Mercedes Mullins
Mustang owners have a few options for running their vehicles with E85 fuel. One option is to use a flex fuel tune, which allows the car to switch between E85 and 93 octane fuel. This requires a tuning device and a flex fuel tune. Another option is to use a flex fuel kit, such as the ProFlex Commander, which is a plug-and-play system that does not require tuning. Some Mustang owners have also mentioned using a Lund flex fuel tune, although it appears that this option may no longer be available. The cost of switching to flex fuel on a Mustang GT will depend on the specific option chosen and the associated hardware and tuning costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flex Fuel Kit | Zeitronix, Fuel-It, ProFlex Commander |
| Flex Fuel Tune | Lund, Juggernaut |
| Fuel | E85, 93, 91 |
| Pros | More power/torque, cheaper than 93 |
| Cons | More visits to gas stations, not many gas stations offer E85 |
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What You'll Learn
- E85 fuel is cheaper than race gas and premium fuel
- Flex fuel tunes can be problematic due to Ford's sensing mechanism
- The ProFlex Commander system offers zero latency and real-time fuel load accuracy
- E85 tunes are only applicable to the specific tank of fuel they're developed with
- Cold air intakes, cat back exhaust, and a tune are recommended over flex fuel
E85 fuel is cheaper than race gas and premium fuel
E85 fuel is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, with 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is available at select pumps across the United States, with a higher concentration of pumps in the Midwest, where most of the country's ethanol is produced. E85 has emerged as a competitive alternative to regular gasoline, race gas, and premium fuel, offering several advantages in terms of cost and performance.
When compared to race gas and premium fuel, E85 presents a more affordable option. Race gas, with its high octane rating, tends to be significantly more expensive than regular pump gas. Premium fuel, while offering enhanced performance over regular gasoline, also commands a higher price. In contrast, E85 is often priced lower than these alternatives, making it a cost-effective choice for motorists, particularly in regions where ethanol production costs are lower, such as the Midwest.
The cost savings associated with E85 extend beyond the pump price. While E85 may have a lower energy content than regular gasoline, resulting in reduced fuel economy, the overall mileage per dollar can be comparable due to the lower cost per gallon of E85. This is especially true for flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of running on higher ethanol blends. Additionally, E85's high octane rating provides increased power and torque, enhancing the performance of vehicles without the need for costly premium fuels or race gas.
However, it is important to consider the availability and accessibility of E85. As of 2014, there were approximately 2,350 service stations offering E85 in the United States, with the majority located in the Midwest. Motorists may need to deviate from their regular routes to access E85 pumps, potentially incurring additional travel costs. This limited availability can be a significant factor in the overall cost-effectiveness of E85 when compared to race gas and premium fuel, which are more widely available.
In conclusion, E85 fuel offers a cheaper alternative to race gas and premium fuel, both in terms of pump price and overall mileage per dollar, particularly in regions with lower ethanol production costs. However, the limited availability of E85 pumps and the potential for reduced fuel economy due to its lower energy content are important considerations when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of E85 for Mustang GT owners contemplating a switch to flex fuel.
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Flex fuel tunes can be problematic due to Ford's sensing mechanism
Additionally, flex fuel tunes can also be problematic due to the way Ford's sensing mechanism learns the ethanol content in the fuel. The sensing mechanism may learn the ethanol content too slowly, resulting in the car running too rich or too lean. This can be a particular issue when transitioning between different types of fuel, such as E85 and 93 octane. In some cases, the sensing mechanism may not mature at all, resulting in inaccurate inferred AFR readings and estimates of ethanol content.
Furthermore, the type of upstream O2 wideband sensor used in EcoBoost engines may also contribute to the problems with flex fuel tunes. The EcoBoost engines use a different type of primary wideband sensor with downward-facing flutes, which may impact the accuracy of the readings. It has been suggested that installing an aftermarket ethanol sensor could help address this issue by allowing the car to tune based on the actual ethanol percentage. However, it is unclear why this is not commonly done.
Overall, while flex fuel tunes can provide benefits such as increased power and torque, they may also come with their own set of challenges due to Ford's sensing mechanism and the way it interacts with the fuel system. It is important for Mustang GT owners to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before deciding to switch to a flex fuel tune.
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The ProFlex Commander system offers zero latency and real-time fuel load accuracy
The ProFlex Commander system is a patented performance flex fuel system that allows a vehicle to run E85, gas, or any blend of ethanol and gas seamlessly and in real-time with zero latency. It is a plug-and-play system that can be installed in about an hour with no additional parts or tuning required. The system is compatible with all stock and performance gas tunes and will automatically adjust when changing the tune.
The ProFlex Commander acts as an automatic, real-time dynamic tune, ensuring the vehicle is making the most power possible regardless of the ethanol content in the tank. It provides dyno-proven horsepower gains and can increase torque while lowering engine temperatures.
The system's BlendSense technology measures content in real time with a 30-microsecond refresh rate and zero latency, ensuring 100% accuracy regardless of the fuel blend. This makes it the most accurate and reliable way to maximize power and engine safety. The ProFlex Commander is the only flex fuel system in the world with these capabilities.
The ProFlex Commander eliminates the need for draining the tank and switching maps when changing fuels. It is a simple and effective solution for those seeking to maximise the performance and efficiency of their vehicles. With its seamless compatibility, automatic adjustment, and real-time performance, the ProFlex Commander system offers a superior flex fuel solution for vehicle enthusiasts.
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E85 tunes are only applicable to the specific tank of fuel they're developed with
E85 tunes are a process of adjusting an engine computer's parameters to run optimally on E85 fuel, which is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The high ethanol content in E85 has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline, allowing for more aggressive ignition timing and increased boost levels. This prevents damaging knock and inherently makes more power than gasoline.
However, E85 tunes are developed with a specific ethanol content in mind, and the ethanol content in E85 can vary from 51% to 83%. This means that an E85 tune is seldom optimal and can be inconvenient. For example, if an E85 tune is developed for 85% ethanol content, it will not be suitable for fuel with only 51% ethanol content. This is because the engine control unit will be calibrated to increase fuel injector flow rates, expecting a higher ethanol content. As a result, the engine may not receive the correct amount of fuel, leading to potential performance issues or even engine damage.
To overcome this issue, some companies offer flex fuel kits that constantly measure the ethanol content of the fuel and dynamically adjust the engine tuning. These kits offer full flex fuel capability, ensuring that the engine is always tuned correctly for the fuel being used, whether it is E85, gasoline, or any mix of the two. This provides a safer and more efficient option for vehicles running on variable content pump E85 or switching between E85 and gasoline.
For Mustang GT owners considering flex fuel or E85 tunes, it is important to note that while most modern Mustangs are compatible with E85, some factory injectors may not be large enough to deliver the increased fuel volumes required. Additionally, the learning capabilities of flex fuel tunes can be a concern, as the vehicle may need time to adapt to the new fuel, resulting in potential performance issues during the transition. Mustang owners should carefully consider their options and seek advice from professionals to ensure the safety and performance of their vehicles.
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Cold air intakes, cat back exhaust, and a tune are recommended over flex fuel
If you're looking to modify your Mustang GT, there are a few options to consider. Flex fuel is one option, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. Here's why cold air intakes, cat-back exhaust, and a tune are recommended over flex fuel:
Cold air intakes are a popular choice for Mustang GT owners as they provide several benefits. Firstly, they increase the amount of air available to the engine, resulting in improved performance. The air drawn in is cooler and denser as it's pulled from further away from the engine. Cold air intakes can also enhance the appearance of your engine bay and produce a satisfying sound when sucking in air. Additionally, they often come with reusable air filters, saving you money on replacements. It's important to choose the right cold air intake for your specific Mustang model, as they are not interchangeable between GT and EcoBoost engines.
Cat-back exhaust is another recommended modification for the Mustang GT. It helps your car "breathe easier," resulting in better performance and a louder, improved exhaust note. Cat-back kits offer a noticeable increase in power and can be customized with different finishes for your exhaust tips. Working back to front is recommended when modifying your exhaust, starting with a cat-back system, headers, then installing your cold air intake, and finishing with a custom tune.
A tune is also highly recommended, as it allows you to unlock the full potential of your cold air intake and exhaust modifications. Tunes change how your engine processes airflow and can result in a significant increase in horsepower. For example, the JLT tuned option boasts some of the highest reported gains. You can choose between "out-of-the-box" tunes or custom tunes, and you always have the option to return to factory settings if needed.
While flex fuel is an option for the Mustang GT, it may not be worth the trouble or expense. Flex fuel kits can be confusing to install and require additional tuning. E85 fuel, which is commonly used with flex fuel, has limited availability at gas stations and can decrease your fuel efficiency. Additionally, flex fuel tunes can be problematic due to the way Ford implements fuel sensing.
In summary, cold air intakes, cat-back exhaust, and a tune are recommended over flex fuel for Mustang GT owners seeking improved performance, power, and customization. These modifications work together to enhance your car's breathing, performance, and sound, providing a more enjoyable driving experience.
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Frequently asked questions
A flex fuel kit allows your Mustang GT to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a fuel that makes more power than gasoline or race gas, is cheaper than race gas, and is available at many gas stations.
E85 is a fuel that contains ethanol. It has been a popular fuel for tuning in the import and turbocharged automotive performance community.
The benefits of using a flex fuel kit include increased power and torque, as well as reduced fuel costs.
Yes, some potential issues include the learning curve associated with the kit, the need for frequent gas station visits due to reduced MPG, and the limited availability of E85 at gas stations.
The cost of a flex fuel kit can vary depending on the specific kit and your budget. Some kits are available for around \$3,000, while others may be more or less expensive depending on the features included.
