If you’re looking to add some extra horsepower to your Mustang GT, switching from gasoline to E85 fuel may be a viable option. E85 is a fuel blend that contains up to 85% ethanol, compared to standard gasoline which contains only 10% ethanol. This higher ethanol content can offer several benefits, including increased horsepower and improved engine efficiency.
However, before making the switch to E85, it’s important to understand the differences between this fuel and gasoline, as well as the potential horsepower gains and considerations to keep in mind.
In this article, we’ll explore the technical aspects of E85 and how it can impact your Mustang GT’s performance, as well as provide tips for using E85 effectively. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of whether E85 is the right choice for you and your Mustang GT.
Understanding the Differences Between E85 and Gasoline
You’re probably wondering how much of a boost E85 can give your Mustang GT compared to regular gasoline. Well, picture this: E85 has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline, which means it can handle more compression and produce more power.
This is due to the E85 fuel properties that make it a more efficient fuel for internal combustion engines. The higher octane rating of E85 is a result of its composition, which contains a higher percentage of ethanol than gasoline.
Aside from its higher octane rating, E85 also has unique combustion characteristics that contribute to its power-boosting capabilities. E85 has a higher heat of vaporization than gasoline, which means it absorbs more heat as it vaporizes.
This cooling effect allows E85 to run at a higher compression ratio than gasoline without causing engine knock or preignition. As a result, E85 can produce more power per unit of fuel consumed, making it a popular choice for performance enthusiasts looking to extract every last bit of power from their engines.
Potential Horsepower Gains with E85
If you’re wondering how much of a horsepower gain you can expect when running E85 on your Mustang GT, then you’re in for a treat. Dyno testing results have shown that E85 can add up to 30 horsepower to your engine, depending on the modifications you’ve made.
However, there are several factors that affect the horsepower gains, such as the tune, fuel system, and engine modifications. Real-life examples have also shown impressive gains, with some Mustang owners reporting up to 50 horsepower increase.
Dyno Testing Results
Now, let’s take a look at the dyno testing results to see just how much horsepower E85 adds to your Mustang GT.
Peak power is the maximum horsepower an engine can produce at a given speed and load. With E85, the peak power of a Mustang GT can increase up to 10-15%. This means that if your Mustang GT produces 460 horsepower on regular gasoline, it could produce up to 506 horsepower with E85.
In addition to the increase in peak power, E85 can also affect the torque curve of your Mustang GT. Torque is the twisting force that an engine produces, and a flat torque curve is ideal for high-performance driving.
Torque curve analysis shows that E85 can increase the torque of a Mustang GT by up to 20-30 lb-ft. This means that the engine can produce more power at lower RPMs.
This can result in quicker acceleration and better overall performance.
Factors That Affect Horsepower Gains
Factors such as the engine’s compression ratio, camshaft profile, and fuel system upgrades can greatly influence the amount of horsepower gains achieved with E85 fuel in a Mustang GT. The quality of the E85 fuel used can also play a significant role in determining the amount of power increase.
It’s important to note that E85 fuel can vary in quality depending on the region and supplier. Higher ethanol content in the fuel can result in a higher octane rating, allowing for more aggressive timing and increased horsepower gains.
In addition to fuel quality, engine modifications can also impact the amount of horsepower gains achieved with E85 fuel. Upgrades such as aftermarket cold air intakes, exhaust systems, and forced induction can all work together to maximize the power potential of E85 fuel.
However, it’s important to have a properly-tuned engine to fully take advantage of these modifications and the benefits of E85 fuel.
Ultimately, the amount of horsepower gains achieved with E85 fuel in a Mustang GT will depend on a combination of factors, including fuel quality and engine modifications.
Real-Life Examples
One way to gauge the horsepower gains of using E85 fuel in your Mustang GT is by looking at real-world experiences of other Mustang GT owners who have made the switch. Many Mustang GT owners have reported significant boosts in horsepower after switching to E85 fuel. In some cases, owners have reported gains of up to 50 horsepower, which is a significant increase in power.
Performance comparisons have shown that E85 fuel can improve the Mustang GT’s 0-60 mph acceleration time by up to half a second. Additionally, the fuel can also improve the quarter-mile time by up to a full second. These improvements are due to the higher octane rating of E85 fuel, which allows for more aggressive tuning, resulting in more power and better acceleration.
Overall, real-world experiences have shown that switching to E85 fuel can be a great way to increase the performance of your Mustang GT.
Considerations Before Switching to E85
Before you make the switch to E85, it’s important to consider a few things to ensure that it’s the right decision for your Mustang GT.
First, you should be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of using E85 as a fuel source. While E85 does offer increased horsepower and torque, it also has a lower energy density than gasoline, which can result in decreased fuel economy. Additionally, E85 can be more corrosive than gasoline, which means that it can cause damage to certain engine components over time.
Another consideration when switching to E85 is the availability of the fuel. While E85 is becoming more widely available, it’s still not available at every gas station. This means that you may have to plan your trips and fuel stops more carefully to ensure that you always have access to E85 when you need it.
Additionally, if you plan to use your Mustang GT for long trips or road trips, you may need to carry extra fuel with you to ensure that you don’t run out of E85 in an area where it’s not available.
Overall, while E85 can offer increased performance, it’s important to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making the switch.
Tips for Using E85 in Your Mustang GT
Looking to get the most out of your Mustang GT with E85? Here are some tips to help you achieve peak performance!
First and foremost, keep in mind that E85 has a lower energy density than gasoline, which means that you’ll need to use more fuel to achieve the same level of performance. This will likely result in reduced fuel efficiency compared to gasoline, so be prepared to fill up more often.
To get the most out of E85, consider upgrading your engine components to handle the increased fuel flow. This can include installing larger fuel injectors, a higher flow fuel pump, and upgrading the spark plugs and ignition coils to handle the increased power output.
It’s also important to keep up with regular engine maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, to ensure that your engine continues to operate at peak performance.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of E85 while maintaining your Mustang GT at its best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, switching to E85 can potentially add significant horsepower gains to your Mustang GT. However, it’s important to understand the differences between E85 and gasoline, as well as consider the necessary modifications and fuel system components before making the switch.
E85 has a higher octane rating and oxygen content compared to gasoline, allowing for increased engine performance and power output. However, it also requires a larger fuel volume and can cause compatibility issues with certain materials in the fuel system.
With proper preparation and maintenance, using E85 can be a beneficial option for Mustang GT owners looking to increase horsepower and overall performance.

Elenor Desmaris, the driving force behind E85Calculator.com, is a fuel efficiency guru committed to helping you maximize your vehicle’s performance. With the Ultimate Guide Fuel Efficiency Calculator, Elenor equips you with the knowledge and tools to optimize your fuel consumption, save money, and reduce your environmental impact. Get ready to embark on a journey towards smarter and greener driving with Elenor’s comprehensive expertise.