E85: The Next Street Performance and Racing Fuel Robert L. Colesworthy 12/3/07 Advanced Engineering & Technology Conference

Introduction Robert L. Colesworthy Winning on Ethanol - Why it works and what is driving racing to go to it Different blends, availability, and how E85 will fit the future Application specifics, a review of compatibility of parts, corrosion, etc. How to optimize for effective use of ethanol as a performance fuel

Winning on Ethanol - What is Driving Racing to Go to It? Environmentally-friendly fuel Favorable political climate Safety Low cost and increasing availability Power-making potential

“Ethanol Blends Significantly Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions” Argonne National Labs.

Michael Wang – Argonne National Laboratory, Aug. 2005

Power Making Fuel Characteristics 1.Octane Rating 2.Burning Rate 3.Latent Heat of Vaporization 4.Energy Value

1. Octane Measures fuel’s resistance to pre- ignition and detonation, commonly called “knocking” Three common octane ratings for motor fuels:  Research Octane Number (RON)  Motor Octane Number (MON)  (R+M/2) method

1. Octane MON rating is most useful to racers because it is measured under high loads and at high RPM’s High MON rated fuels allow the use of higher compression and advanced spark timing

1. Octane E85 delivers MON octane ratings equal to, or better than, most gasolines

2. Burning Rate The speed at which fuel burns and releases its heat energy There is less time for fuel to burn at high RPM’s, so rapid burning fuel is a must in racing

2. Burning Rate Peak horsepower and engine efficiency are realized if fuel is almost completely burned by 20 degrees after Top Dead Center (TDC)

3. Latent Heat of Vaporization Measures a fuel’s ability to cool the intake charge and combustion chamber Measured in BTU’s per gallon Higher rated fuels remove heat better

3. Latent Heat of Vaporization E85 promotes better cooling: Making the intake charge more dense, thereby packing more energy (per volume) into the engine Helping to control detonation Reducing temperatures in the engine and oiling system components

4. Energy Value The total heat energy contained in a given amount of fuel – BTUs/lb. Horsepower generation depends on “Net Energy Value” - Equal to the energy value multiplied by the amount of fuel that can be burned

4. Energy Value A fuel’s “stoichiometric” defines its ideal air/fuel ratio Lower stoichiometric fuels allow more fuel to be burned which, in turn, increases the Net Energy Value of the fuel

4. Energy Value The lower stoichiometric of E85 provides the fuel with a higher Net Energy Value than most gasolines

Fuel Comparison Chart Fuel Octane (MON) Burning Rate Latent Heat (BTU/gal) Energy Value BTU/lbs Power Stoic. Net Energy Value (MJ/kg) Pure Ethanol ,8006.5/13.00 Pure Methanol ,7505/13.08 Pump Gasoline (avg.) 18, , /12.92 Racing Gasoline 99N/A 160 (est.) 18,500 (est.) 12.5/12.90 E , /12.94 E ,0217.4/12.99

Fuel Rankings Fuel Octane (MON) Burning Rate Latent Heat (BTU/gal) Net Energy Value (MJ/kg) Pure Ethanol 2522 Pure Methanol 1611 Pump Gasoline 6265 Racing Gasoline 4156 E E853433

Dave Slatten – 540 CID Drag Race Engine Dyno Results

Dave Slatten – 540 CID Drag Race Engine Dyno Results

Different Blends, Availability, and How E85 will Fit the Future E10 E85 E100 (E-98)

Application Specifics, a Review of Compatibility of Parts, Corrosion, etc. E10: 1.Passenger car-compliant for decades. A simple replacement fuel 2.Reduced emissions/oxygenate 3.MTBE replacement 4.Promotes clean fuel injectors 5.Octane booster

E85: 1.Requires vehicle modifications 2.“Flex Fuel” vehicle (FFV) – identified by a gas cap insignia 3.Ethanol-compatible fuel tank, pump, lines, etc. 4.Modified air/fuel ratio: enriched air/fuel ratio (approx %) or specialized sensors and computer programming 5.Additional changes and race car handling considerations

E100 (E98): 1.Contains 98% ethanol and 2% denaturing chemical 2.Race-only fuel (IRL series) 3.Extremely hygroscopic 4.May require “top oil” and post-race “pickling” procedures

How to Optimize for Effective Use of Ethanol as a Performance Fuel Know Your Fuel – Determine Actual Ethanol Content Fuel System Modifications Engine Modifications Handling and Storage Racing E85 Fuel

 Know Your Fuel – Determine Actual Ethanol Content The actual ethanol content of E85 varies widely by the time of year and pump-to-pump. For our easy Four- Step Titration Method, you will need: ml. graduated cylinder & stopper 2. Sample of test E85 fuel 3. Distilled water

Step 1: Fill the cylinder to the 50 ml. mark with the test fuel Six-Step Water Titration Method, for E85

Step 2: Add 48 ml. of distilled water Six-Step Water Titration Method, for E85

Step 3: Put stopper in top of cylinder. Shake vigorously to mix the water and fuel. Allow it to stand Six-Step Water Titration Method, for E85

Six-Step Water Titration Method, for E85 Step 4: Pull stopper out slightly to allow pressure buildup to escape. Reseal and allow to stand for 15 min.

Six-Step Water Titration Method, for E85 Step 5: Write down the overall Volume A and the separation line Volume B.

Step 6: Apply this formula to determine gasoline content: Percent Gasoline = (Volume A – Volume B) (93-86) (7) Percent Gasoline = 15.68% To find the ethanol content, subtract the percentage gasoline content (15.68) from 100: 100 – = 84.32% or approx. E85

Fuel System Modifications To make your race vehicle E85 compatible, you must inspect the following and make any needed changes: 1.Correct fuel tank type & size 2.Vented gas cap 3.Compatible fuel pump – correct type and capacity 4.Compatible carburetor/injectors

Engine Modifications Protect your engine and take full advantage of the power-making capability of E85 fuel: 1. Utilize ethanol-compatible motor oil 2. Increase engine static compression ratio 3. Increase engine dynamic compression 4. Adjust air/fuel ratio 5. Adjust spark timing 6. Experiment with spark timing correction

Handling & Storage Ethanol blends are hygroscopic. Once water has been introduced, corrosion will develop. Be sure to: 1.Store the fuel only in approved containers and keep it tightly capped at all times. 2.All alcohols are very drying to skin. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. 3.Follow all other normal fuel handling and storage recommendations. 4.Inspect your motor oil for “milking” and change frequently. 5.After racing, “pickle” the engine and vehicle. Drain all fuel from lines and use an appropriate anti- corrosive agent

Racing with E85 Not only does E85 vary in ethanol content by the time of year and from pump to pump, but the 15% gasoline portion also affects engine performance and fuel system requirements. While pump E85 has a nominal octane rating of 105 (R+M/2 method), we strongly recommend that you find a supplier of “E85 Racing Fuel”. The fuel should have a consistent and high (85%) ethanol content and the gasoline should also be a high grade racing fuel. This will protect your engine from varying octane levels and air/fuel mixture requirements

Contact Information: 12/3/07 Robert L. Colesworthy IQ Learning Systems, Inc Scherer Parkway Saint Charles, MO