Hey guys, I am looking for anyone on this site who has run a truck converted to run on propane. When I rebuild my 318 magnum I am almost sure that I want to run the truck on liquid propane only. I am a licensed tech so I have the experience necessary and am very comfortable working with fuel gases. Real world experience is what I am looking for....especially from any engine builders here. There is so little information in the USA about this. I am in communication with a gent in England about a computerized ODB based vapor injection system he sells.This would apply to earlier non OBD II '92-'95 magnums. Thanks

 

merc225hp had a propane powered chevy, I think..... he's the only one I am aware of though. Haven't seen him in while either......

Why do you want to go propane?

 

Propane is less powerful than gasoline. Not sure what the laws are for tank storage either. I have heard of a guy that had a split system both gas and propane.

X2 Gas aint $5 a gallon anymore.

 

I am rebuilding the engine anyway, so I may build it to take advantage of propane's properties. Lots of compression, advance and the right cam specs make a huge difference. Tanks are not a problem...just generic DOT approved stuff.

 

I suppose I could see it for the novelty value...... my question becomes, how much are you going to have to invest in the fuel system/engine controls, and will it EVER pay itself off with any savings on fuel costs...... Keep in mind, gasoline also does odd and strange things like condition valve seats, and such. (additive packages) Propane isn't going to do that.

In any event, should be an interesting project. What compression ratio you thinkin'? Cam choice?

 

Sniff around on some Australian sites... Aussies have been doing LPG conversions since the early 80's.

 

Actually this is being done all over the world except the US, because of our artificially low gas prices. When gas spikes again, this may look really good. I was thinking around 11.0-12.0 to 1 comp...not sure on cam yet. I am getting conflicting opinions. It is well known on the generator side of things that LPG fueled engines last forever....the seat/valve issue is way overblown IMHO.

 

Maybe I am just old.

I think it was more of an issue when valve seats weren't hardened, and the lead in gas was supposed to take care of it.

 

A lot of people don't even know this fact, Especially the youngsters! And i have seen plenty of lpg motors that didn't last forever. One in particular had so much blow by it would stall the motor(to much air in the mixture). To each his own i guess.

 

The older we get, the less younger people think we know.