What happens when you tune a Corvette C7 Z06 with an automatic transmission to run on E85? That is what the guys at Bay Area Racing decided to find out by racing it against an equally tuned 2014 Ford Shelby GT500 with a manual transmission, also running on E85.

E85 ethanol combined with gasoline creates an octane rating well above premium, and we know that higher octane enables us to create more power. Depending on location and to optimize engine performance, ethanol fuels typically contain approximately 50-85 percent ethanol to gasoline ratio. E85 is used in flex-fuel vehicles that have been modified to accept high concentrations of ethanol.

An interesting fact is that the fuel pump in the vehicle must be able to function with ethanol. E85 is highly electrically conductive in comparison with gasoline fuel that is non-conductive.

The Ford GT500 was tuned by Advanced Engine Development and it’s boasting 815 horsepower at the wheels thanks to an Eaton TVS roots type supercharger. The Corvette C7 Z06 is approximately 300 pounds lighter, achieves quicker peak torque, and incorporates a more advanced traction control system. The automatic transmission’s consistent shifts coupled with the advanced launch control system gave the C7 Z06 the edge.

In the video, we can see that the Mustang loses grip and speed with every shift. Though some of us enthusiasts have always preferred the feel of a manual gearbox, we know we can’t compete with the speed and precision of the GM 8L90 automatic transmission. No doubt, this demonstration of the C7 Z06’s capabilities combined with ethanol tuning has us sold! How about you?