> > At any rate, many many years ago, I experimented with running my TR3A on
> > "denatured" alcohol. Ran just fine with the jets pulled down about 1/4"
> > from their usual position, although I didn't make any performance
> > comparison.
> >
> > Randall
>
> Was there an obvious performance difference that you could detect?
Seemed pretty comparable, I didn't notice any drop. But I didn't particularly
look for one either, just drove normally. Only bought a gallon, and it didn't
last long.
> Also, since
> E85 is rated at 110 octane, would increasing your compression ratio compensate
> for the loss of power?
I suspect so, but don't know for sure. The theoretical drop in max power is
pretty small (mostly due to getting less air in the cylinder as I understand
it), while upping the compression ratio makes a substantial improvement.
> How high a ratio could you use if you went to E85
> exclusively?
Don't know for sure, but I suspect the main limit with a TRactor motor will be
the motor itself. I found a website selling 110 octane race fuel as being
suitable for up to 19:1 compression, which seems a bit extreme to me. Another
says 14:1 is the practical limit, but even 14:1 would be a real problem with a
TRactor motor, IMO. "Pop-up" pistons would almost certainly be required, and
they cause other problems.
Of course, there's always supercharging ...
BTW, E85 is 85% ethanol.
Randall
=== This list supported in part by The Vintage Triumph Register
=== http://www.vtr.org
|