E85 conversion is a process that allows a vehicle to use two types of fuel: bio-ethanol and petrol.
The conversion is carried out purely electronically, by modifying the mapping to allow the user to run on either fuel in any proportion without any intervention on their part.
The E85 fuel, or superethanol, is a fuel composed of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is primarily derived from cereals such as corn.
The composition can vary from one season to another or from one gas station to another. For instance, in winter, the gasoline content may be higher to facilitate cold starts.
It's crucial to note that, especially in France, regulations have become more lenient, allowing oil companies to increase ethanol levels, potentially causing issues, particularly during cold start phases.
It's essential to recognize that a vehicle with older electronic management may experience problems sooner than a latest-generation vehicle, although adjustments can still be made.
When converting a vehicle to E85, certain precautions should be taken:
1. Replace spark plugs if they have more than 20,000 km.
2. Replace ignition coils if they have more than 40,000 km.
3. Perform datalogging with both gasoline and E85 using the modified file.
4. Adhere to the adaptation phases when switching fuels (drive calmly for about 15 minutes to allow the ECU to adapt during a fuel change).
5. On the day of the modification, ensure the vehicle has low gasoline levels for logging and then refuel with E85 without having too high an ethanol/gasoline ratio.
6. Mechanically verify if the vehicle is suitable for this modification and if certain parts need replacement beforehand.
Some vehicles may require upgraded fuel pumps or injectors as E85 requires 20 to 30% more injection compared to gasoline.
Values to consider for E85 datalogging:
1. Engine speed
2. Injection values
3. Injector flow rates
4. High and low-pressure pump flow rates
5. Short-term and long-term adaptation values (short-term trims/long-term trims)
6. Lambda value
7. Ignition timing
8. Knock sensor