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For those unfamiliar with my setup, currently running AEM EMS series 2 on a 3.5 converted CLS6 block with 12:1 compression and several other performance mods... Being that my area has pump 91 and very few e85 sources, the car was built and tuned for 91. However, after reviewing the fuel and ign maps to see what the tuner did to make the mods work safely, I believe there is more that could be done with alt fuel.
Which brings me to the topic at hand. Recently I have been exploring ethanol and blends (i.e. e15, e25, e30. e40). Also figured out that the EMS series 2 is capable of running two simultaneous maps; i.e one for gas and one for ethanol. And further, that EMS can be setup to transition between from one map to the other based on actual ethanol content.
Based on a few online sources plan is to swap the fuel pump, add an ethanol sensor and make a basic e85 map based on an altered 91 map. To that point, I've ordered an AEM ethanol content sensor and ethanol compatible pump. More to come when the parts are installed.
Quick update, car is officially on E15 blend (approx 92 octane). Another GM flex fuel sensor is expected to arrive soon, along with the pigtail.
And the ethanol compatible pump has arrived.
This green pump has the same 340LPH flow rate as the current gasoline only pump. However, per the AEM site the green pump is designed for the low lubricity characteristics of ethanol and methanol fuels.
Unfortunately, there is some bad news. I've been noticing lately the car is not taking off as hard from a dead stop. The rpms are def climbing higher before the power comes up, esp in first. The root cause I suspect is the stage 3 clutch slipping. Which may have contributed to torque falling off so much at higher rpms on the dyno. Long story short a stage 4 clutch is on order. For now I can only hope that it ships soon.
Stage 4. That means some tq. Did you post your dyno numbers? Once you get the flex fuel set up that should be sweet and a jump in hp for the tuner to unlock. Are you able to get a module that can detect ethanol content in real time?
Stage 4. That means some tq. Did you post your dyno numbers? Once you get the flex fuel set up that should be sweet and a jump in hp for the tuner to unlock. Are you able to get a module that can detect ethanol content in real time?
Yeah the peak tq was 260, but it tanked pretty quick after 5k rpm. The dyno plot is under the 2g cl dyno section.
The flex fuel sensor detects ethanol content in real time when connected to either a gauge like the innovate motorsports kit or a standalone ecu.
Sending the AEM kit back since its just an overpriced GM sensor. Pieced together another kit already. Planning to install along with the pump this weekend...
Yeah, ultimately hoping to see some better numbers with new clutch, new cat and an ethanol blend. Since pump around here is 91, planning to experiment with different blends like e21, e31, etc and see how she runs.
Got the flex fuel sensor and new pump are installed today. flex fuel sensor installed Gas only pump removed, ethanol compatible pump installed.
Took a while to determine the specific settings for EMS to read the sensor. But, finally got it... Added few more gallons to top off the E15 fuel mix already in the car. Sensor now reads about 32% content.
Did a bit of test driving and made a quick vid of 2nd -4th gear pull. Car is officially buring corn.
Seemed to run great until after I had gotten home and parked it. Went to move it when it was still hot, starter cranked but car didn't want to run unless I turned off the ethanol blend map. Soon as it started, turned flex fuel map back on and all was well. Thinking the flex fuel map needs some adjusting. Still need to check logs.
Even a Stage 1 clutch should be more than capable of holding 260FT-LB of torque. Going Stage 4 seems vastly overkill and usually doesn't come into play until you're talking numbers north of 500. I've run Stage 3 clutches in applications over 500HP without issue in the past. Do these clutches you're working with have some ultra-pussified ratings or something?
Even a Stage 1 clutch should be more than capable of holding 260FT-LB of torque. Going Stage 4 seems vastly overkill and usually doesn't come into play until you're talking numbers north of 500. I've run Stage 3 clutches in applications over 500HP without issue in the past. Do these clutches you're working with have some ultra-pussified ratings or something?
I run the clutchmaster's fx350 and light flywheel kit. It's been in the car at least 2 if not 3 years. In that time i've had a supercharged 3.2 and now a 290ish hp 3.5. I do drive the car pretty aggressively. While I would agree stage 3 should be good for my current power level, durability is not always a given. As for the ratings, idk you tell me:
As for stage 1, I've used exedy stage 1s with an 330ish hp H-series motor on nitrous with great success in the past. Although, the parts did start turning purple.
I also have a CM stage 1 in a j35 8th gen accord and previously a 3G TL. However, the 8GA/3G TL were/are essentially stock with minor bolt ons and not driven abusively. I believe the stage 1, 2 and 3 all use the same pressure plate. The only difference then would be the friction material.
I run the clutchmaster's fx350 and light flywheel kit. It's been in the car at least 2 if not 3 years. In that time i've had a supercharged 3.2 and now a 290ish hp 3.5. I do drive the car pretty aggressively. While I would agree stage 3 should be good for my current power level, durability is not always a given. As for the ratings, idk you tell me:
As for stage 1, I've used exedy stage 1s with an 330ish hp H-series motor on nitrous with great success in the past. Although, the parts did start turning purple.
I also have a CM stage 1 in a j35 8th gen accord and previously a 3G TL. However, the 8GA/3G TL were/are essentially stock with minor bolt ons and not driven abusively. I believe the stage 1, 2 and 3 all use the same pressure plate. The only difference then would be the friction material.
Makes sense. Gonna have a lot of grab from that new one. Certainly makes things less streetable, but it'll hold more power. Might be investing in a lot more CV-shafts.
Makes sense. Gonna have a lot of grab from that new one. Certainly makes things less streetable, but it'll hold more power. Might be investing in a lot more CV-shafts.
Definitely, cv axles have crossed my mind. I'm the type that likes to build in a margin of safety. May be ordering some insane shafts in the near future.
So, I've been driving the car around on ethanol for a little over a week, topping off w/ e85 here and there. Now at around 60-65% ethanol content (roughly 100-101 octane). Have also been tweaking the fuel map and adding a bit more timing.
With minor tweaks the car seems to run great. The only drawback so far is due to the additional fuel required. Which is not unexpected... But, notheless has me considering a more moderate ethanol content level.
In other news, the stage 4 clutch arrived today. Hopefully will have time to swap it in next week.
