Converting FB Nikki to E85?

P71 · 04-25-2008, 05:27 PM

We have an Ethanol plant right here in Longview, as well as a few stations. I've done some research on converting the EFI Crown Vic and that seems easy enough, but what about the RX-7? Can a 12A even benefit from 114RON Octane? Will the alcohol hurt the seals? If those are easily answered and E85 seems like a good pick, then what do I have to do to the carb? I know I'll have to richen it up 15-20% and probably replace some gaskets and what not. Anybody played with this stuff before?

PercentSevenC · 04-26-2008, 11:53 AM

Well, you can make more power on E85 than you can on gas if you tune it correctly. You won't be able to take advantage of the higher octane unless you're boosted, though. You'll need a new higher-flowing ethanol-compatible fuel pump and soft fuel lines at least. It might also be necessary to have your intake manifold coated with something, because E85 is corrosive to aluminum. What that means for old rotor housings with missing chrome, I don't know. Maybe nothing. I also don't know what, if any, parts of a stock Nikki need to be replaced. Maybe Sterling will know.

I would love to run my FB on E85 after the turbo goes in, so I'm making a point of getting ethanol-compatible fuel system components. I'm just waiting for an E85 station to open up around here.

Sterling · 04-28-2008, 07:03 AM

The carb body is pot-metal, zinc based, I believe. Boosters and air horn are aluminum, venturis are pot-metal. All are subject to corrosion. I think you're only choice would be to have the carburetor body electroplated. Maybe nickel or rhodium.
You could do zinc then nickel then silver.
From a metallurgists point of view, lots of options. None are cheap, and the longevity of any of them are questionable, but it can certainly be done.

04-25-2008, 05:27 PM	#1
P71 RCC Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: WA State iTrader: (1) Posts: 651 Rep Power: 17	Converting FB Nikki to E85? We have an Ethanol plant right here in Longview, as well as a few stations. I've done some research on converting the EFI Crown Vic and that seems easy enough, but what about the RX-7? Can a 12A even benefit from 114RON Octane? Will the alcohol hurt the seals? If those are easily answered and E85 seems like a good pick, then what do I have to do to the carb? I know I'll have to richen it up 15-20% and probably replace some gaskets and what not. Anybody played with this stuff before? __________________ Michael Pinto 2008 PDXCGP Drag Racing Season Champion 83 RX-7 GSL; 12A/5-Speed, Red/Red; 100% Stock - 16.072@83.39 01 CV Police Interceptor; 4.6 SOHC V8/4R70W, Dk Blue/Grey; K&N FIPK/RP Oil/Optima/Superchips/Flowmaster 40's/2.5" cat-back - 14.854@92.37 Read my Rx-7 Build Thread! http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...ed=1#post70955 Get on the new RCC 1/4 Mile ET List! http://www.rotarycarclub.com/rotary_...read.php?t=368 Vote for the ROTM! http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...play.php?f=125

04-28-2008, 07:03 AM	#3
Sterling Premium Vendor Join Date: Feb 2008 iTrader: (2) Posts: 74 Rep Power: 17	The carb body is pot-metal, zinc based, I believe. Boosters and air horn are aluminum, venturis are pot-metal. All are subject to corrosion. I think you're only choice would be to have the carburetor body electroplated. Maybe nickel or rhodium. You could do zinc then nickel then silver. From a metallurgists point of view, lots of options. None are cheap, and the longevity of any of them are questionable, but it can certainly be done.