine components from corrosion and improve oxidation stability. These additives can increase performance and efficiency, especially with higher ethanol percentages. While some tests indicate compatibility between ethanol and standard engines, routine inspection and maintenance are recommended to avoid potential problems.
When converting a car to flex fuel, it is important to consider the potential corrosive effects of ethanol on the engine, especially if it is an older model. Replacing susceptible parts, such as the fuel pump, fuel tank, and fuel injectors, may be necessary to prevent damage. Additionally, using a quality fuel additive can help protect the engine from the corrosive effects of ethanol. By addressing these concerns, a car can be successfully converted to flex fuel, allowing it to utilise the benefits of ethanol while minimising the risk of corrosive damage.
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eFlexFuel conversion kits
Yes, you can convert a car to flex fuel. A flexible fuel conversion will allow a vehicle to run on any ethanol blend, up to 85% ethanol (but not 100% ethanol). This fuel blend is referred to as E85. Most recently built vehicles have a reduced chance of having ethanol-related problems with their fuel systems and the materials used. However, older vehicles with steel in the fuel systems or cork gaskets may have issues from long-term exposure to ethanol and water.
EFlexFuel offers E85 flex fuel conversion kits for cars, SUVs, and trucks. These kits are customized for specific vehicles and utilize technology found in top-tier performance vehicles such as the Koenigsegg Jesko and Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. The kits are designed for "under-the-hood" installation that does not interfere with the factory ECU, OBD, or trigger a check engine light. They are also easy to install, with some users reporting DIY installation within a couple of hours.
The eFlexFuel kits enable your fuel system to run E85, gasoline, or any blend of the two safely. They come with a phone app that allows you to monitor the fuel blend, adjust performance, and receive a warning when the limits of the injectors are reached. The kits also include everything needed to run E85, including fuel injectors, a fuel pump, and fuel lines.
With eFlexFuel, you can start using E85, which is a renewable fuel produced from plant biomass like corn. This can lead to reduced lifecycle emissions compared to fossil fuels and improved vehicle performance. Additionally, E85 can result in reduced harmful emissions of up to 35-80% compared to gasoline, helping to improve air quality and protect the environment.
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Cost of conversion vs savings
The cost of converting a car to flex fuel varies depending on the vehicle and the conversion kit used. For example, the eFlexFuel kit requires the purchase of an electronic control module and a fuel sensor, which can be found online. The cost of these components is not specified. On the other hand, the Injector Dynamics 1000cc injectors are recommended for conversion by Engine Basics, but it is unclear how much these cost as well. Additionally, older vehicles may require changes to the fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel injectors, and fuel lines, which could increase the cost of conversion. Federal law also requires that any changes made to the vehicle are EPA-certified to ensure that the manufacturer's warranty remains valid.
The savings from converting to flex fuel are primarily in the form of reduced fuel costs and improved vehicle performance. Ethanol-based fuels like E85 are often cheaper than regular gasoline, and they can also improve a vehicle's performance and increase horsepower. For example, one user reported saving money by buying 100 octane fuel at $2.59 per gallon after installing the eFlexFuel kit. Another user reported that their Toyota FJ Cruiser, which previously required premium fuel, could now run on Flex Fuel after installing the kit. Additionally, E85 is a renewable fuel source produced from plant biomass like corn, which can reduce a vehicle's harmful emissions by up to 35-80% compared to gasoline.
The cost of conversion can vary depending on the specific components needed and the labor required for installation. However, the savings from converting to flex fuel can be significant, especially for those who drive frequently or own multiple vehicles. The conversion allows for the use of cheaper and more environmentally friendly fuels, which can offset the initial cost of the conversion over time.
It is worth noting that E85 fuel has a lower energy value than gasoline, resulting in approximately 30% less miles per gallon. This means that while the cost per gallon may be lower for E85, the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle may be reduced. However, the use of E85 is common in other countries like Brazil, where vehicles have been adapted to run efficiently on high concentrations of ethanol.
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Reduced miles per gallon
One of the main concerns about driving a flex-fuel car is its gas mileage. Using E85 blended fuel will result in approximately 30% fewer miles per gallon because ethanol contains less energy. For example, a 2014 Ford Focus gets 40 miles per gallon on the highway with gas but only 28 miles per gallon with E85. The lower price of flex fuel can't compensate for even a small reduction in miles per gallon.
However, some users have reported that the mileage drop is more than offset by the money saved from buying 100-octane fuel. For instance, one user reported that they were impressed with the low-end grunt and greater horsepower that came with the eFlexFuel product. They also noted that it was cheaper to run E85 than 91 octane fuel. Another user reported that they were happy with their investment and were looking forward to continuing to save money with their eFlexFuel technology.
It's worth noting that flex-fuel vehicles don't experience a loss in performance when using E85 fuel. In fact, some even generate increased torque and horsepower. Additionally, ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, which means flex-fuel cars pump fewer toxic fumes into the environment.
To determine whether switching to flex fuel is a good option for you, you can calculate your vehicle's MPG estimate for gas and E85. You can find this information on FuelEconomy.gov or test it yourself by filling up your tank with gas and recording your miles, then doing the same with E85.
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Flex fuel cars vs regular cars
Flex-fuel vehicles, also known as flexible-fuel vehicles or FFVs, are those that have internal combustion engines designed to run on more than one type of fuel. They can use either traditional or ethanol-blended gasoline, with the most common form of ethanol-based gas being E85, which contains up to 85% ethanol. Flex-fuel vehicles have been around since the early 1990s, with Ford producing the first modern flex-fuel vehicles in 1996. By the mid-2000s, many other major manufacturers, including General Motors, Chrysler, Audi, Volkswagen, Nissan, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz, were also producing flex-fuel vehicles.
One of the greatest advantages of a flex-fuel vehicle is its ability to burn any proportion of fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This is made possible by electronic sensors that gauge the blend and microprocessors that adjust the fuel injection and timing accordingly. This technology allows for greater flexibility in fuel choice and can help reduce harmful emissions, as ethanol is a renewable fuel produced from plant biomass that burns cleaner than gasoline.
However, one of the main concerns about driving a flex-fuel vehicle is its gas mileage. While some experts claim that flex-fuel vehicles have similar mileage to regular fuel-powered vehicles, others assert that they have lower gas mileage due to the lower energy content of ethanol. On average, a flex-fuel vehicle gets 25% poorer mileage when burning flex-fuel instead of traditional gasoline, which means filling up the tank more often. Additionally, E85 can be more corrosive and damaging to older vehicles not designed for it, requiring changes to the fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel injectors, and fuel lines.
Despite these concerns, flex-fuel vehicles offer drivers the ability to choose the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuel option. With the advancements in technology and the growing concern for the environment, flex-fuel vehicles present a viable alternative to traditional fuel-powered cars, even with their limitations.
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Frequently asked questions
A flex fuel conversion allows a vehicle to run on any ethanol blend, up to 85% ethanol (E85).
E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol is a renewable fuel produced from plant biomass, such as corn, which absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows.
Converting to flex fuel can improve your vehicle's performance and reduce harmful emissions by up to 80% compared to gasoline. It can also result in cost savings if the price of E85 remains significantly lower than gasoline.
The main drawback is a reduction in miles per gallon (mpg), which can be up to 40% lower with E85 due to the lower energy value of ethanol. There may also be initial costs involved with the conversion process, and older vehicles may require additional modifications to the fuel system to avoid damage from long-term exposure to ethanol.
You can purchase flex fuel conversion kits, such as eFlexFuel, which can be installed in your vehicle to enable it to run on E85. These kits are designed to be easy to install and can provide performance benefits, especially for high-compression engines.
