Could I run e85 off my 3.0 to 4.0 swap?

[cp2295]

Just cuz e85 gives you more power I read. I got a ffv 3.0 originally so the little sensor thing in the fuel line is still all intact.

 

[James86]

There's more to it than the alcohol sensor in the line:
-The sensor won't do jack unless it still has a E85 capable ECU to actually report to, which can alter timing to accommodate a higher octane fuel. (as far as I know there aren't any E85 4.0's, so since I would think you changed computers, that's an issue)
-E85 engines have different combustion chambers than non-E85 engines (see the Tech Library for an illustration of the 3.0 heads.) Even if it did run on it, it's probably not ideally configured for it.
-E85 is more corrosive than regular gasoline, so the O-rings and gaskets for the fuel rail and injectors would have to change.
-E85 injectors themselves are different. Standard is 19lbs, E85 uses 24lbs. I have had to replace mine on my E85 3.0, so stumbled onto that one.

Those are just the things I can state with even a little certainty, I'm sure there's more....

 

[cp2295]

Alright cool thanks, all very valid and reasonable points.. I don't see anything going against those answers

 

[adsm08]

I have seen some stuff to suggest that there were E85 4.0s in Explorers. I still say it's not worth it. It gets you much lower MPG, costs about the same, and the power "increase" is questionable from the numbers I have seen reported by Ford.

 

[James86]

What increase numbers have you seen? I know a lot of newer cars these days like the Pentastar and the Duratecs say they run on E85, but I don't see numbers. I know my manual says +9HP and +12 lbs. ft., but that's all it says for the FFV, so I assume the regular unleaded numbers are similar to regular 3.0s.

This is from my 1999 owner's manual, so it may differ.

As far as mileage, it's definitely a noticeable difference, but it depends on prices in your area. I paid $2.31/gal for E85 the other day when regular was $3.08 here in central MN, so it sort of balances out price per mile for me.

I honestly think it's a bigger headache than it's worth trying to make your 4.0 run on E85.

 

[cp2295]

Yeah I'm not gonna convert it or anything I just didn't know if I could do it without any mods

 

[cp2295]

I feel like either the 3.0 is overrated or the 4.0 is underrated.. The difference in power is way more than the numbers show I feel

 

[SenorNoob]

paid $2.31/gal for E85 the other day when regular was $3.08 here in central MN

Dang, only one place around here sells e85 (it's a 35 mile trip) and it runs a dollar a gallon HIGHER than premium.

 

[cp2295]

Dang, only one place around here sells e85 (it's a 35 mile trip) and it runs a dollar a gallon HIGHER than premium.

What!? A dollar higher? That's insane what's the incentive of running e85 then in that area? I bet they got low sales..

 

[James86]

Yay Minnesota and it's 320+ E85 stations, lol.