This was super informative! I have a 2019 wrx and I've been told the wrx has massive gains from just doing flex fuel and because it is direct injection it is safer for the engine. Can't wait to get flex fuel kit installed on my car!
Flex fuel kit is my favorite upgrade you guys have installed. I want to hear more about the IAG block install certification/warranty you guys have and what block(s) you would recommend for what power level.
As a tuner myself you hear the craziest myths about e85 from my clients lol. But also I started explaining the benifits and to them probably sounded more like “wa wa wah wa wa MORE POWER bla bla “ lol my favorite myth though which is mostly true but once you go ethanol you have to run that fuel only. Haha well that’s partly true. While you don’t have to, the power speaks for itself. And the car just seams to run way smoother and better on ethanol as well. I mean it’s a no brainer to me. If your have a e85 station and I’m tuning your car with capable injectors, it’s getting ethanol tuned
There are legit issues with cylinder wall lubricity and valve train wear with Ethanol though. Gasoline does have some lubricating properties that any alcohol based fuel lacks. Some day I'm sure an additive will be on the market for this issue that wont affect octane rating or emissions, but I haven't heard of any yet.
I have a stock 2015 STI. Is it a good idea for my first mod to be flex fuel kit (fuel pump, injectors, sensor, lines) with everything else stock? Good video!
Flex kit (with supporting fuel mods) on a stock car is a great gain and the car will easily make over 300whp so I'd say it's a great first mod if you are primarily running E85. If you want to run pump gas a lot I would suggest doing intake and downpipe as well to help it breathe on 93.
So what's the point of flex fuel if the gas stations near you barely give you 60% ethanol? Would you guys still be giving more power there than on regular 93?
E60 offers massive benefits over 93. Night and day difference. About E60-70 will make full power on a car like this, anything higher just offers a little more cooling.
Great question. It depends on how the tuner sets the map up. Ideally, it should be tuned at the highest content that it will be ran on for confirmation of fuel system capability but anything over E70 doesn't provide very huge gains on most engines. For that reason, the only thing really changing in the tune on a car like this between winter and summer blend is the fuel stoich ratio which is a known formula and can be entered without testing. In other words, to answer your question, yes it will "scale up" but typically won't make a measurable power difference! Thanks for the comment!
Do these flex fuel kits work just as well on the older stis? I have a 2006 sti and wasn't sure if the older ecu would work as well with this kind of setup as the newer cars do
Unfortunately for flex fuel to work, you need the ECU to be able to be tuned for and adjust for the changes in ethanol % so no you could not. You could; however, tune a car on E85 only (Assuming the ECU is tunable).
When on the dyno, even with a linked dyno like ours, it's not uncommon for the VDC system to "fault out" because it can tell the car is not on the road. It's harmless and does away once the car is back on the road. Thanks for the comment!
Have not, but E85 is such a beneficial fuel I don't see additional meth offering much at all. The E85 covers any concerns about running into spark knock and the latent heat of vaporization rate is already excellent. Adding meth on top of 93 however adds a ton of benefit but can be a little risky to run.
@@boostcontrolledperformance1523 so far I haven't heard of any tuners trying the combo out. I'm thinking additional boost and ignition timing could be gained by running the meth injection would love to see some testing.
@@DJ_Driven To put it technically, MBT timing can be easily reached on E70. With this in mind, the only real benefit of stacking meth on top would be cooling.
@@boostcontrolledperformance1523 yeah meth inj prob more beneficial in a TMIC STI/WRX setup or a air-cooled Porsche 911 for additional cooling to push more power 💯💯🏁
It’s a tiny bit sad when you lose the TMIC, isn’t it? At that point the hood scoop is.... just for looks? Or does it serve any functional purpose at that point?
Not sure I'd call it 'sad', as your intake temps will always look better! The scoop serves no real function afterwards and some do chose to run a NA hood!
@@boostcontrolledperformance1523 Is there any truth to the idea that keeping the hoodscoop when you switch to FMIC can actually decrease performance because there will be high pressure inside the engine bay (air flowing through hoodscoop), which then reduces the amount of air that can flow through the FMIC? Thanks for the reply!
@@aaronh.917 that’s sounds completely false… I’ve saw guys throw an oil cooler in the spot of the factory top mount to make them selves feel better about not having anything there.
@@RileyMcMaster You have to put something else in the place of the TMIC, otherwise the hood scoop is pointless. Not sure why you said false when you pretty much supported what I said. If you go to FMIC and remove the TMIC, then you should plug up the hood scoop if you aren’t adding an oil cooler. If it’s a simple TMIC to FMIC change with nothing else the scoop is pointless and should go away. False? I don’t think so
I need a tune for 2017 Wrx sti 2.5. What information about my car would you need me to give in order to get accurate quote for a stage 2 or 2 plus tune? I have a few Cobb modifications.
I have a 17 sti with turbo back, ebcs, intake, aem fuel pump, FPR.. can I run e85 with just e85 sensor kit & fuel censor? Being told I need fuel rails, lines and injectors too..
Virtually no noticeable difference between those two blends, unless your tuner is setting up the tune to be seriously detuned at 77% and maximum tuned at 82% if that makes sense.
Weird question but I picked up a 2017 Subaru STi and it has a ton of mods done. Previous owner tuned it a lot but there is not Cobb Accessport and it keeps flashing Check Engine, ABS, and Cruise control. Just trying to figure out A if i'm hurting the motor running it on 91 octane and B when I get my new Accessport V3 if this may fix the lights etc?
In the same boat! 18 STI has a flex fuel tune from some place but cant give out details due to confidenciality, but they said he did do a flex fuel tune. Just scared ima blow it up as i drive it off the lot :P
The stock STI clutch is great. I suggest leaving it stock until it wears out unless you are launching the car a lot. Repeated launches will require a clutch that will stand up to the heat better.
The video covers some of your question in case you missed any parts but the idea here is that with the flex sensor, you can literally run any blend you want and the ECU automatically adjusts for it. You can run anywhere from E0 to E90%+.. that's what makes it so nice!
@@Ogrodii The stock VF turbo is about tapped out around 350whp on a dynojet. We've been tuning these for over 10 years and I think I can count on one hand how many times we've had a VF turbo make over 360WHP. It's just not realistic. Some dynos can be manipulated to read lower/higher so that may be what you are seeing but based on the physics of turbo airflow, 350-360 is about all you are going to see. On the 5 speed WRX we tend to see a little more power (transmission is easier to turn vs 6 speed)
Sooo..Lets say i get an e85 tune..can i still use 91 for a long period of time ? lets say 91 for a full week, and then decide well im going e85 on the weekend for funs..can that be possible?
You can 100% keep your stock lines and rails when running E85 on the stock turbo! We also use the stock rails and lines on cars making upwards of 500whp.
@@boostcontrolledperformance1523 Thanks for the video. Can you list exactly what we would need if i decided to keep the stock fuel rails and lines? Please- Thank you
@@MD-ww7uh You need an upgraded fuel pump (AEM 320 for up to 450whp on E85), Injectors (ID1050x for up to 430whp), and a cobb flex fuel kit w/ fuel pressure monitor. And of course, you'd need a good tune after that! (BCP E Tuning ;)
Boost Controlled Performance : Do you have any experience with results ,only adding a flex fuel kit and boost control selonoid along with injectors and fuel pump but leaving down pipe stock along with stock intake ?
It is a good idea to store on gasoline because it is less likely to absorb water and potentially cause corrosion. With that being said, most newer fuel components are stainless steel and most cars are ok to sit for 1-2 months. We suggest starting every 1-2 months if you cannot change the fuel out!
I have a 2017 WRX STI and from the dealership, it was missing the COBB V3 unit from the previous owner. After sending the ECU and Cobb unit to Cobb I'm hoping to get it back and running correctly. The Maps were all over the place and the car was running very rough. Would you suggest I start out by running E85 out the gate with the new Cobb factory tune or run 93 octane or does it even matter?
There are no COBB OTS maps that can run E85. Never run E85 without a proper tune for it. If you need assistance with tuning, please use the contact form at bcpetuning.com
Typically AEM340 for applications up to 450whp but keep in mind this pump will “over run” your stock fuel pressure regulator which is why we require the fuel pressure monitor to compensate for those unexpected changes in fuel pressure!
Correct, depending on the year Mustang GT we see about 390whp on the high end bone stock. The engine is also twice the size. Did you watch the video? Mods are explained inside. Thanks for the comment!
I'll quote you, Lol what? The car made 347whp, which is about 410hp at the crank. They make around 240whp stock so it's picked up over 100whp. Did you watch the video?
This was super informative! I have a 2019 wrx and I've been told the wrx has massive gains from just doing flex fuel and because it is direct injection it is safer for the engine. Can't wait to get flex fuel kit installed on my car!
the FA20s absolutely LOVE ethanol fuel and the benefits are massive.
Awesome video! Good explanation on flex fuel and e85 content. Keep up the good work!
Thanks!!!!
What exactly do you mean@@ScottBeauchene35
Got my FlexFuel tune scheduled. Can't wait!!
Flex fuel kit is my favorite upgrade you guys have installed. I want to hear more about the IAG block install certification/warranty you guys have and what block(s) you would recommend for what power level.
Not in the comments but maybe as another future video
Have a 2017 sti and I’ve been thinking about doing this since day 1 of ownership.
If you ever want to ask some questions, feel free to give us a call or email.
me too brother 🤩 '17 STI boiz
@@badlucklos i got one too lol
awesome video just started modding my sti and wanted to know the setup on this car if possible
As a tuner myself you hear the craziest myths about e85 from my clients lol. But also I started explaining the benifits and to them probably sounded more like “wa wa wah wa wa MORE POWER bla bla “ lol my favorite myth though which is mostly true but once you go ethanol you have to run that fuel only. Haha well that’s partly true. While you don’t have to, the power speaks for itself. And the car just seams to run way smoother and better on ethanol as well. I mean it’s a no brainer to me. If your have a e85 station and I’m tuning your car with capable injectors, it’s getting ethanol tuned
There are legit issues with cylinder wall lubricity and valve train wear with Ethanol though. Gasoline does have some lubricating properties that any alcohol based fuel lacks. Some day I'm sure an additive will be on the market for this issue that wont affect octane rating or emissions, but I haven't heard of any yet.
Thank you guys! This was a great video
Thank you for the comment!
Is the fuel pressure regulator in the flex fuel kit?
No, but we use the pressure sensor on all flex cars for safety and smooth running!
I have a stock 2015 STI.
Is it a good idea for my first mod to be flex fuel kit (fuel pump, injectors, sensor, lines) with everything else stock?
Good video!
Your first mod should be an accessport. Trust
@@KPweems I got one already. Is flex fuel a good idea for next mod? More power for the buck?
@@CalebTrips intake, TMIC, headers, fueling and pro tune.
Flex kit (with supporting fuel mods) on a stock car is a great gain and the car will easily make over 300whp so I'd say it's a great first mod if you are primarily running E85. If you want to run pump gas a lot I would suggest doing intake and downpipe as well to help it breathe on 93.
So what's the point of flex fuel if the gas stations near you barely give you 60% ethanol? Would you guys still be giving more power there than on regular 93?
E60 offers massive benefits over 93. Night and day difference. About E60-70 will make full power on a car like this, anything higher just offers a little more cooling.
If a car is tuned on a winter blend of ethanol will it 'scale up' and make more power with a higher ethanol content on the same tune?
Great question. It depends on how the tuner sets the map up. Ideally, it should be tuned at the highest content that it will be ran on for confirmation of fuel system capability but anything over E70 doesn't provide very huge gains on most engines. For that reason, the only thing really changing in the tune on a car like this between winter and summer blend is the fuel stoich ratio which is a known formula and can be entered without testing. In other words, to answer your question, yes it will "scale up" but typically won't make a measurable power difference! Thanks for the comment!
Would love to see what you do with your Subaru WRX CVT customers. Will be contacting you guys soon for sure
Do these flex fuel kits work just as well on the older stis? I have a 2006 sti and wasn't sure if the older ecu would work as well with this kind of setup as the newer cars do
Yes, thankfully COBB offers flex support on 04-07 STI as well.
So just the flex fuel kit & the tune ? No injectors or fuel pump ?
So going on road trips I can buy any cheap gas along way?
If I run flex fuel setup can I swap back and forth from 93 to e85 and e85 to 93 ?
Good question I am asking same thing bruh I want to put on mine sti.
Absolutely, that is the main benefit of flex fuel! The sensor sees what's in the tank and adjusts your tune instantly on the fly!
@@boostcontrolledperformance1523 can flex fuel pass California smog test?
I have 60 k miles on my sti is it a good idea to go about the flex fuel option
How can you install flex fuel on a car that doesnt have a kit available? Is it possible?
Unfortunately for flex fuel to work, you need the ECU to be able to be tuned for and adjust for the changes in ethanol % so no you could not. You could; however, tune a car on E85 only (Assuming the ECU is tunable).
Do you know the reason for the flashing DCCD on the dash?
He’s running it fullly locked . 👍👍
@@brianlau8316 mine dosent flash when I run it fully locked
@@tjlovesrachel with stability control fully off ?? 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
@@brianlau8316 yes that’s how I drive it in the snow every time... fully locked with traction control fully disabled
When on the dyno, even with a linked dyno like ours, it's not uncommon for the VDC system to "fault out" because it can tell the car is not on the road. It's harmless and does away once the car is back on the road. Thanks for the comment!
Have you tried tunning e85 flex fuel kit with additional meth injection kit to see if additional power can be gained?
I’d like to know this also , but thinking about the meth kit ....... it probably is Not needed after switching to E-85
Have not, but E85 is such a beneficial fuel I don't see additional meth offering much at all. The E85 covers any concerns about running into spark knock and the latent heat of vaporization rate is already excellent. Adding meth on top of 93 however adds a ton of benefit but can be a little risky to run.
@@boostcontrolledperformance1523 so far I haven't heard of any tuners trying the combo out. I'm thinking additional boost and ignition timing could be gained by running the meth injection would love to see some testing.
@@DJ_Driven To put it technically, MBT timing can be easily reached on E70. With this in mind, the only real benefit of stacking meth on top would be cooling.
@@boostcontrolledperformance1523 yeah meth inj prob more beneficial in a TMIC STI/WRX setup or a air-cooled Porsche 911 for additional cooling to push more power 💯💯🏁
Does running full e85 cause fuel pump failure due to lack of lubricant from Ethanol? Thanks
When running an aftermarket pump (AEM320, DW300, etc) there are no documented cases of issues like that.
It’s a tiny bit sad when you lose the TMIC, isn’t it? At that point the hood scoop is.... just for looks? Or does it serve any functional purpose at that point?
Not sure I'd call it 'sad', as your intake temps will always look better! The scoop serves no real function afterwards and some do chose to run a NA hood!
@@boostcontrolledperformance1523 Is there any truth to the idea that keeping the hoodscoop when you switch to FMIC can actually decrease performance because there will be high pressure inside the engine bay (air flowing through hoodscoop), which then reduces the amount of air that can flow through the FMIC? Thanks for the reply!
He didn't repied ! LMAO
@@aaronh.917 that’s sounds completely false… I’ve saw guys throw an oil cooler in the spot of the factory top mount to make them selves feel better about not having anything there.
@@RileyMcMaster You have to put something else in the place of the TMIC, otherwise the hood scoop is pointless. Not sure why you said false when you pretty much supported what I said. If you go to FMIC and remove the TMIC, then you should plug up the hood scoop if you aren’t adding an oil cooler. If it’s a simple TMIC to FMIC change with nothing else the scoop is pointless and should go away. False? I don’t think so
I need a tune for 2017 Wrx sti 2.5. What information about my car would you need me to give in order to get accurate quote for a stage 2 or 2 plus tune? I have a few Cobb modifications.
Peter, Shoot us an email to sales@bcpdirect.com and include a basic mod list!
Were are yall located boss. And when I install my flex fuel kit. Do I need to tune it right away? Or when I put e 85 mixture
We are Located in Metro Detroit area of Michigan. You need to tune for your flex fuel kit immediately after installing it.
How much whp on 93 pump
I have a 17 sti with turbo back, ebcs, intake, aem fuel pump, FPR.. can I run e85 with just e85 sensor kit & fuel censor? Being told I need fuel rails, lines and injectors too..
You will NEED injectors (We would suggest ID1050x) but the rails and lines are 100% fine with your mod list.
Ethanol % any deference is performance between summer 82% vs Winter 77% ?
Virtually no noticeable difference between those two blends, unless your tuner is setting up the tune to be seriously detuned at 77% and maximum tuned at 82% if that makes sense.
@@boostcontrolledperformance1523 makes perfect sense. He said it’s a flex fuel tune
What is the best blend to run ?
The higher the better, but for 90% of setups, anything over E70 offers incredible benefits.
Boost Controlled Performance thanks
How do I get in contact with you guys, I’m interested in seeing about tuning my 2018 STI.
Weird question but I picked up a 2017 Subaru STi and it has a ton of mods done. Previous owner tuned it a lot but there is not Cobb Accessport and it keeps flashing Check Engine, ABS, and Cruise control. Just trying to figure out A if i'm hurting the motor running it on 91 octane and B when I get my new Accessport V3 if this may fix the lights etc?
In the same boat! 18 STI has a flex fuel tune from some place but cant give out details due to confidenciality, but they said he did do a flex fuel tune. Just scared ima blow it up as i drive it off the lot :P
Lmmfao just get a Cobb and load a new pro tune or twine and all that will go away
The best thing you can do is contact the previous tuner. If you can't reach your previous tuner check out the log review function at bcpetuning.com!
Recommend a stage 2 clutch for this amount of power?
The stock STI clutch is great. I suggest leaving it stock until it wears out unless you are launching the car a lot. Repeated launches will require a clutch that will stand up to the heat better.
so when you go flex fuel and need to fill up, do you fill up with 100% e85 or does it have to be a mix of both fuels?
The video covers some of your question in case you missed any parts but the idea here is that with the flex sensor, you can literally run any blend you want and the ECU automatically adjusts for it. You can run anywhere from E0 to E90%+.. that's what makes it so nice!
I have a Subaru wrx 2019
Does anyone know why it just started rattling on fourth gear?
Where are you folks located?
Numbers seem kinda low for e85 or is this a heart break dyno ?
Ogrodii what numbers are you used to seeing on a stock turbo E85 sti?
Boost Controlled Performance
350 awhp - 400 awhp tops
@@Ogrodii The stock VF turbo is about tapped out around 350whp on a dynojet. We've been tuning these for over 10 years and I think I can count on one hand how many times we've had a VF turbo make over 360WHP. It's just not realistic. Some dynos can be manipulated to read lower/higher so that may be what you are seeing but based on the physics of turbo airflow, 350-360 is about all you are going to see. On the 5 speed WRX we tend to see a little more power (transmission is easier to turn vs 6 speed)
Sooo..Lets say i get an e85 tune..can i still use 91 for a long period of time ? lets say 91 for a full week, and then decide well im going e85 on the weekend for funs..can that be possible?
Absolutely! Very common thing to do. Thanks for the comment.
flex fuel kit adapts on the fly
is upgrading the fuel rail and lines mandatory? or can i run with stock rails and lines when going flexfuel
You can 100% keep your stock lines and rails when running E85 on the stock turbo! We also use the stock rails and lines on cars making upwards of 500whp.
Boost Controlled Performance Thanks for the info! I am going flex fuel. I just wanted to make sure i can run stock lines and rails
@@boostcontrolledperformance1523 Thanks for the video. Can you list exactly what we would need if i decided to keep the stock fuel rails and lines? Please- Thank you
@@MD-ww7uh You need an upgraded fuel pump (AEM 320 for up to 450whp on E85), Injectors (ID1050x for up to 430whp), and a cobb flex fuel kit w/ fuel pressure monitor. And of course, you'd need a good tune after that! (BCP E Tuning ;)
Boost Controlled Performance : Do you have any experience with results ,only adding a flex fuel kit and boost control selonoid along with injectors and fuel pump but leaving down pipe stock along with stock intake ?
When storing a Flex Fuel car in the winter should I put 91 in instead of E85 when storing it?
Yup, or at least top it off to the tippy top so you don't end up filling the rest of the partial tank with water.
It is a good idea to store on gasoline because it is less likely to absorb water and potentially cause corrosion. With that being said, most newer fuel components are stainless steel and most cars are ok to sit for 1-2 months. We suggest starting every 1-2 months if you cannot change the fuel out!
I have a 2017 WRX STI and from the dealership, it was missing the COBB V3 unit from the previous owner. After sending the ECU and Cobb unit to Cobb I'm hoping to get it back and running correctly. The Maps were all over the place and the car was running very rough. Would you suggest I start out by running E85 out the gate with the new Cobb factory tune or run 93 octane or does it even matter?
There are no COBB OTS maps that can run E85. Never run E85 without a proper tune for it. If you need assistance with tuning, please use the contact form at bcpetuning.com
yeah, no more flex fuel... unless you roll back the updates
what fuel pump are u guys using?
Typically AEM340 for applications up to 450whp but keep in mind this pump will “over run” your stock fuel pressure regulator which is why we require the fuel pressure monitor to compensate for those unexpected changes in fuel pressure!
Wait my moms mustang gt make more power then this. Is this stock?
Correct, depending on the year Mustang GT we see about 390whp on the high end bone stock. The engine is also twice the size. Did you watch the video? Mods are explained inside. Thanks for the comment!
But you moms mustang also prolly runs into a ditch on wot so what the point of having all that power 😕
it’s 2022 don’t update the accessport lmao
You guys want to end a myth. Prove once and for all aftermarket elh are better than aftermarket uelh.
Same car, same mods, just the different headers.
Seems true but the rumble though
5k in mods for 300hp? Lol what?
I'll quote you, Lol what?
The car made 347whp, which is about 410hp at the crank. They make around 240whp stock so it's picked up over 100whp. Did you watch the video?
@@boostcontrolledperformance1523 Lol...haters
@@boostcontrolledperformance1523 closer to 275 whp stock... but def still a nice increase in power
Can I run e85 with just the flex fuel sensor with everything else stock ?
On the EJ25-powered STI, no. The injectors and fuel pump do not flow enough. You can; however, on the 15+ wrx.
no more flex-fuel Cobb kit for Subaru STI 2018??? its this true?
Right now, yes. They are adjusting the way it works for compliance. There *should* be support coming back soon!