E85 1999 CHEVROLET SILVERADO: A Conversion by Minnesota State University, Mankato for the “1999 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge”

A student team from Minnesota State University's Automotive Engineering Technology program entered the 1999 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge. A 1999 Chevrolet Silverado was converted to run on E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline). The competition consisted of emission, fuel economy, cold-start, and performance evaluations.

The vehicle conversion involved all engine systems, with special emphasis placed on cold-starting, driveability and performance. Laboratory testing led to the final design. The result was an integrated vehicle which successfully ran on E85, but whose use of the alternative fuel was totally transparent to the customer. This paper details the conversion and test results.