Switzer Flex Fuel E1K Nissan GT-R : Powered by Corn

Boulder Nissan's E1K Nissan GT-R

Corn. I like corn. It's tasty. In this latest Switzer Performance build, they took Boulder Nissan's beautiful R35 GT-R, and have upgraded it to their E1K kit. The E is for ethanol- E85, or flex fuel. The 1K is for 1000, as in 1000 horsepower.  E85 doesn't necessarily have to be made from corn, but here in the US it is often mostly from corn starch. Why E85, or flex fuel?  It's the octane, and it's the cooling properties of the fuel. E85 is in theory, 85 percent ethanol, and 15 percent gasoline, but the exact amounts of the mixture varies with a lot of factors. This is why it is important for a car like this to have a tune, and a tuner than can compensate for the fuel.  In this case, the Switzer E1K has an E85 specific fuel system, and engine management that can compensate for the fuel being used.  When we are talking about turbocharged cars, and big power turbocharged cars, we are always concerned with octane ratings of the fuel. E85 has been called everything from 94 to 113 octane, however it is actually 94-96 PON.  Even though it specs at those octane ratings, it actually seems to provide higher knock protection than merely those figures show. 

Ethanol’s true octane value should be used to calculate E85’s octane value. This results in an octane range of 94-96 (R+M)/2. These calculations have been confirmed by actual-octane engine tests." ^[7]

What are the real advantages of running E85 on a turbocharged car?

Some vehicles can actually be converted to use E85 despite not being specifically built for it. Because of the lower heating value E85 has a cooler intake charge—which, coupled with its high stability level from its high octane rating—has also been used as a "power adder" in turbocharged performance vehicles. These modifications have not only resulted in lower GHG emissions, but also resulted in 10-12% power and torque increase at the wheels.

This R35 GTR got a full engine build with Carillio rods, Mahle pistons, upgraded camshafts and oil pump. In the transmission, it has a full PPG gear set, a Switzer spec clutch, and what we normally call super stock upgrades in the GT-R world. With nearly 1000 all wheel horsepower, this car should be a beast on the road course.   Check out the full build sheet and dyno video after the break.

991 wheel horsepower

Switzer Flex Fuel E1K GTR PKG
- Switzer Hybrid Standalone Engine Management System
- Switzer Flex Fuel System
- Switzer E1K Fuel Injector Kit
- Switzer Monster Intercooler Kit
- Switzer E1K Turbochargers and Manifold Assembly (req's good cores)
- Switzer E1K External Wastegate Assembly
- COBB AccessPORT W/TCM Capability (NIS-006)
- Switzer E1K Calibration for COBB AP
- Switzer MAF/Intake and Filter Assembly
- Switzer High-Flow E1K Intakes for Switzer MAF
- Switzer E1K Catless Off-Road Test Pipes
- Switzer E1K Fuel System Upgrades
- Lightweight 90mm Stainless Full Exhaust
- Switzer Cooling Package

Switzer Stage 4 Transmission Upgrade by ShepTrans, Exclusive transmission builder of Switzer Performance
- PPG 6 GEAR SET
- SWITZER-SPEC CLUTCH
- FWD RETAINER
- MECHANICAL LOCK #1
- MECHANICAL LOCK #2
- O-RING AND SEAL UPGRADE KIT
- OIL PUMP SHAFT UPGRADE WITH BLUEPRINT
- 6 NEODYMIUM MAGNETS
- HIGH TEMP REAR DIFFERENTIAL OIL SEAL
- STAINLESS REUSABLE INTERNAL FILTER
- R35 GTR TRANSMISSION COOLER
- GR6 TRANSMISSION FLUID

Switzer Stage 1 VR38DETT Engine Build
- SWITZER SPEC MAHLE PISTONS, PINS, AND RINGS
- SWITZER SPEC CARILLO CONNECTING RODS
- SWITZER SPEC CAMSHAFTS
- SWITZER BLUEPRINTED ENGINE AND OIL PUMP
- SWITZER SPEC NISSAN ENGINE COMPONENTS