E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline that burns cooler, has higher octane (typically 100-105), and allows for more aggressive timing and boost. Translation: more power, less knock, happier engine.
The real kicker? It's usually cheaper than premium pump gas, so you're making more power for less money. Your wallet and your dyno sheets will thank you.
Yes, but with the right setup. Your Mustang GT can absolutely run E85, but the factory fuel system wasn't designed for it. You'll need some upgrades to do it right.
Here's the shopping list, broken down by what's essential versus what's recommended:
The gains depend heavily on your setup. A stock naturally aspirated Coyote might see 15-25hp, but that's just the beginning. The real magic happens when you add boost - E85's knock resistance lets you run more timing and higher boost levels safely.
We've seen supercharged setups gain 60-80hp just from switching to E85 with proper tuning. Your mileage may vary, but the results are typically impressive.
You're going to use more fuel - about 20-30% more volume than gasoline. E85 has less energy density, so your engine needs more of it to make the same power.
Your range will decrease, but honestly, if you're worried about fuel economy, you probably shouldn't be modifying a Mustang GT in the first place.
E85 availability varies by region, but it's become much more common. The Midwest has excellent coverage, while coastal areas can be spottier. Use apps like "Alternative Fuels Data Center" to find nearby stations.
E85 can be tougher to start in cold weather, but modern Coyote engines handle it better than older platforms. A good tune will include cold-start enrichment to help with this.
Some customers in colder climates run a winter blend or keep some gasoline in the tank during the coldest months. Your tuner can set up multiple tunes for different seasons if needed.
You can mix them, but your tune needs to account for it. Most fixed tunes are optimized for either straight E85 or pump gas - mixing them puts you in no-man's land.
Let's be real - E85 isn't perfect:
That said, most customers find the power gains and cost savings outweigh these concerns, especially for weekend warriors and track-focused builds.
Gen 3 and 4 Coyotes (2018+) have the advantage with their dual injection systems. The direct injection helps with efficiency and knock resistance, making E85 conversions more straightforward.
Gen 1 and 2 cars absolutely can run E85 successfully, but they'll need larger injectors sooner. Gen 2 cars with stock manifolds can sometimes get away with factory injectors for basic E85 setups.
Running E85 itself won't void your warranty - it's sold at regular gas stations as pump fuel. However, the modifications required (injectors, tune, etc.) could potentially affect warranty coverage on related components.
Most dealers can detect ECU modifications even if you return to stock. Always discuss with your service advisor before making changes if warranty coverage is a concern.
Our specialists can help you build the perfect E85 setup for your Mustang GT.