LPG/methane conversion, gas prices are forever on the run Options

[xkillerx]

LPG is rougly half the price of unleaded fuel. Methane is half the price of LPG. all that would mean, ONE very expensive surgery for my ST, and lots od cheap motoring in years to come.

however, BRC (www.brc.it) does not recommend converting 1.8 litre Toyotas and Hondas because the valve and valve bearing alloys cant withstand further temperature increase

Methane conversion is hugely expensive (2500 euros = 3000 us dollars).

anybody got experience with this?

[Culpable04]

what are the downsides of this set-up ?


do you guys install any kind of system to alert when the tank is almost empty ?

[BloodyStupidDave...]

what are the downsides of this set-up ?

Downsides are:

• car is a bit heavier
• top speed is limited in lpg mode
• grants aren't available in most countries, so one has to look long-term for break-even. For instance, break even for a UK car would typically be around a year at 20k miles/year, perhaps 18 months to two years at 10k miles/year. There are lpg calculator websites all over the web - here is one for the UK: <a href="http://www.greenfuel.org.uk/" target="_blank">/</a>
• most countries don't offer Tax breaks for having a conversion, either. Tax incentives no longer operate in the UK, Ireland or Europe. There is a reduced London congestion charge though (so might be more worthwhile for regular London drivers)
• lpg conversions can show up pre-existing problems as LPG is a little less forgiving of engine faults and problems
• The LPG refueling pumps network isn't quite as advanced as petrol and diesel pumps networks in most countries. It is worth checking where your local refueling pumps are located. I'm fine - about 1 in 4 station forecourts near me have an LPG pump including the two nearest my house and the one nearest my work.
• Some insurers charge a premium for converted cars. However, many don't as long as the conversion has been carried out by a qualified lpg engineer. There are even a couple of specialised companies that provide a discount as LPG drivers are generally safer drivers. Apparently.

do you guys install any kind of system to alert when the tank is almost empty ?

Most kits come with some kind of gauge. The BRC Sequent one comes with a 4-led gauge. *edit: found some pics*. I'm planning to replace this with a dial gauge at some point.

http://www.envirogas.net/images/galleryPics/396.jpg
http://www.greenfuel.org.uk/_images/testim...ns/miss_b_2.jpg

This post has been edited by BloodyStupidDavey: Jun 13, 2007 - 2:14 PM