Has anyone tried to do an E85 conversion on their MINI? Searched the forum and didn't find anything, sorry if this has already been addressed?

 

No, I was just talking to local shop about that recently. I have never really been crazy about the idea until recently. Might be fun to run these cars off of e85 for some more powa!

 

i will be doing it when i get my VI-PEC. keep in mind e85 requires 27% more fuel than regular pump gas so you will need MUCH larger injectors. 750s should be good.

 

Unless someone comes up with a fuel pump conversion I don't see this being a long term solution for any R56.

The internals basically liquify with e85 overtime. Very similar to what happens to the Mazda fuel pumps, but with Mazda you get buy a kit to make the pumps e85 friendly.

I'll be curious to see how long those running a blend last before fuel systems start going.

 

As far as E85 goes, it might not be worth doing a full blown conversion, at least for the R56. As far as I am aware there are maybe only two stand alone ECUs that work with the R56. Off the top of my head I don't remember company names... The Vi-PEC only works with the R53s. Maybe the most cost effective solution for those not wanting to spending $5k+ on a standalone for the R56, nor spend $$ on custom injectors, would be to upgrade the fuel lines to something that can cope with E85 and well as modify the fuel pump. That would be the "cheapest" option I think. I know JZW and others can tune for E85.

It's possible with the R56, but cost effective, not so much. Although with the F56 coming out and with some time maybe it will be worthwhile for us R56 owners. Seems like more and more things are popping up and just think of where tuners and parts development was just two years ago. Products for the R56 have been developing rather quick this past year. Who knows? I've even heard rumors that Jan at RMW is now doing in depth work on the R56. But those are rumors.

 

You beat me to the response. Hahaha well done. JM Turbo Coopers has an uprated fuel pump. Perhaps they can make that e85 compatible for some extra $$.

 

minniehaha just posted a very comprehensive review of using E85 on our engines. It is an excellent resource!

 

aeromotive stealth pumps are good with e85 BUT im not sure about the r56 highpressure fp.

 

Not sure about the R56 pumps but other DI cars are running e85. Lots of FRS/BRZs running e85 and I would imagine their HPFPs aren't that different. Since the pump is mechanical you're really just worried about the seals. Should be fairly easy to figure out what the seals are made out of. I don't think the HPFP uses fuel as a lubricant like the in-tank pumps do so I would suspect they'd be more tolerant of E85.

 

Thanks for all the info. Maybe I'll start looking for parts to make it work. I just think it might be fun to have something different and some extra power.