E85Forum.com

1960 · Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: SOUTH CAROLINA

I have looked at all posts related to carbs.However I need a straight answer from someone who knows.What will I need to do to run e85 in a classic ford with a 1966 170 6cyl engine?It has a 1bbl carb.Is it simply a carb change or will compression ,etc be an issue?I have heard that e85 is so corrosive that it eats up aluminium carbs and copper fuel lines.Can it be done,or is e85 not usable in classic carbureated cars?I have heard both sides on lots of other sites.If someone here that knows can give me a good answer I will spread the word to other classic car sites.We are all interested in e85.We are just worried that our old engines won`t run on it. Thanks

quickd100 · Joined: 01 Oct 2005 Posts: 14

1960; Ideally you'll need to clean your fuel tank and lines before the attempt. Also get a spare carb that you can hack up, don't modifiy a numbers matching carb on a classic. A compression increase will help, I run 11.2-1 in my 440.
I've been running straight E-85 in my truck for a year now. I sometimes drag race it and have installed a new 15gal fuel cell, 3/8" aluminum fuel line, no name electric pump and fuel pressure regulator. Currently I have a carter thermoquad on the motor that I've extensively modified for E-85. I had a 850 holley double pumper on it and it sat full of E-85 from last Sept. to this May. I saw no evidence of damage or corrosion in any component.
If you are going to try modifiying a carb, buy a LM-1 meter before you start. You'll also need a set of numbered drill bits size #1 through #80. You'll also need a a number of brass 10/32 set screws, and a 10/32 NF tap. I got my first carb spot on in one weekend of work. Good luck, Dave
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1.595-60ft., 7.621-1/8, 12.19@105.88-1/4

1960 · Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: SOUTH CAROLINA

What is an LM 1 meter? thanks

hotrod · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 872 Location: Colorado

LM1 is a wide band O2 sensor that makes tuning much easier.

Larry

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

Link to site I found recently selling the LM-1.

http://www.jscspeed.com/index.html?/univ/electronics/innovate_lm1.htm

I haven't order anything from them or am I affiliated with them. I was looking for a fuel pressure gauge at the time. Wink