Can I use ME-R with E85?

[John Larkin]

The older I get the more I am adopting a "set it and forget it" mentality. I realize ME-R is user adjustable but I just want to use it because I own it. I have an old version, probably from around 2003.

I am attracted to E85 for the octane benefit. My car is for pleasure driving only so MPG means virtually nothing to me. If anyone could advise me on how to proceed I would appreciate the help. Here is my basic (old school) combo:

Stock longblock with upgraded valvesprings
160° thermostat
TA-54 turbo
72 lb Siemens injectors
Walbro 340 with hot wire
ME-R mafless chip
Solid inlet pipe
SMC alky kit, non-progressive (plan on deleting this if E85 works out)
3200 stall LU converter
Stretch IC, stock location
28" tall rear tires
Scanmaster
DirectScan
assorted gauges (knock sensor, oil, fuel pressure, boost)


This will be a street car but I would like it to pull hard like a mid-elevens car. It will never see the track again. The less I have to buy the better but I know there will be some expense. I appreciate any help and advice.

 

[EricM]

Hi John,
There were never any ME-R calibrations developed for E85, so unfortunately you may be out of luck there. There hasn't been much development on that chip for a few years, so you might have a relatively "new" version. The version is normally written on it.

 

[John Larkin]

Thanks Eric. I am still interested in E85. I guess that means I need to go back to a MAF system. Like I said earlier I am open to advice. Should I go with a Translator setup and a standard E85 chip from you? I want to create a turn key setup and just drive the car.

 

[EricM]

If you're looking for minimal tuning and best driveability, then the MAF is the best way to go (in my opinion). The Translator/LS1 MAF is a good setup. If you don't have a stock O2 in there, you'll want to put one back in. Then you can use my basic 5.7 chip.

We need to figure out how fast you intend to go in order to know if you injectors and fuel pump are big enough. The 72's would be good down to the 10.70's area, but your fuel pump in only good to about 11.30's on E85.

 

[John Larkin]

Encouraging words Eric, thanks. Maybe this won't be such a steep venture afterall. Mid-11s performance is really all I was after; perhaps I could do the pump down the road if I long for more.

I will be in touch when I get more firmed up. Got quite a bit to do in the next few weeks. Thanks again!