Converted to E85

bobbobtar · April 11, 2016

Just converted my 2016 Chevy Silverado LTZ 5.3L Double Cab to run E85 same as my 2014 GMC Sierra 5.3L. The Chevy did not come from the factory as a flex fuel, but the GMC did, these are the GM parts I used to do the conversion these parts are for a double cab only.

20967866 Flex fuel sensor clip

13577429 Flex fuel sensor

23171538 Hose

20967834 Hose

23158923 Pipe

23171537 Pipe

If you were to do a Club Cab the two hose's would be different everything else is the same. Did not do a flash as the computer recognized the sensor.

Edited April 11, 2016 by bobbobtar

SILVER SLED · April 12, 2016

I'm gonna have to try this. What did the sensor "plug into" to allow the ecm to recognize the sensor?

f8l vnm · April 12, 2016

Forget all that. How does she feel power wise!?

bobbobtar · April 12, 2016

I'm gonna have to try this. What did the sensor "plug into" to allow the ecm to recognize the sensor?

The harness plug cover has a little plastic stud that holds to the frame (when it's not used) it just below where the sensor plugs into the frame. After you do the install plug the harness connector into the sensor which will tell the computer what the octane number is and make the adjustments.

Edited April 12, 2016 by bobbobtar

bobbobtar · April 12, 2016

Forget all that. How does she feel power wise!?

Seat of the pants, I could tell it was different, felt like it had better acceleration.

Ridersfan · April 12, 2016

Just converted my 2016 Chevy Silverado LTZ 5.3L Double Cab to run E85 same as my 2014 GMC Sierra 5.3L. The Chevy did not come from the factory as a flex fuel, but the GMC did, these are the GM parts I used to do the conversion these parts are for a double cab only.

20967866 Flex fuel sensor clip

13577429 Flex fuel sensor

23171538 Hose

20967834 Hose

23158923 Pipe

23171537 Pipe

If you were to do a Club Cab the two hose's would be different everything else is the same. Did not do a flash as the computer recognized the sensor.

You should change your gas cap to reflect it as well. Not that are many full service gas stations left anymore... or people that have common sense... but IF you find both, they may refuse to pump E85 into an unleaded capped tank.

bobbobtar · April 12, 2016

Yes forgot to mention that I did change the gas cap.

NEMESIS-A/T · April 12, 2016

What was the total cost for parts?

bobbobtar · April 13, 2016

Sensor $65+

Hoses and pipe 80+

scottl1346 · April 13, 2016

install pics/how to?

bobbobtar · April 13, 2016

I didn't have time to do the install myself so local shop did the install. From looking at parts, it's all plug and play. The Pipe is short 8" piece of flexible hose that has OEM fitting on it that connects the front and back fuel line to the sensor.

transam69230 · April 13, 2016

Do you not need a tune to turn on the e85 capability? I feel like just adding the sensor would not do anything since you aren't telling the computer to adjust timing/spark for additional octane .

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/180793-flex-fuel-conversion-everything-you-need-to-know/?do=findComment&comment=1728414

It is laid out in the thread above. Carl T is the local GM tuner in MN that I personal use from my race car, and explains that the you need to enable the sensor in the ECU.

Edited April 13, 2016 by transam69230

transam69230 · April 13, 2016

I would completely advise against running e85 in your truck until you get the ECU tuned.

bobbobtar · April 14, 2016

I would completely advise against running e85 in your truck until you get the ECU tuned.

Would you completely advise against running E85 in a 2016 flex fuel truck? According to my tech. there is no provision on the 2016 trucks to flash or turn on E85 he spent half an hour looking for that option in the ECM and BCM maybe that was an option for 2014-2015 trucks doesn't look like it is now, what Carl was talking about was a 2015 truck.

Edited April 14, 2016 by bobbobtar