LPFP upgrade and E85

DrRobert · 03-09-2015, 02:11 AM

Guys,

Could use some info and a reality check here. I've been advised by my indy and my tuner to start running E85 as I've upgraded to a Pure stage 1 turbo and still can't get the low end torque I want on 91 octane, which is all we get here in CA. Would like to try running E30-E50 blend with custom PTF map to improve performance on canyon runs in my DD. Indy recommends LPFP upgrade before running E85. Thinking about the Fuel-It stage 2 LPFP. Would like to get the most out of the turbo and the tune, but don't need to push the car to its absolute limits and don't want to get error codes, check engine lights, or increase maintenance or troubleshooting as I'm not a DIYer and this is my DD. I see lots of threads about LPFPs on the N54 forum but not much on the N55 side. Are there different considerations for the N55? Are the stage 2 LPFP and E30-50 safe for the car, or will they lead to other issues down the road?

Thanks,
Robert

weehe126 · 03-09-2015, 07:54 AM

I have been running E40 for almost a year on the stock turbo and LPFP. Haven't had any problems. I would say if you are going to be running less than E40 you dont need to upgrade the fuel pump, however it wouldn't hurt if you want to run more E.

CantCatchMe · 03-09-2015, 07:56 AM

I'd recommend the Stage 2 LPFP. I spoke to my tuner when I get that last part to add to my N55, he said do it so I can run E50-E60. You'll be happy you did. It looks exactly like the stock housing as well.

e36addict · 03-09-2015, 07:59 AM

If I were to do it all over again i'd do the Fuel-it stage 2.. I run the stage 1 setup using around E50 and the car performs flawlessly, but that stg2 sure is nice

Jsoboti · 03-09-2015, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CantCatchMe

I'd recommend the Stage 2 LPFP. I spoke to my tuner when I get that last part to add to my N55, he said do it so I can run E50-E60. You'll be happy you did. It looks exactly like the stock housing as well.

Using the Flex Fuel wires on Jb4 to tune for the extra ethanol content?

CantCatchMe · 03-09-2015, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsoboti

Using the Flex Fuel wires on Jb4 to tune for the extra ethanol content?

Terry recommends E30 with FF. He says you can go E40 but keep a look at the logs to make sure everything looks good.

I'm going E60 and stage 2 LPFP is needed. I'm not on the JB4, I got Cobb.

JETmn · 03-09-2015, 11:32 AM

I have the pure stage 1 and I can run E35 on the stock fuel system with no issues. Once I hit E45 I start having issues. E40 seems to be ok, but I like to be safe.

mike@x-ph.com · 03-09-2015, 01:10 PM

if you are running E85, get the stage 2 fuel it kit

proTUNING Freaks · 03-09-2015, 03:16 PM

Its always easy to throw more parts at the car. With the stock N55 turbo we haven't seen a need to upgrade the LPFP on E85 due to flow limitations of the turbo itself. With higher flowing N55 turbos its a good idea to at least do a Stage 1 upgrade.

CantCatchMe · 03-09-2015, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by proTUNING Freaks

Its always easy to throw more parts at the car. With the stock N55 turbo we haven't seen a need to upgrade the LPFP on E85 due to flow limitations of the turbo itself. With higher flowing N55 turbos its a good idea to at least do a Stage 1 upgrade.

So when I upgrade to a Stage 2 Pure turbo and run E50-E60, just stick with the stage 1 LPFP? No need for stage 2?

tke344 · 03-09-2015, 03:49 PM

I'd imagine that your HPFP will be the real limitation, pretty sure either low pressure pump upgrade will be enough to max out the HPFP. I'd go with the Stg 2 pump if you plan on the TB injection.

DrRobert · 03-09-2015, 03:52 PM

Thanks for the replies. How reliable are the Walbro pumps compared to OEM? Are there any long term concerns or negative consequences of either the LPFP upgrade or ethanol? I don't have any other engine mods planned and would like do be done modding this car soon. Like PTF said above, it is easy to keep throwing parts at the car, and I think you need to know when to stop. This car is my DD and I want it to be reliable for a long time, especially after all the money I've spent modding it!

JETmn · 03-09-2015, 04:12 PM

The walbro's are pretty good. The stock pump is known for going out and I would expect 3-6 years out of the walbro. The good news is they are very cheap to replace, unlike the stock pump.

03-09-2015, 02:11 AM	#1
DrRobert Normal Person 148 Rep 862 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335i Join Date: May 2014 Location: paradise iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E90 335i [0.00]	LPFP upgrade and E85 Guys, Could use some info and a reality check here. I've been advised by my indy and my tuner to start running E85 as I've upgraded to a Pure stage 1 turbo and still can't get the low end torque I want on 91 octane, which is all we get here in CA. Would like to try running E30-E50 blend with custom PTF map to improve performance on canyon runs in my DD. Indy recommends LPFP upgrade before running E85. Thinking about the Fuel-It stage 2 LPFP. Would like to get the most out of the turbo and the tune, but don't need to push the car to its absolute limits and don't want to get error codes, check engine lights, or increase maintenance or troubleshooting as I'm not a DIYer and this is my DD. I see lots of threads about LPFPs on the N54 forum but not much on the N55 side. Are there different considerations for the N55? Are the stage 2 LPFP and E30-50 safe for the car, or will they lead to other issues down the road? Thanks, Robert
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-09-2015, 07:54 AM	#2
weehe126 Brigadier General 1161 Rep 3,189 Posts Drives: 2017 340i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (2)	I have been running E40 for almost a year on the stock turbo and LPFP. Haven't had any problems. I would say if you are going to be running less than E40 you dont need to upgrade the fuel pump, however it wouldn't hurt if you want to run more E.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2015, 07:56 AM	#3
CantCatchMe Lieutenant Colonel 340 Rep 1,744 Posts Drives: 2012 335i xdrive msport(E92) Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: West Bloomfield, MI iTrader: (2)	I'd recommend the Stage 2 LPFP. I spoke to my tuner when I get that last part to add to my N55, he said do it so I can run E50-E60. You'll be happy you did. It looks exactly like the stock housing as well.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2015, 07:59 AM	#4
e36addict Captain 137 Rep 952 Posts Drives: 2013 X1 35iX Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Tim @ BMW of Dallas iTrader: (5)	If I were to do it all over again i'd do the Fuel-it stage 2.. I run the stage 1 setup using around E50 and the car performs flawlessly, but that stg2 sure is nice __________________ 13 X1 35iX, 98 Z3 2.8, 01 M Coupe, 96 Z3 1.9 DASC, 95 318ti, 13 smart fortwo
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2015, 11:32 AM	#7
JETmn Lieutenant Colonel 245 Rep 1,595 Posts Drives: 2011 335i xDrive Msport Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Orlando iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 335Xi [0.00]	I have the pure stage 1 and I can run E35 on the stock fuel system with no issues. Once I hit E45 I start having issues. E40 seems to be ok, but I like to be safe.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2015, 01:10 PM	#8
mike@x-ph.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 24274 Rep 190,975 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	if you are running E85, get the stage 2 fuel it kit __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2015, 03:16 PM	#9
proTUNING Freaks 4501 Rep 1,862 Posts Drives: powered by bootmod3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: www.protuningfreaks.com \| www.bootmod3.com iTrader: (0)	Its always easy to throw more parts at the car. With the stock N55 turbo we haven't seen a need to upgrade the LPFP on E85 due to flow limitations of the turbo itself. With higher flowing N55 turbos its a good idea to at least do a Stage 1 upgrade. __________________ YouTube Channel [NEW] \| Facebook User Group (20,000+ members) \| Tech Support Website \| Wiki \| FAQ \| iOS App \| Android App \| bootmod3 Web Sales Support Email: sales@protuningfreaks.com \| Tech Support Email: support@protuningfreaks.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2015, 03:49 PM	#11
tke344 Lieutenant 38 Rep 463 Posts Drives: f15 X5 50i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Charlotte iTrader: (1)	I'd imagine that your HPFP will be the real limitation, pretty sure either low pressure pump upgrade will be enough to max out the HPFP. I'd go with the Stg 2 pump if you plan on the TB injection.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2015, 03:52 PM	#12
DrRobert Normal Person 148 Rep 862 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335i Join Date: May 2014 Location: paradise iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E90 335i [0.00]	Thanks for the replies. How reliable are the Walbro pumps compared to OEM? Are there any long term concerns or negative consequences of either the LPFP upgrade or ethanol? I don't have any other engine mods planned and would like do be done modding this car soon. Like PTF said above, it is easy to keep throwing parts at the car, and I think you need to know when to stop. This car is my DD and I want it to be reliable for a long time, especially after all the money I've spent modding it!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2015, 04:12 PM	#13
JETmn Lieutenant Colonel 245 Rep 1,595 Posts Drives: 2011 335i xDrive Msport Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Orlando iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 335Xi [0.00]	The walbro's are pretty good. The stock pump is known for going out and I would expect 3-6 years out of the walbro. The good news is they are very cheap to replace, unlike the stock pump.
	Appreciate 0 Quote