E-85 carburetor

[minifridge1138]

Hello everyone,

I was reading a Corvette magazine over the weekend and noticed an advertisement for a Carburetor designed for E-85 fuel.

The ad claimed that E-85 will destroy some of the parts/seals in traditional carburetors. (they want to sell their product, so of course they make that claim). I was just wondering if anyone else knew about the effect of E-85 on standard carbs or had worked with an E-85 friendly Carb.

If E-85 catches on, and is cheaper than traditional gasoline, then this is something to consider.

Thanks everyone!

[Tom Bryant]

Fuel systems not designed for alcohol won't last long. The seals and rubber parts are a different material. My carb guy in St. Louis says he can't get alcohol parts for certain carbs like the old Pontiac Tri-Power carbs. Even with the lower percentage of ethanol in regular pump gas he has to replace parts in these carbs in 6 months or less.

Holley and others make special alcohol carbs but mostly for racing. The carb you found may be a good carb for E85 if it's set up properly. You also need an alcohol fuel pump and stainless lines are a good idea too as alcohol is an oxydizer. A fuel tank with a bladder or a stainless tank would also be a good idea.

Tom

[JohnZ]

Originally Posted by minifridge1138

If E-85 catches on, and is cheaper than traditional gasoline, then this is something to consider.

Thanks everyone!

Don't hold your breath - when folks spend the money to convert the entire fuel system on older cars to accommodate the corrosive aspect of E85, then experience a 35%-40% drop in fuel economy (and range), and the car won't start in the winter, and the price stays the same as gasoline, there won't be a lot of takers.