E85Forum.com

WCUjeeper · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1 Location: cullowhee

I have a 99 jeep cherokee that i want to convert to Ethanol fuel as both a money saver and an environmental science project for my degree. What all is needed and who makes a good conversion kit.
i took a look at flextek's but i couldnt get a lot of info as to what goes into the engine as far as modifications, any input would be greatly apreciated.

Zac, Western Carolina University

stylin99 · Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 85 Location: Charlotte, NC

I looked into the Flextech as well before converting my '99 Mustang GT, but didn't like the fact that they were so secretive about what's inside the box. They responsed very professional, but they couldn't explain what was occuring to increase fuel needs, in order to "preserve their proprietary product design". I have a feeling, it was simply increasing the signal from the computer on how much fuel to spray, and they charge some insane price for the box. That also means it would not be adjusting timing or any other parameters which may be important to observe if you like any kind of full throttle runs. I may be wrong, but that was the impression I got from the responses their customer service email responses provided me. I didn't trust it on my car.

Besides, for a science project, it's way more fun to learn everything you can about the fuel, and make adjustments to the computer tables itself. You just need to find a tuner that can safely increase the demands for fuel and timing.

I would recommend the SCT Xcalibrator2 but I don't think it works with Jeeps.
_________________
'99 Mustang GT, Vortech Supercharged, now running E85 full time.
www.e85mustangs.com

Best Quarter Mile on E85:
10.52 at 135 mph

Revision · Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Posts: 194 Location: Carol Stream, IL

In my opinion, I still think they just increase the injector pulsewidth by 30% and thereby run the injectors to static at max load.

Again IMO, I think that some manufacturers have figured out that modern injectors can be run at static duty cycle without problems. I know that low boost Miata turbo kits can run this way reliably and that my Subaru comes from the factory running the injectors at 100% IDC at peak boost. :\

For your project, are you just trying to run E85 only or convert it to be flex fuel?

jachristner · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Posts: 64 Location: Kokomo, IN

I'm interested in doing the same thing when I finally find the Wrangler I want with the 4.0 I6. I've been planning to get some kind of reader to record short- and long-term fuel trims while I adjust the mix in the tank to find out how far the ECU can adjust on its own. If it won't adjust to full E85 on its own, I'd probably increase the injector size and continue to monitor the fuel trims while further adjusting the mixture in the tank.

The reader I've been leaning toward is the CarChip E/X made by Davis Instruments. It rides on the OBD port under the dash and records data. It can then be downloaded to a comptuer and analyzed.

There's another thread on here by a gentleman with a late-model Wrangler interested in doing the same thing. You might find out if he's got any advice for you. (http://e85forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=210)

I'm also assuming the FlexTek is little more than a pulse width amplifier with a power switch. $600+ is pricey to me.

blackjeeprubi · Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Posts: 5

I'm the gentleman mentioned above. The term gentleman describes me most days. I'm looking at making my 2006 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon a flex-fuel vehicle. So far I've seen several TV news shows on FlexTek. I believe they are working on getting that approved for use in the US. I don't believe it will be long before we see some conversion kits available to the US market. From my studies I found several kits you can buy, most just increase the pulse of the injectors. Simple, it requires more E85 than regular gasoline to make the motor run right. I'm pretty excited about testing my Jeep out when I get it converted. The thing I like about the FlexTek is that it allows you to swap from gasoline to E85. That’s very important here in Florida where we only have one E85 station. I waiting to get an E85 station close and then I'm taking the plunge. I will install the FlexTek just because it seems to be the most popular and most news attracting.

Wes

www.Flextek.com (the kit for the Jeep 4.0L cost $640 but includes everything you need)

New release about the Toyota Chrysler FlexTek Modules:

http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/060714/0144376.html

chenely63 · Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 27

I have used a FlexTex unit on a 1996 ford ranger 2.3L for about two years with out any trouble, in iowa we have a lot of E85 stations.
runs about 10% less miles to a gal for me
Leo