Speed Key....?

Ebes471

Well-known member
Founding Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2023
Messages
88
Reaction score
189
I was away from my phone and most of the real world last week, but seem to recall a post on Insta or FB where someone asked about the Speed Key. I recall Robby posting a reply something to "The cars have a lot of power with out the speed key and it probably won't even be needed" - I know those were not the exact words so please forgive me. Robby also posted that the cars running the speed keys were being "rebuilt" every 500 miles which leads me to wonder about the reliability running E85. It almost sounded like he was down-playing the speed key. I'm definitely not trying to start anything here. I'm just curious if anyone else saw that post?
 
I was away from my phone and most of the real world last week, but seem to recall a post on Insta or FB where someone asked about the Speed Key. I recall Robby posting a reply something to "The cars have a lot of power with out the speed key and it probably won't even be needed" - I know those were not the exact words so please forgive me. Robby also posted that the cars running the speed keys were being "rebuilt" every 500 miles which leads me to wonder about the reliability running E85. It almost sounded like he was down-playing the speed key. I'm definitely not trying to start anything here. I'm just curious if anyone else saw that post?
They basically taking the race cars apart after every race or 500 miles, that includes the engine.
So, after two 250 mile races or one 1000 mile race.
It has nothing to do with reliability, but with inspection to make sure it will be good for the next race.
Note: My interpretation of RGs words.
 
Last edited:
I was away from my phone and most of the real world last week, but seem to recall a post on Insta or FB where someone asked about the Speed Key. I recall Robby posting a reply something to "The cars have a lot of power with out the speed key and it probably won't even be needed" - I know those were not the exact words so please forgive me. Robby also posted that the cars running the speed keys were being "rebuilt" every 500 miles which leads me to wonder about the reliability running E85. It almost sounded like he was down-playing the speed key. I'm definitely not trying to start anything here. I'm just curious if anyone else saw that post?
Yes, I saw the same. I certainly think the suspension performance will outperform most of the driving talent for these cars. I'm speaking for myself here. Those who choose to activate the speed key and void their warranty are more than likely going to run organized race teams. Where weekly tear-down and upkeep will be more common than the weekend warriors, like me and others.
 
Yes, I saw the same. I certainly think the suspension performance will outperform most of the driving talent for these cars. I'm speaking for myself here. Those who choose to activate the speed key and void their warranty are more than likely going to run organized race teams. Where weekly tear-down and upkeep will be more common than the weekend warriors, like me and others.
I think there is a lot of truth to that, but with these being extremely well built (heavier) cars, the extra HP would certainly be nice when running in the dunes which is where I will spend a lot of time.
 
Rebuilding a motor after every race is the norm in any motor sport. As for using e85, the is a very corrosive fuel so anyone that chooses to run e85 will most likely do more in-depth maintenance checks for any fuel leaks to make sure it does not get anywhere it is not suppose to.
 
Rebuilding a motor after every race is the norm in any motor sport. As for using e85, the is a very corrosive fuel so anyone that chooses to run e85 will most likely do more in-depth maintenance checks for any fuel leaks to make sure it does not get anywhere it is not suppose to.
It is correct that E85 is a problem for any vehicle not designed for it.
But the Speed UTV was designed from the ground up to run on E85.
Brazil has been operating on E100 for decades.
 
The biggest problem I know of with E85 is it will absorb moisture in a short amount of time. So in a daily vehicle that is flex fuel designed and can run on E85, you’re typically not going to have as many issues, as you’re constantly using and refilling the tank. But on a vehicle or equipment that is not used on a regular basis or where fuel Is stored, E85 can cause issues. I’m not a big E85 fan for this reason and the reduced mileage you will get on E85.
 
The biggest problem I know of with E85 is it will absorb moisture in a short amount of time. So in a daily vehicle that is flex fuel designed and can run on E85, you’re typically not going to have as many issues, as you’re constantly using and refilling the tank. But on a vehicle or equipment that is not used on a regular basis or where fuel Is stored, E85 can cause issues. I’m not a big E85 fan for this reason and the reduced mileage you will get on E85.
Same thoughts on E85. I would like to know if the Speed Key would work on high octane race fuels or does it only work with oxygenated fuels?
 
I want to know what happens if you fill the tank with e85 and you don't use the speed key or didn't buy it. Will it run at a 225hp tune? Will it not run at all if you don't use a speed key?
 
My understanding from talking with Todd at the Sand Show 2022 is that the fuel sensor measures the level of ethanol and adjusts timing and boost accordingly. I can only guess you'd need a different tune (not Speed Key) to get the benefit of high octane RF.
 
IMG_6419.jpeg
I’d be happy with 300hp tune on race gas, it is also easier to get race fuel in Yuma as the closest E85 at a pump is El Centro. This was posted a while ago on IG but they deleted it for some reason.
 
Good find/save. I forgot about the 'speedsxs' IG account. I was able to find the post and noticed he hasn't posted to that account since 8-5-22
 
View attachment 689
I’d be happy with 300hp tune on race gas, it is also easier to get race fuel in Yuma as the closest E85 at a pump is El Centro. This was posted a while ago on IG but they deleted it for some reason.
That is reaching the advertised 300HP at 8400rpm...
So, all we need is that tune for petrol.
 
That is reaching the advertised 300HP at 8400rpm...
So, all we need is that tune for petrol.
I'm guessing Speed won't release that tune, but it seems as though there is a lot of potential for the aftermarket guys with that motor.
 
Good find/save. I forgot about the 'speedsxs' IG account. I was able to find the post and noticed he hasn't posted to that account since 8-5-22
You’re right, for some reason I thought it was deleted.
 
That is reaching the advertised 300HP at 8400rpm...
So, all we need is that tune for petrol.
Dont quote me on this but I recall Todd saying the Speed Key opens up the car and its in the 260 range on pump gas. I could be wrong but that 's what I remember. That being said there will be tuners getting these things close to 300 on pump I'd guess. But I have no issue running E85 for the dunes. Correct me if I'm wrong but E85 makes it run cooler as well.
 
Dont quote me on this but I recall Todd saying the Speed Key opens up the car and its in the 260 range on pump gas. I could be wrong but that 's what I remember. That being said there will be tuners getting these things close to 300 on pump I'd guess. But I have no issue running E85 for the dunes. Correct me if I'm wrong but E85 makes it run cooler as well.
Yep E85 is a cooler burning tune
 
The biggest problem I know of with E85 is it will absorb moisture in a short amount of time. So in a daily vehicle that is flex fuel designed and can run on E85, you’re typically not going to have as many issues, as you’re constantly using and refilling the tank. But on a vehicle or equipment that is not used on a regular basis or where fuel Is stored, E85 can cause issues. I’m not a big E85 fan for this reason and the reduced mileage you will get on E85.
I havent run E85 personally, but another concern or issue is E85 will dilute the oil and could lead to roasting internal bearings if oil changes aren't performed more frequently. I asked the Speed Team about this (online) but didn't receive a response. Easy fix would be change oil after each dune trip but is it neccessary? . So, hopefully we'll hear from Speed on this topic at some point.
 
Dont quote me on this but I recall Todd saying the Speed Key opens up the car and its in the 260 range on pump gas. I could be wrong but that 's what I remember. That being said there will be tuners getting these things close to 300 on pump I'd guess. But I have no issue running E85 for the dunes. Correct me if I'm wrong but E85 makes it run cooler as well.
Episode 40 with Tony Cola he said that the engine made 250hp easily right off the bat with no tuning and on 91 octane. They then tuned it down to the 225 mark. So yeah plenty of potential as this motor also uses solid lifters and they’ve claimed those are good for well over 10,000 rpms. Little motor is a monster just hope the belt holds up.
 
It made north of 250 hp on low boost and timing with a super flat AF of 9.0 on 91 octane. I would say there is an ass load left in the current configuration. The early number Robby promised was 230 hp on 91 octane. I'm surprised he didn't go with that number beings the Pro R advertised hp is 225. Robby always says why get even when you can get ahead and obviously he can put more power down if he wants too. Maybe it will show more power on the dyno than he's advertising?
 
Back
Top