Performance car fans often choose special fuels like ethanol (E85) or methanol to get more power from their engines. Both fuels have a higher octane rating than regular gasoline, which means the engine can run harder without knocking. In hot weather, engines can overheat and lose power, but ethanol and methanol help by cooling the air that goes into the engine. This means better performance on a hot summer day or during a long track session.
E85 is a mix of about 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It gives around 10–15% more power than standard petrol because you can run more boost on a turbo or more aggressive timing on naturally aspirated engines. You will need more fuel flow—often 25–30% more—so upgrades like bigger injectors and a stronger fuel pump are common. In rainy or humid conditions, ethanol remains stable and still cools well, helping maintain performance even if the air is moist.
Methanol goes further, with an octane rating above 100 and even better cooling qualities. It can drop intake temperatures by several degrees compared to gasoline, which is great for extreme racing in hot climates. However, methanol uses even more fuel—sometimes double the rate of gasoline—and is toxic, so it needs careful handling and sealed fuel systems. In cold weather, methanol can gel if there is water in it, so racers often add special additives or use heated fuel lines.
Using E85 is easier for many drivers because it’s sold at more gas stations, especially where flex-fuel cars are common. It is less toxic than methanol and reacts safely in most engines with a proper tune. Methanol is mainly found in pro racing, where teams manage fuel logistics and safety. Whether you drive on the street or compete on the track, choosing between E85 and methanol depends on your local climate, how much power you want, and how much fuel you can carry safely.
E85 is a mix of about 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It gives around 10–15% more power than standard petrol because you can run more boost on a turbo or more aggressive timing on naturally aspirated engines. You will need more fuel flow—often 25–30% more—so upgrades like bigger injectors and a stronger fuel pump are common. In rainy or humid conditions, ethanol remains stable and still cools well, helping maintain performance even if the air is moist.
Methanol goes further, with an octane rating above 100 and even better cooling qualities. It can drop intake temperatures by several degrees compared to gasoline, which is great for extreme racing in hot climates. However, methanol uses even more fuel—sometimes double the rate of gasoline—and is toxic, so it needs careful handling and sealed fuel systems. In cold weather, methanol can gel if there is water in it, so racers often add special additives or use heated fuel lines.
Using E85 is easier for many drivers because it’s sold at more gas stations, especially where flex-fuel cars are common. It is less toxic than methanol and reacts safely in most engines with a proper tune. Methanol is mainly found in pro racing, where teams manage fuel logistics and safety. Whether you drive on the street or compete on the track, choosing between E85 and methanol depends on your local climate, how much power you want, and how much fuel you can carry safely.
