Everything you need to know about E85 tuning at Valencia Motorsports in Richland, WA
If you’re into performance cars in the Tri-Cities, you’ve probably heard about E85. Maybe you’ve seen the pumps at Fred Meyer. Maybe you’ve heard fellow enthusiasts talking about “corn juice” at Cars & Coffee. Maybe you’ve wondered what the hype is all about.
Here’s the short answer: E85 is one of the best performance upgrades you can make to your car—and it’s available right here in Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco.
At Valencia Motorsports in Richland, we’ve been doing E85 flex fuel conversions and custom E85 tuning for years. We’ve seen firsthand what this fuel can do for everything from Hellcats to Corvettes to turbocharged imports. The power gains are real. The benefits are measurable. And for Tri-Cities residents, the fuel is actually accessible.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about E85 in the Tri-Cities area.
What is E85?
E85 is a fuel blend consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol is alcohol—the same stuff in your beer, just not intended for drinking. For automotive use, it’s typically made from corn, though it can be produced from other plant materials.
Why E85 Makes More Power
Here’s the science made simple:
Higher Octane Rating: E85 has an octane rating of 100-105, compared to premium pump gas at 91-93. Higher octane means you can run more aggressive timing and boost without detonation.
Better Cooling Effect: Ethanol has a higher latent heat of vaporization than gasoline. When it evaporates in your intake, it cools the air charge more effectively. Cooler air is denser. Denser air makes more power.
More Fuel = More Oxygen: E85 requires about 30% more fuel than gasoline to achieve the proper air-fuel ratio. That extra fuel carries extra oxygen molecules. More oxygen = more combustion = more power.
The Result? On forced induction cars (turbos and superchargers), we typically see 15-20% horsepower gains just from switching to E85 with proper tuning. On naturally aspirated cars, gains are more modest but still significant—usually 5-10%.
E85 Benefits Beyond Power
1. Cleaner Burning
E85 burns cleaner than gasoline. You’ll notice:
- Less carbon buildup in the combustion chamber
- Cleaner spark plugs
- Reduced deposits on intake valves (especially on direct injection engines)
- Lower harmful emissions
2. Cost Savings (Sometimes)
E85 pricing fluctuates, but it’s typically cheaper per gallon than premium gasoline in the Tri-Cities. Yes, you’ll use about 20-30% more of it due to lower energy density, but the math often works out in your favor—especially when you factor in the performance you’re getting.
3. Safer for High-Performance Builds
The knock resistance of E85 provides a safety margin for high-boost applications. Where pump gas might detonate at 20 psi of boost, E85 handles it safely. This is critical for forced induction builds pushing serious power.
4. Better Throttle Response
E85’s fast burn rate means sharper throttle response. Customers consistently report that their cars feel more responsive and eager after switching to E85.
E85 Availability in Tri-Cities
Here’s the good news: You can get E85 right here in the Tri-Cities.
Local E85 Stations:
Fred Meyer Fuel Centers:
- 2811 W 10th Ave, Kennewick
- 101 Wellsian Way, Richland
These Fred Meyer locations have offered E85 for years and are the primary sources for local performance enthusiasts. The Richland location is less than 5 minutes from Valencia Motorsports—convenient for customers running E85 tunes.
Seasonal Note:
E85 blend can vary by season. In winter, stations may sell E70 or E75 (less ethanol) to help with cold-start characteristics. This doesn’t hurt your car, but it’s good to know. Your Valencia tune accounts for ethanol content variations—we’ll explain how below.
Can Your Car Run E85?
Factory Flex-Fuel Vehicles
Some vehicles come from the factory as “flex-fuel” capable. These have:
- E85-compatible fuel systems (lines, pumps, injectors)
- Ethanol sensor to detect fuel blend
- ECU programming to adjust for E85 or regular gas
Common factory flex-fuel performance vehicles:
- Some Dodge Challenger/Charger models
- Certain Chevrolet Camaro variants
- Select Ford F-150 engines
Even factory flex-fuel vehicles benefit from custom tuning at Valencia. The factory calibration is conservative. We can extract significantly more power while maintaining reliability.
Non-Flex-Fuel Vehicles (Conversions)
Most performance cars aren’t flex-fuel from the factory—but that doesn’t mean they can’t run E85. Valencia Motorsports specializes in converting non-flex vehicles to run E85 safely and reliably.
What’s Required:
Fuel System Upgrades:
- Larger fuel injectors (E85 requires ~30% more fuel flow)
- High-flow fuel pump (often necessary for increased fuel demands)
- E85-compatible fuel lines and seals (some older vehicles need this)
Engine Management:
- Custom ECU tuning for E85-specific air-fuel ratios
- Timing optimization for E85’s octane rating
- Optional: Ethanol content sensor for flex-fuel capability
The Valencia Approach:
We don’t do cookie-cutter E85 conversions. Every build is custom-tuned on our in-house dyno to extract maximum safe power from your specific combination of parts. Your Hellcat’s E85 tune will be different from a Corvette’s E85 tune, which will be different from a turbocharged Mustang’s tune.
E85 Conversion Process at Valencia Motorsports
Step 1: Consultation & Assessment
We evaluate your current setup:
- What’s your power goal?
- What’s your current fuel system capability?
- What supporting modifications do you have?
- Will you run E85 exclusively, or do you want flex-fuel capability?
Step 2: Fuel System Upgrades
Based on your goals, we recommend and install necessary components:
For naturally aspirated cars: Often just need larger injectors and a tune.
For forced induction cars: May need injectors, fuel pump upgrade, possibly upgraded fuel lines depending on power level.
For maximum flexibility: We can install an ethanol content sensor, allowing you to run any mix of E85 and pump gas without switching tunes.
Step 3: Custom Dyno Tuning
This is where Valencia’s expertise shines. We tune your car on our Mustang dyno:
- Optimize air-fuel ratios for E85’s stoichiometric requirements
- Advance timing to take advantage of E85’s knock resistance
- Adjust boost levels (if applicable) for maximum safe power
- Verify wide-open throttle performance and part-throttle drivability
Before/After Documentation: You’ll get dyno sheets showing baseline power (on pump gas) vs. E85 power. Seeing the gains in black and white is always satisfying.
Step 4: Real-World Testing
We don’t just tune on the dyno and call it done. Every E85 conversion gets road-tested to verify:
- Cold-start performance (E85 can be finicky in extreme cold)
- Part-throttle drivability
- Fuel economy (informational)
- No driveability issues
Real Valencia E85 Conversions: Before & After
Dodge Hellcat Charger – Kennewick Customer
Before (93 octane pump gas):
- 710 HP / 650 TQ (stock supercharger pulley)
After (E85 with Valencia tune):
- 835 HP / 760 TQ (same pulley)
Gain: 125 HP, 110 TQ just from fuel and tuning. No mechanical changes.
Customer Review: “I knew E85 made power, but this is insane. The car pulls harder everywhere. Plus, I’m saving money vs. premium gas. Valencia’s tune is perfect—starts fine even on cold mornings.”
Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06 – Richland Customer
Before (93 octane):
- 625 HP / 585 TQ (with minor bolt-ons)
After (E85 with Valencia flex-fuel tune):
- 710 HP / 640 TQ
Gain: 85 HP, 55 TQ
Customer Review: “The flex-fuel setup Valencia did is brilliant. I can run E85 for track days and max power, or pump 91 octane when I’m traveling. The car automatically adjusts. Game changer.”
Ford Mustang GT (2018) – Pasco Customer
Before (91 octane):
- 485 HP / 445 TQ (Coyote V8 with intake/exhaust)
After (E85):
- 535 HP / 490 TQ
Gain: 50 HP, 45 TQ
Customer Review: “Always wanted more power but didn’t want to supercharge yet. E85 gave me a big bump for way less money. Valencia’s tune is so smooth—you’d never know it’s making over 500 HP.”
Common E85 Questions from Tri-Cities Customers
“Will E85 hurt my engine?”
Not if properly tuned. E85 is actually gentler on engines than pump gas in many ways:
- Burns cleaner (less carbon deposits)
- Cooler combustion temperatures
- Higher knock resistance (less stress)
The key is proper tuning. Running E85 without a tune, or with an incorrect tune, can cause issues. This is why Valencia’s custom dyno tuning is critical.
“What about fuel economy?”
You’ll use more fuel—typically 20-30% more due to E85’s lower energy density. But E85 is usually cheaper per gallon than premium in the Tri-Cities, so the cost per mile can be similar or even lower.
For performance customers, this is usually a non-issue. You’re not building a 700 HP Hellcat for fuel economy.
“Can I still run regular gas?”
Yes—if you get a flex-fuel tune. Valencia offers two options:
E85-only tune: Optimized for maximum power on E85. You must run E85 (or at least E70).
Flex-fuel tune: Can run any mixture of E85 and pump gas. The ECU automatically adjusts. This requires an ethanol content sensor but provides maximum flexibility.
Most customers opt for flex-fuel setups unless they’re dedicated race cars.
“What about cold weather starting?”
E85 can be harder to start in extreme cold (below 20°F). However:
- Modern fuel injection helps significantly
- Valencia’s tune includes cold-start enrichment
- Winter blend E85 (E70) starts easier
- Keep your battery strong
- Block heaters help if you’re concerned
We’ve had zero issues with E85 cars in Tri-Cities winters. Our winters aren’t Minnesota.
“Do I need to change my oil more often?”
Slightly more often is recommended—not because E85 is hard on oil, but because unburned ethanol can dilute oil if you do a lot of short trips. Valencia recommends:
- 5,000-mile oil changes (vs. 7,500 for pump gas)
- High-quality synthetic oil
- Oil analysis if you’re pushing serious power
“What if I can’t find E85 while traveling?”
With a flex-fuel tune, just run pump gas. The ECU detects the lower ethanol content and adjusts timing and fuel accordingly. You’ll lose the power gains, but the car runs fine.
With an E85-only tune, you’re committed to E85. Check station locations before road trips. Apps like “Alternative Fueling Station Locator” help find E85 nationwide.
E85 Myths Debunked
Myth: “E85 will rot my fuel system”
Truth: Modern fuel systems (late 1990s onward) are generally E85-compatible. Older vehicles may need upgraded fuel lines and seals, which Valencia addresses during conversion.
Myth: “E85 makes your engine run lean and blow up”
Truth: The opposite—E85 actually runs richer (more fuel). Proper tuning is essential, but a properly tuned E85 car is very safe.
Myth: “E85 is bad for the environment”
Truth: It’s complicated. E85 produces lower tailpipe emissions than gasoline. The environmental impact of corn farming and ethanol production is debated. For most performance enthusiasts, this isn’t the primary concern—but it’s worth noting E85 does burn cleaner.
Myth: “You can just dump E85 in and go”
Truth: NO. This will damage your engine. E85 requires proper tuning and often fuel system upgrades. Always work with a professional shop like Valencia.
Is E85 Right for Your Build?
E85 makes the most sense if:
✓ You have a forced induction car (turbo/supercharger)
✓ You’re looking for significant power gains
✓ You have access to E85 locally (Tri-Cities does)
✓ You don’t mind slightly reduced fuel economy
✓ You want the safety margin of higher octane
✓ You like the idea of cleaner-burning fuel
E85 might not be worth it if:
✗ Your car is bone stock and you want to keep it that way
✗ You frequently travel to areas without E85
✗ Your car already makes all the power you want
✗ You do a lot of long-distance highway cruising (fuel economy matters)
Still not sure? Call Valencia. We’ll give you an honest assessment based on your specific car and goals.
Valencia’s E85 Conversion Packages
We offer flexible E85 solutions to match your needs and budget. Every package includes custom dyno tuning and is tailored to your specific vehicle.
E85 Tune Only (for cars with adequate fuel system)
- Custom E85 calibration
- In-house dyno tuning
- Before/after dyno sheets
- Road testing
E85 Conversion Package (most popular)
- Upgraded fuel injectors
- High-flow fuel pump (if needed)
- Custom E85 calibration
- In-house dyno tuning
- Before/after dyno sheets
Flex-Fuel Conversion Package (maximum flexibility)
- Everything in E85 Conversion Package
- Ethanol content sensor installation
- Flex-fuel ECU calibration (runs any E85/gas mix)
- Switch between fuels without changing tunes
Call 509-392-2916 for a consultation and quote specific to your vehicle.
The Valencia Difference
Local E85 Expertise
We’ve been tuning E85 in the Tri-Cities since E85 became available locally. We know the fuel quality at local stations. We know how seasonal blends affect performance. We know what works and what doesn’t in this climate.
In-House Dyno Tuning
Every E85 conversion gets custom-tuned on our Mustang dyno. We don’t use generic mail-order tunes. Your car gets a calibration specific to your combination of parts, local fuel, and elevation.
Proven Results
We’ve done hundreds of E85 conversions on everything from Hellcats to Hondas. Our customers compete at drag strips, road race courses, and local car shows. The results speak for themselves.
Complete Support
Questions after your tune? Need to adjust something? Car not starting quite right in winter? We’re here. We support every build we do.
1-Year Warranty
All Valencia work comes with a 1-year warranty. We stand behind our E85 conversions and tuning.
Schedule Your E85 Consultation
Interested in E85 for your performance car? Here’s how to get started:
1. Call or Visit
509-392-2916
2465 Robertson Dr, Richland, WA 99354
2. Discuss Your Goals
We’ll talk about your car, your power goals, your budget, and whether E85 makes sense for your situation.
3. Get a Custom Quote
Every car is different. We’ll provide a detailed quote for parts and labor specific to your build.
4. Schedule Your Build
Most E85 conversions take 1-2 days depending on parts availability and current shop schedule.
Final Thoughts
E85 isn’t for everyone—but for performance enthusiasts in the Tri-Cities who want more power, better throttle response, and the safety of higher octane, it’s one of the best modifications you can make.
The fuel is available locally. The technology is proven. The gains are real. And Valencia Motorsports has the expertise to do it right.
Ready to experience what E85 can do for your car?
Valencia Motorsports
2465 Robertson Dr, Richland, WA 99354
Phone: 509-392-2916
Email: valenciamotorsports@yahoo.com
Website: valenciamotorsports.com
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: By appointment
Serving Tri-Cities performance enthusiasts with custom E85 conversions, flex-fuel tuning, and dyno-proven results. From Hellcats to Corvettes, Mustangs to imports—if it makes power, we can make it run on E85.
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