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propane conversion for EFI


Happy Camper

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Hi, I've read a few topics here relative to propane conversion and I was surprised to find out that it seemed obvious that EFI engines could not run on propane. I don't know too much about the subject but what I know for sure, is that there is one company that offers propane conversion kits for EFI engines. (Got to www.poweredbypropane.net to find out...).

Perhaps, I know that these kits are expansive (around 1000$ w/o the tanks) because they are all electronically controlled and tuned. And the kit comes with a complete set of independent propane injectors (so you have to drill and tap holes in your intake manifold to fit them), and (that's what I find the most interesting), the kit is installed with selenoid operated valves that enables a switch from gasoline to propane and vice-versa with the flick of a switch. (the original gasoline system all remain intact). In fact, the engine is started on gasoline and only switched to propane when it has reached an its optimal operating temperature.

Also, they say that there is no power loss or drop in mileage when operating on propane because of the higher octane rating of propane compared to gasoline (even if propane has a lower calorific value than gasoline...)

Okay, that sounds pretty cool but you have to keep in mind (I do!) that all these informations are sypplied by the company itself... So, I would be pretty interested to share any informations about this technology especially if someone knows somebody who tried this system.

Finally, I don't want to start a hole debate on it but I'm suprised to see people saying that running on propane is not an economy compared to running on gasoline. As far as I am concerned, I already heard a couple of stories about some (carbed) vehicules being converted and having a considerable economy (but a power and mileage loss...the economy was made because of the price of propane and not because of the mileage...). Also, all those stories were concerning people that use to make lots of highway mileage. And finally, these conversions were made with old systems on carbed vehicules (it has nothing to do with the system I've described above).

I can't wait to see if people experienced the new system (the one sold on poweredbypropane.net...)

Thanks
 


Black_Splash

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Jasper Engines has dedicated carbed, EFI and even diesel engines. They do conversions also. There is a 97 propane powered F-150 driving around town.
 
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mattpresley

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85_Ranger4x4

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$$$

why convert to propane. its very expenisve........

Because in my area, propane is sold a something like 80 cents/liter... The only reason is to save money! (and this is only possible if the conversion kit offered by the company (poweredbyproane) is as efficient as they say it is so that's why I would like to find somebody who did the conversion on an EFI vehicule to find out what are the results...
 

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yeah if its cheaper which is usually is... propane burns CLEAN and puts out very very little pollution and it puts out the same sometimes more power than gasoline

im pretty sure you can actually just convert it yourself all you need is a regulator off a forklift or other propane engine. they work just like a carburetor
 

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Or if you build a engine FOR propane, you can run a higher CR and get away with it on the street.
 

mattpresley

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Because in my area, propane is sold a something like 80 cents/liter... The only reason is to save money! (and this is only possible if the conversion kit offered by the company (poweredbyproane) is as efficient as they say it is so that's why I would like to find somebody who did the conversion on an EFI vehicule to find out what are the results...
whys it so cheap there its like 60 bucks for a bbq drum here
 

mattpresley

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yeah if its cheaper which is usually is... propane burns CLEAN and puts out very very little pollution and it puts out the same sometimes more power than gasoline

im pretty sure you can actually just convert it yourself all you need is a regulator off a forklift or other propane engine. they work just like a carburetor
 

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whys it so cheap there its like 60 bucks for a bbq drum here
uuuuuuhhhh you got a 30+ gallon tank? Well makes sense as drums are usually 50 gallons... but seriously at the store I work for, a tank exchange costs 6 bucks... six and sixty are pretty close...

It's about $1.26-$2.00 a gallon here. I wanna convert but damn efi... and gas is at $2.50 so I wouldn't see good enough savings till the prices sky rocket again.

I also am very interested to see if anyone's used that efi kit.

(although I want propane to loose all my efi crap so I just need a carb'd engine I guess)
 

mattpresley

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uuuuuuhhhh you got a 30+ gallon tank? Well makes sense as drums are usually 50 gallons... but seriously at the store I work for, a tank exchange costs 6 bucks... six and sixty are pretty close...

It's about $1.26-$2.00 a gallon here. I wanna convert but damn efi... and gas is at $2.50 so I wouldn't see good enough savings till the prices sky rocket again.

I also am very interested to see if anyone's used that efi kit.

(although I want propane to loose all my efi crap so I just need a carb'd engine I guess)
I meant a tank. tank exchange = 49.99
 

mattpresley

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can it go in a diesal without any mods? diesel engines can burn just about anything flammable
 

black bart

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lp / cng

at $ 3 + for reg a gal in Los Angeles CNG or LP sounds good. a company called Phil - It makes a cng station for the house. it takes natural gas and compress it into your tanks. the system is pricey but the fuel is cheap.
 

feellnfroggy

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You know when I first found this site, over a eyar ago, there was a 93 ranger build with an electric motor. What happened to that? And is a propane conversion so much cheaper than a diesel conversion?
 

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