Sylvie Willis
Propane has been used as an alternative fuel for decades, powering more than 4 million vehicles globally. It is a clean, cost-effective, safe, and reliable fuel source that has been approved in the US Energy Policy Act of 1992. Converting a fuel-injected car engine to propane involves removing the existing gasoline system and installing a propane injection system. This process typically costs between $3,000 to $8,000, with luxury vehicles costing up to $10,000 or more. The conversion can be done by a professional or through DIY kits, but it is important to note that only a few suppliers provide conversion kits for modern fuel-injected vehicles due to EPA and CARB certification requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of conversion | $3,000 to $8,000 on average, up to $10,000 for luxury vehicles |
| Engine platforms | 2.0 to 6.8 liters |
| Fuel savings | 30% to 50% |
| Fuel capacity | Smaller than a gas tank |
| Fuel type | Liquid propane |
| Fuel system | Dual-fuel system |
| Fuel maintenance | Less maintenance required |
| Fuel emissions | Reduced emissions |
| Fuel efficiency | Improved efficiency |
| Fuel filling | Filling stations similar to gasoline and diesel |
| Fuel range | Extended with dual-fuel system |
| Fuel safety | Propane tanks have safety valves |
| Fuel contaminants | Vulnerable to contaminated fuel |
| Engine maintenance | Less maintenance required |
| Engine longevity | Engines last longer |
| Engine fuel | Clean-running fuel |
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What You'll Learn
Conversion kits for fuel-injected engines
There are several benefits to using propane as a fuel source. Firstly, propane is more affordable than gasoline, and propane-fuelled engines require less maintenance, resulting in long-term cost savings. Secondly, propane combustion produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a cleaner engine and a more environmentally friendly vehicle. Additionally, propane storage is safer, and the reduced carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and nitric oxide emissions contribute to improved operator safety.
When considering a conversion kit, it is important to note that there are limited options available for modern fuel-injected vehicles due to the lack of EPA and/or CARB-certified systems. Most conversion kits are designed for carbureted engines or vehicles that have been downgraded from EFI to carburetion. Technocarb, for example, offers bi-fuel conversions for fuel-injected gasoline vehicles. It is also worth mentioning that shops are permitted to repair uncertified systems without risking penalties, and a properly configured injection conversion will run cleaner than the original gasoline engine.
Some companies, like Got Propane, offer universal dual-fuel propane conversion kits for carbureted V6 or V8 engines, which are ideal for Ford, Chevy, and Dodge vehicles. These kits support standard 5 1/8 inch and 3-inch air cleaner openings, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of 2 and 4 barrel motors. The installation process is simplified with easy-to-follow instructions, making it accessible for amateurs and professionals alike.
For those seeking conversion kits for commercial equipment, Vanguard® offers OEM-approved conversion kits through Propane Power Systems (PPS). PPS has developed EPA and CARB-certified conversion kits for select Vanguard and Commercial Series engines, simplifying the process of converting engines to propane fuel.
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Drilling holes for the injector
Firstly, it is important to understand the layout of your engine and identify the specific type of fuel injection system installed in your car. This knowledge will guide the placement of the holes for the propane injector. Common injection systems include throttle-body injection (TBI) and multi-point fuel injection (MPFI). Understanding your car's system will help you determine the optimal location for the propane injector and the number of holes required.
The next step is to carefully mark the spots on the manifold where you will drill the holes. This step requires precision and accuracy to ensure the holes are positioned correctly. It is recommended to refer to the instructions provided with your propane conversion kit or seek advice from a professional if you are unsure. Mark the spots clearly to ensure accurate drilling.
Now, it's time to drill! Select an appropriate drill bit size that matches the specifications of your propane injector. Carefully drill the marked spots on the manifold, creating holes that are straight and true. Ensure that you use the correct speed and pressure to avoid damaging the manifold or creating uneven holes. Take your time with this step to achieve a clean and precise result.
Once the holes are drilled, it's crucial to deburr and clean the area. Remove any metal shavings or debris that may have accumulated during the drilling process. Use a suitable tool, such as a deburring tool or a file, to smooth out the edges of the holes, ensuring there are no sharp edges or burrs that could potentially cause issues later on. A clean and smooth finish is essential for the proper installation of the propane injector.
Finally, inspect your work thoroughly. Check the drilled holes for any imperfections or irregularities. Ensure that the holes are of the correct size and in the right locations. If you notice any issues or discrepancies, address them promptly. It is important to verify the integrity of the drilled holes before proceeding with the next steps of the propane conversion process.
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Dual-fuel systems
There are DIY conversion kits available for dual-fuel systems, but they are only suitable for carbureted engines, not fuel-injected engines. Technocarb, for example, offers dual-fuel conversions for diesel vehicles. These kits are also tailored to a limited number of pre-1986 off-road vehicles.
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Cost of autogas conversion
The cost of autogas conversion varies depending on several factors. The average cost of converting a fuel-injected car to propane autogas ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, with luxury vehicles costing up to $10,000 or more.
The price of autogas conversion kits ranges from $8,000 to $10,000 for CNG conversions. However, these kits are primarily designed for carbureted vehicles or those that have been downgraded from EFI to carburetion. Technocarb offers bi-fuel conversion kits for fuel-injected gasoline vehicles and dual-fuel conversion kits for diesel vehicles.
The cost of converting a car to LPG, or autogas, is approximately £1,200 in the UK. This cost can be offset by the savings on fuel, as LPG is more affordable than petrol or diesel. Additionally, LPG-powered vehicles benefit from reduced CO2 emissions and lower maintenance costs due to less carbon buildup in the engine.
Several factors influence the final cost of LPG conversion, including the size of the tank, the brand and layout of the car, the condition of the vehicle, and the accessibility of the installation. For example, larger tanks are more expensive but reduce the need to refuel. The shape, layout, and brand of the car determine the placement and size of the LPG tank, impacting the overall price. Cars in poor condition may require additional conversion work, increasing the cost. Furthermore, complex installations or those requiring extra parts will also contribute to a higher price tag.
It is important to note that converting a car to LPG is a complex process that should not be attempted without professional experience. It requires specialist tools and equipment, and the use of non-certified systems may be considered "tampering" by regulatory bodies such as the US EPA and CARB.
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Propane as a fuel
Propane has been used as an alternative fuel for over 80 years, powering more than 4 million vehicles globally. It is the third most popular engine fuel after gasoline and diesel. Propane is a clean, cost-effective, safe, and reliable alternative fuel. Tests by the USEPA show that propane-powered vehicles can produce 30–90% less toxin and smog-producing carbon monoxide, and approximately 50% less toxin and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines.
Converting a fuel-injected engine into a biofuel vehicle that runs on propane is possible with a conversion kit. The process involves changing out the fuel tank and installing a propane injection system. The cost of conversion varies depending on the type of vehicle and the size of the tank, ranging from \$3,000 to \$8,000 on average. For luxury vehicles, the cost can be as high as \$10,000 or more.
There are two types of autogas engines: dedicated autogas engines and dual-fuel autogas engines. A dedicated autogas engine exclusively runs on propane autogas, while a dual-fuel engine can run on either propane or gasoline. Dual-fuel systems are more complicated to install and are less common. The conversion process for a dual-fuel system involves keeping the original EFI/tank in place, allowing the car to run on either fuel source.
Propane offers several advantages as a fuel source. It is often cheaper than gasoline, resulting in potential fuel cost savings of 30% to 50%. Propane is also a clean fuel, resulting in reduced emissions and a lower carbon footprint. Additionally, propane engines require less maintenance due to the high octane rating of propane, which prevents carbon buildup inside the engine.
It is important to note that there are limited EPA and/or CARB-certified systems available for modern fuel-injected vehicles. As a result, some conversion kits may be recommended only for "off-road" use to avoid potential penalties from regulatory authorities.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of converting a fuel-injected car to propane depends on the type of vehicle and the size of the tank. On average, a qualified technician can make the conversion for anywhere between $3,000 to $5,000. For some luxury vehicles, the conversion might cost as much as $10,000.
The process of converting a fuel-injected car to propane involves changing out the fuel tank and installing a propane injection system. Holes are drilled into the manifold where the injector is installed. If a reversal is desired, these holes can be plugged. The propane tank is typically installed where the spare tire is kept.
Converting a fuel-injected car to propane offers several benefits. Propane is a clean, cost-effective, and reliable alternative fuel that has been used for decades. It produces fewer toxins and smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines. Propane-powered vehicles also experience reduced maintenance, as the high octane rating doesn't build up carbon inside the engine, resulting in a lower cost of ownership.
One potential drawback to consider is the slight decrease in gas mileage and electrical power when using propane. Additionally, the fuel capacity of a propane tank may be smaller than the original gas tank capacity. It is also important to note that there are very few EPA and/or CARB-certified conversion systems available, so uncertified systems are generally recommended for "off-road" use only.
