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| Flex fuel 3800sc swap (Page 1/1) |
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beaumontracer
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OCT 09, 01:50 PM
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I am getting ready to do the 3800SC into 1988 GT swap and am planning out the fuel system. I plan to use E85, however it is not abundantly available in my area, so I want to make mine FlexFuel.
Has anyone done this? And, what parts are required?
I am using a Regal GS, 2002 vintage, engine and trans.
Thanks in advance!
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Bladerunner
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OCT 10, 02:20 PM
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I asked the same question recently and was informed the 3800sc ECU doesn't support FlexFuel. So, you would need an aftermarket ECU if you wanted to go that route.
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Raydar
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OCT 10, 05:46 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Bladerunner:
I asked the same question recently and was informed the 3800sc ECU doesn't support FlexFuel. So, you would need an aftermarket ECU if you wanted to go that route. |
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GM has a number of Flex Fuel ECMs/applications, but I don't know if any of them support boost (or a manual trans, for that matter.)
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Dennis LaGrua
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OCT 10, 07:53 PM
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I believe flex fuel systems require a PCM with sensors that can detect the fuel source and adjust the program parameters to accommodate the needed fueling and timing settings. While it probably can be done, I would not want to be the first guy to tackle this. Having said that the 3800 PCM can be adjusted to allow the engine to run on E85 but once it is set for that fuel it won't run well if the fuel is changed. These are a few guys here that run their engines on E85.
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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
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theogre
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OCT 11, 12:31 AM
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Dennis LaGrua is about correct...
Flex Fuel vehicles has a sensor to "read" the actual fuel in them after every fill up in real time to adjust fuel mix and ignition timing at minimum.
W/o that sensor, you can't fill up w/ plan gas, E10 or E85 at will w/o large headaches.
If ECM is program for E85 and then use normal gas... Engine sees E?? depending on the amount of each type.
Even if have several maps and a switch between normal to E85 and back... you have to find the right map set nearly every time you buy gas.
Wrong Maps then:
ECM May set Code(s) but may only be the start of problems...
Car will run Rich and waste fuel @ minimum.
Car will run Lean and can burn the engine.
Running Rich or Lean can overheat the Exhaust & Cat and cause problems for O2 sensor and may need replacing to fix. That's If the car doesn't burn down...
Ignition timing is wrong can cause either and more problems like hard or no starting.
That's assuming E85 at the Station is really 85% Ethanol. Often is Not and have < 85%. Same for E10 and E15. Is why many station label w/ "Up to 10% Ethanol." Flex Fuel Vehicles don't care but your DIY E85 car can or will have problems as E% drops for any reason.
If your State requires Emission testing... Will have more problems getting E85 to pass Inspection.
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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)
The Ogre's Fiero Cave[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 10-11-2022).]
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darkhorizon
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OCT 11, 08:13 AM
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The stock pcm can handle flex fuel with a careful tune that utilizes the 32% total adjustment available in the closed loop system. You will also need to be able to stomach a potential check engine light if one of those adjustments ever maxes out for an extended period of time. also, you will need to remove the boost you added with the e85 which could be done pretty easily with a switch leading to the boost bypass. If you wanted a true flex fuel setup then you will also need to run some sort of boost control system, which can be done with an add on.
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beaumontracer
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OCT 11, 11:23 PM
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Thanks everyone for the responses.As I'm already somewhat intimidated by the ECM injected world. (I'm a carburetor and distributor kind of guy)
Maybe just one fuel is where I go from here.
I'd really like to try E85 as it seems to make more power with the benefit of cooler running.
My thought was that I wouldn't need to intercool with E85 to get the same power.
Not trying to set the world on fire, but would like to end up with a low to mid 12 second ride.
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Australian
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OCT 12, 05:45 AM
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