XK8R 2 DO OR NOT 2 DO ??

[november mark4]

Any experience getting an xk8 / r converted to LPG ! Good or bad ? What were your results and findings ? Would appreciate any help and info possible.

[edward1]

I have been running a xkr (4.2) on LPG for around 5 years and 50+k miles now.

The pro's. makes running a 400+hp motor as cheap as a diesel on the m/way (cash equivalent of 50mpg, around 28mpg cash equivalent around town).

The con's.
The tank that fits in the spare wheel well means frequent trips to fill up.
Having to listen to the LPG naysayers who for some strange reason think that we shouldn't gas a car like this and drive a diesel, strange people indeed!
There isn't much room under the bonnet to fit lpg on the xk compared to the xj. The non supercharged will be an easier job.

Do your home work on your installer, the ecu light should definitely not be on following a conversion. The xkr will need a petrol return line fitted. There is also some debate about the requirement for flashlube, the general consensus is that these engines should have it.

On the LPG forum this guy gets some very good reviews and seems to really know his stuff. I haven't used him personally yet but may do next time I want the LPG fuelling tweaked.

Servicing / Diagnostics / Repairs to all systems / DIY conversion kits supplied with thorough tech support
Mid Yorkshire
2 miles A1, 8 miles M62,
http://www.Lpgc.co.uk
Twitter https://twitter.com/AutogasSimon
07816237240

[fatboy b]

I'm one of those strange people who think it's not right. The supercharged V8 does need petrol still, so a good conversion will allow petrol and gas in at the same time to save the valves when it's used hard. That aside, the amount spent on a decent conversion will also buy a hell of a lot of unleaded. I'm pleasantly surprised how eco the 5.0SC is in my RS, but I do tend to do longer journeys, and my average is 26 on a tank.

For me, if you can't afford the fuel, then there's other aspects of running that will also get scimped on if you do gas it.

[november mark4]

Thanks for the reply Edward1. What system did you go for ( BRC / PRINS or something else ) ? I believe that's the best two systems out there ?

[edward1]

In the end I went for an OMVL system that uses a single vapouriser and petrol additions for high load. The OMVL system is just a version of the generic aeb controller used by a number of kit suppliers. The pertol additions should help prevent VSR and also facilitated a cheaper install with only one vapouriser rather than a dual system. It is a compromise but for the majority of driving it will not use any petrol only when pressing on.

My decision was as much down to the proximity of installer, as I wanted to make sure it was easy to go back if there were any issues.

Yes the installation cost will by quite alot of petrol but I reckon that after 18months on gas it pad for itself and I have had it now for over 5 years and 50+k on gas.

Unfortunately due to the boy getting bigger I may have to swap soon for something else. I will certainly be looking at something else to go on LPG, maybe a v8 rangie for a complete contrast.