Corn Cruiser

[5280Hawk]

I was wondering if anyone knows anyone who has converted a 2f to Ethanol? or Flex Fuel?

I found a conversion kit for Fuel injected Vehicles, and am considering doing this to my 2005 Tacoma.

I haven't heard anyone doing it on a Cruiser.

 

[et3surge]

That would be way cool, if you find anyting let me know, I may consider the investment just to say I did it!!! I love my rig just how it is but if that can be done, for the environment and for my wallet it would be worthy.

 

[Winston]

I've looked into this at came to the conclusion that 1) unless you changed to fuel injection, it would be very difficult 2) if you think 10-12 mpg is bad, you'll be achieving 8 mpg or lower with lower energy E85 and 3) the engine is just not designed for the higher temps with E85.
Look into diesel (biopig) or propane setup

 

[ridgerunner]

Minipigg has fooled around with ethanol some (to little acclaim). Try a search to see his results.

 

[OlympiaFJ60]

I found a conversion kit for Fuel injected Vehicles, and am considering doing this to my 2005 Tacoma.

Got a link?

thanks

 

[JBBenson]

I am interested.

Looks like a simple install and de-install, if needed to remove it for smog test.

http://flextek.com/shop.htm

For E85 conversion.

It claims it doesn't affect the stock ECU.

Is this some sort of ignition timing "black box"? Can it really be so simple?

I have mailed them for info on the 2F and 3FE engines. Will advise.

Wouldn't matter to me as there are no E85 stations in CA. Would like to know if it works, though.

 

[5280Hawk]

http://www.fullflexint.com/

This is the one i was thinking of.

 

[Shinichi]

Sounds like the ethanol will clean out the fuel system too.

 

[nikos8]

Like mentioned above you will be running hotter and burning more fuel. If you are doing it because it burns cleaner and you are thinking of the environment then kudos to you and I say go for it. If you are doing because you think you will be saving money on gas you are mistaken.

 

[D'Animal]

Like mentioned above you will be running hotter and burning more fuel. If you are doing it because it burns cleaner and you are thinking of the environment then kudos to you and I say go for it. If you are doing because you think you will be saving money on gas you are mistaken.

Go for it.

As far as being enviroment about it, I don't think so.

The only Enviromental thing about E-85 or ethonal is the fact you are not burning as much fossil fuel.

Check the hydrocarbon outputs. They are higher than fossil fuel. Growing the Corn off sets this. In the end you are neutral

 

[5280Hawk]

My understanding is that Ethanol (in Colorado) is comparably priced with gas. and It will only get cheaper as production costs go down - gas will likely not.

My understanding is that Ethanol emits Co2 and water when burned - compared to gas which emits Carbom Monoxide and small amounts oc Carcinogenic gases as well.

My understanding is also that Ethanol actually burns at a lower temperature than gas.


Ethanol is rated at 105 octane so many vehicles will see an increase in power.

The big thing for me is that the money stays right here in the States.

 

[land crusher]

Octane number has nothing to do with power.

 

[5280Hawk]

Here read this -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

In the case of alcohol fuels, like Methanol and Ethanol, since they are partially oxidized fuels they need to be run at much richer mixtures than gasoline. As a consequence the total amount of fuel burned per cycle counter balances the lower energy per unit volume, and the net energy released per cycle is higher.

You will definatley see lower MPG's with Ethanol but the power output in most cases is increased.

I've been researching this the last few days and I've decided to pull the trigger with the Flexfuel system in my Tacoma. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[JBBenson]

Have Spoken with Mike Biven at Flextek 1-800-472-7409 EXT223.

They have a unit for the 3FE, $646.00.

Apparently works with the ECU to give slightly longer pulse to the injectors, thats all.

Ethanol is carbon neutral, meaning that the carbon emitted out the tailpipe is the same carbon absorbed during the plan material life-cycle.

This is not taking into account any fossil fuels burned during the manufacture or transport of Ethanol. But just because it is imperfect does not mean that it is not a good idea.

The efficiency will rise as it is adopted by more people, and if alternate plant materials are explored (other than corn).

 

[D'Animal]

Did you switch?

 

[sandcruiser]

Corn isn't carbon neutral.

In addition to the large amount of fossil fuel used in producing ethanol from corn, there are barrels and barrels of oil used in producing pesticides and fertilizers for the corn. Modern corn is, in most cases, GMO as well. Some people don't think that's such a hot idea.

Then there is the fuel used in the machinery to plant, fertilize, spray, pick, and process the corn.

Now, I'm not saying that fossil fuels are *better* than corn. But looking to ethanol as a "solution" is short-sighted and diverts research and development dollars away from more legitimate solutions.

Having said all of that, if you can justify the expense of converting now, despite the very very small increase in environmental friendliness.... hey, anything is something, right?

 

[madams557]

Interesting article concerning E85 conversion kits.

http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/faqs/conversion.php

"converting a vehicle that was designed to operate on unleaded gasoline only to operate on another form of fuel is a violation of the federal law and the offender may be subject to significant penalties."

Don't know how valid this is since E85 isn't a different form of fuel, only a different percentage of ethanol.

 

[chukardog]

Sand cruiser is SPOT on. Ethanol is a terrible idea and is not a viable fuel alternative like it is in Brazil. If youre really worried about the environment go diesel.

 

[Mace]

Interesting article concerning E85 conversion kits.

http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/faqs/conversion.php

"converting a vehicle that was designed to operate on unleaded gasoline only to operate on another form of fuel is a violation of the federal law and the offender may be subject to significant penalties."

Don't know how valid this is since E85 isn't a different form of fuel, only a different percentage of ethanol.

So does that mean my Nevada DMV approved propane conversion 2F is not legal?

Damn, and Good ol Bush gave me a 2K tax break for doin it too..

 

[madams557]

So does that mean my Nevada DMV approved propane conversion 2F is not legal?

Damn, and Good ol Bush gave me a 2K tax break for doin it too..

Well, I was thinking about all of the biodiesels out there.

Makes me think this little EPA law is ignored or obsolete.