Difference between the 5.3's with and w/o flex-fuel
01-13-2009, 08:43 AM
#13
Launching!
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Location: Blaine, MN
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Wow, thank you all for the great information!
So, If I understand this right then... I should be able to purchase the injectors and rails for a FlexFuel 5.3, install those in mine (I don't even have to change the tables in the PCM) and then it would be ready for E85?
From GM
E85 Flexible-Fuel Capability
The Vortec 5.3L (RPO L59) was the first flex-fuel V-8 for full-size sport-utility vehicles. The Gen IV 5.3L’s (LC9, LMG, and LMF), feature more sophisticated and robust E85 flex-fuel operation. E85 is a clean-burning alternative fuel made in the United States from homegrown corn and other crops, composed of 85 percent ethanol alcohol and 15 percent gasoline.
The intake and exhaust valve seat material was revised for improved high mileage durability on E85 fuel. Additionally, the intake valve material was also revised for compatibility with the new seats.
Hardware changes for flex-fuel operation are limited to the injectors. Because ethanol has fewer BTUs (less energy) than the same volume of gasoline, more fuel is required to produce the same horsepower at wide-open throttle. Flex fuel engines use unique injectors with a greater cone angle and higher maximum fuel-flow rate. The fuel rail matches the injectors, but it’s manufactured of the same stainless steel used for all Vortec V-8s.
The flex-fuel Vortec 5.3L doesn’t even require a special fuel sensor. The first flex-fuel engines used a light-reactive sensor to measure fuel composition from 100 percent gasoline to 85 percent ethanol. The Gen IV has a virtual sensor—software programmed in the E38 ECM with no separate physical sensor. Based on readings from the oxygen (O²) sensors, fuel level sensor and vehicle speed sensors, the ECM adjusts the length of time the fuel injectors open for the type of fuel used. Within a fuel miles after filling up, the E38 controller determines what fuel is powering the Vortec 5.3L and manages the engine accordingly.
E85 fuel provides an environmentally friendly companion or alternative to gasoline. It is biodegradable and doesn’t contaminate the water supply. Ethanol can be produced from various feed stocks, including corn and wheat stalks, forestry and agricultural waste, and even municipal waste.
E85 Flexible-Fuel Capability
The Vortec 5.3L (RPO L59) was the first flex-fuel V-8 for full-size sport-utility vehicles. The Gen IV 5.3L’s (LC9, LMG, and LMF), feature more sophisticated and robust E85 flex-fuel operation. E85 is a clean-burning alternative fuel made in the United States from homegrown corn and other crops, composed of 85 percent ethanol alcohol and 15 percent gasoline.
The intake and exhaust valve seat material was revised for improved high mileage durability on E85 fuel. Additionally, the intake valve material was also revised for compatibility with the new seats.
Hardware changes for flex-fuel operation are limited to the injectors. Because ethanol has fewer BTUs (less energy) than the same volume of gasoline, more fuel is required to produce the same horsepower at wide-open throttle. Flex fuel engines use unique injectors with a greater cone angle and higher maximum fuel-flow rate. The fuel rail matches the injectors, but it’s manufactured of the same stainless steel used for all Vortec V-8s.
The flex-fuel Vortec 5.3L doesn’t even require a special fuel sensor. The first flex-fuel engines used a light-reactive sensor to measure fuel composition from 100 percent gasoline to 85 percent ethanol. The Gen IV has a virtual sensor—software programmed in the E38 ECM with no separate physical sensor. Based on readings from the oxygen (O²) sensors, fuel level sensor and vehicle speed sensors, the ECM adjusts the length of time the fuel injectors open for the type of fuel used. Within a fuel miles after filling up, the E38 controller determines what fuel is powering the Vortec 5.3L and manages the engine accordingly.
E85 fuel provides an environmentally friendly companion or alternative to gasoline. It is biodegradable and doesn’t contaminate the water supply. Ethanol can be produced from various feed stocks, including corn and wheat stalks, forestry and agricultural waste, and even municipal waste.
01-13-2009, 09:41 AM
#14
Wow, thank you all for the great information!
So, If I understand this right then... I should be able to purchase the injectors and rails for a FlexFuel 5.3, install those in mine (I don't even have to change the tables in the PCM) and then it would be ready for E85?
So, If I understand this right then... I should be able to purchase the injectors and rails for a FlexFuel 5.3, install those in mine (I don't even have to change the tables in the PCM) and then it would be ready for E85?
01-13-2009, 09:45 AM
#15
TECH Resident
Wow, thank you all for the great information!
So, If I understand this right then... I should be able to purchase the injectors and rails for a FlexFuel 5.3, install those in mine (I don't even have to change the tables in the PCM) and then it would be ready for E85?
So, If I understand this right then... I should be able to purchase the injectors and rails for a FlexFuel 5.3, install those in mine (I don't even have to change the tables in the PCM) and then it would be ready for E85?
