LPG Conversions
Discussion
Most LPG conversions use a means of "tricking" the existing ECU into thinking that it's doing the squirting, not the LPG ECU.
Theoretically, and engine on LPG should produce more power than on regular or super unleaded, as LPG has an effective octane of between 102 and 110.
Unless you can re-map your ignition system, and raise your compression, not to mention run a more aggressive cam profile, you won't get any more out of it, in fact, you'll get a little less.
Straight forward simple "ring mixer" systems lose you about 7-10% of your power, however, you will find that your engine pulls better at the top end because of the superior charge cooling effect that LPG has.
More complex multi-injector systems lose you about 2% of your BHP. Not noticeable.
You'll also see an increase in consumption of around 10% because LPG doesn't quite have the calorific value of petrol.
If you run on LPG all of the time (except for start-up/warm-up), you'll find that your oil will stay clean as the particulates are nil, and that means no soot in your oil.
Down-sides. You have to put the tank somewhere. You'll either lose your spare wheel well, or some of your boot space for the tank. Fuel stations with LPG are not that common. There are quite a lot around, more are installing.
Your car will smell like a factory forklift to following traffic!
Upsides - it will run quieter. LPG is typically half the price of petrol, if you get 40mpg on petrol, you should get around 36/38 on LPG, giving you an equivalent of 72/76mpg.
If it's on the approved list (the car/conversion) - Ken will let you play in his park for free (congestion zone).
Keep an eye out for independant LPG resellers. They are often the cheapest. I've seen 40p-ish prices at indy's, compared to 50p+ at mainstream stations.
If you have space at home, you need to have LPG fueled central heating
and thus your own bulk tank (if you can, buy your own tank, it doesn't tie you to any one brand, and you can shop around for the best price)
If you're still up for it, go to a professional installer - someone like Nicholson McLaren!! (there are others that are cheaper and just as good). They will give you all of the certificates you need for your insurance company (they'll want to know), and Cosmic Ken's Transport for Londonites.
And I should add that I have a 1998 Omega MV6 Estate with 212000 on the clock, and LPG up it's shirt. Still does 15...... ahem..
Theoretically, and engine on LPG should produce more power than on regular or super unleaded, as LPG has an effective octane of between 102 and 110.
Unless you can re-map your ignition system, and raise your compression, not to mention run a more aggressive cam profile, you won't get any more out of it, in fact, you'll get a little less.
Straight forward simple "ring mixer" systems lose you about 7-10% of your power, however, you will find that your engine pulls better at the top end because of the superior charge cooling effect that LPG has.
More complex multi-injector systems lose you about 2% of your BHP. Not noticeable.
You'll also see an increase in consumption of around 10% because LPG doesn't quite have the calorific value of petrol.
If you run on LPG all of the time (except for start-up/warm-up), you'll find that your oil will stay clean as the particulates are nil, and that means no soot in your oil.
Down-sides. You have to put the tank somewhere. You'll either lose your spare wheel well, or some of your boot space for the tank. Fuel stations with LPG are not that common. There are quite a lot around, more are installing.
Your car will smell like a factory forklift to following traffic!
Upsides - it will run quieter. LPG is typically half the price of petrol, if you get 40mpg on petrol, you should get around 36/38 on LPG, giving you an equivalent of 72/76mpg.
If it's on the approved list (the car/conversion) - Ken will let you play in his park for free (congestion zone).
Keep an eye out for independant LPG resellers. They are often the cheapest. I've seen 40p-ish prices at indy's, compared to 50p+ at mainstream stations.
If you have space at home, you need to have LPG fueled central heating
and thus your own bulk tank (if you can, buy your own tank, it doesn't tie you to any one brand, and you can shop around for the best price)If you're still up for it, go to a professional installer - someone like Nicholson McLaren!! (there are others that are cheaper and just as good). They will give you all of the certificates you need for your insurance company (they'll want to know), and Cosmic Ken's Transport for Londonites.
And I should add that I have a 1998 Omega MV6 Estate with 212000 on the clock, and LPG up it's shirt. Still does 15...... ahem..
Edited by thunderbelmont on Thursday 6th March 00:34
? If so, how much would it cost?Just a thought - are any of you guys thinking of converting to avoid the congestion charge in London? (As well as save money on the fuel) If so read this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7271462....
And with that in mind, how long do you think it will be before they raise the tax on LPG because so many paople are using it and paying so much less for their fuel?
As usual, our government aren't really interested in "saving the planet", they're just out to take our hard-earned away from us. The motorist is a cash-cow these days.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7271462....
And with that in mind, how long do you think it will be before they raise the tax on LPG because so many paople are using it and paying so much less for their fuel?
As usual, our government aren't really interested in "saving the planet", they're just out to take our hard-earned away from us. The motorist is a cash-cow these days.
SammyJ,
I found this site which is doing conversion for about £1500:
http://www.britishlpg.co.uk/Services/Prices/tabid/...
There's a Vauxhall in their Gallery so they should be able to do yours.
I haven't found a site that convert 911s yet, is that because it is difficult or just no demand?
I found this site which is doing conversion for about £1500:
http://www.britishlpg.co.uk/Services/Prices/tabid/...
There's a Vauxhall in their Gallery so they should be able to do yours.
I haven't found a site that convert 911s yet, is that because it is difficult or just no demand?
Soop Dogg said:
Just a thought - are any of you guys thinking of converting to avoid the congestion charge in London? (As well as save money on the fuel) If so read this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7271462....
And with that in mind, how long do you think it will be before they raise the tax on LPG because so many paople are using it and paying so much less for their fuel?
As usual, our government aren't really interested in "saving the planet", they're just out to take our hard-earned away from us. The motorist is a cash-cow these days.
Converting to LPG doesn't save the planet.The CO2 emissions are almost the same.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7271462....
And with that in mind, how long do you think it will be before they raise the tax on LPG because so many paople are using it and paying so much less for their fuel?
As usual, our government aren't really interested in "saving the planet", they're just out to take our hard-earned away from us. The motorist is a cash-cow these days.
herewego said:
Converting to LPG doesn't save the planet.The CO2 emissions are almost the same.
That'll be why I put that phrase in quote marks then....They use the excuse of "saving the planet" to justify taxing us, but they can't even be consistent with conning us all.
I don't actually believe that using LPG will help with global warming, but they seem to suggest that it's a 'greener' fuel. In my opinion, they'll always just apply more tax according to the level of revenue they can get from the item they're taxing.
Edited by Soop Dogg on Friday 14th March 12:25
Soop Dogg said:
herewego said:
Converting to LPG doesn't save the planet.The CO2 emissions are almost the same.
That'll be why I put that phrase in quote marks then....They use the excuse of "saving the planet" to justify taxing us, but they can't even be consistent with conning us all.
I don't actually believe that using LPG will help with global warming, but they seem to suggest that it's a 'greener' fuel. In my opinion, they'll always just apply more tax according to the level of revenue they can get from the item they're taxing.
Edited by Soop Dogg on Friday 14th March 12:25
>Unfortunately because of the cost of conversion, the only cars that turned
>to LPG were gas guzzlers. This negated the potential benefit.
Nowt wrong with Gas Guzzlers converting to LPG! Surely, these hard working owners
should be congratulated for being so responsible and taking steps to reduce their emission . After all, any reduction in toxic emission has to be beneficial.
>to LPG were gas guzzlers. This negated the potential benefit.
Nowt wrong with Gas Guzzlers converting to LPG! Surely, these hard working owners
should be congratulated for being so responsible and taking steps to reduce their emission . After all, any reduction in toxic emission has to be beneficial.Gassing Station | Motoring News | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff