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850 / S70 & V70 '96-'99 / C70 '97-'05 General Forum for the 850 and P80-platform 70-series models |
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Pros and cons for LPG conversionViews : 1262 Replies : 26Users Viewing This Thread : |
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May 4th, 2019, 18:05 | #1 |
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Pros and cons for LPG conversion
Hi All
I'm considering getting my 1996 850 converted to run on LPG. Has anyone had it done? Any pitfalls? Are the current valve seats hard enough to resist consequential wear? All contributions welcome. Dave
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2002 V70 LPG conversion 1968 Austin A60 Countryman 2000 Triumph Golden Jubilee 1976 Triumph T140V Bonneville Project Wurlitzer 2150 Juke Box |
May 4th, 2019, 20:18 | #2 |
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May 4th, 2019, 21:05 | #3 | |
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Quote:
As long as you are not flying up and down motorways all day for 100000 miles and bearing in mind if you do get trouble there is not a lot lost you will have to get the seats done then ..
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May 4th, 2019, 21:18 | #4 | |
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Last Online: Feb 16th, 2024 14:43
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Quote:
At about 1500 quid fitted you will save 40% on fuel and recover the install costs in about 30,000 miles. Cons, You will need to drive 30k plus just to break even. You will loose boot space or underfloor space or your spare wheel. It adds additional complexity to the vehicle. EML problems and general LPG problems will likely occur (EML light on is now an MOT fail). You will not get much of anything back on the install. If your doing 30,000 miles plus a year I would consider it (I wouldn’t have it), but at 10k a year for example it’s going to take 3 years plus to save the money and probably significantly longer. On the upside your oil will stay clean but you may well burn valves and damage the valve seats. I would not bother. |
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May 4th, 2019, 21:31 | #5 |
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I had my 96 855 T5 converted in 2007 at 134000 miles. Yes i initially had engine management light issues but the installer sorted this out by fitting different injectors and tuning it properly. I am now on 255000 miles and still going strong. It has paid for itself many times over at 60p a litre or thereabouts. All the pros and cons of the previous poster are correct but the EML issues are because of poor installation not a fault of LPG per se. There is an LPG section on this site but it has descended into a bit of a bun fight between the lovers and haters. I have had 120000 miles of trouble free and cheap motoring whereas i would probably have sold the car many years ago running just on unleaded as it is like a Pompey supporter on Stella.
One final word, if you are considering it, it is important to make sure the car itself is in good condition, especially the fuel and ignition system. My installer refused to even consider the conversion until he had inspected my car. Many of the issues are due to conversions of cars that have not been properly looked after. Last edited by cyclogenesis; May 4th, 2019 at 21:33. |
May 5th, 2019, 01:20 | #6 |
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Thanks for all your replies.
My car is in good condition, having only covered 77,000, and I would like to keep it but the MPG does put me off. I shall consult a few installers in my area and see what they say and then make a decision. Dave
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2002 V70 LPG conversion 1968 Austin A60 Countryman 2000 Triumph Golden Jubilee 1976 Triumph T140V Bonneville Project Wurlitzer 2150 Juke Box |
May 5th, 2019, 09:08 | #7 |
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77k, how many miles are you doing. If you are doing 3-6k a year then you would be mad to get LPG.
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May 5th, 2019, 09:33 | #8 |
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I bought it with the low mileage.
I would easily do 10,000 if the the MPG were better, instead of using the Boss's Corsa.
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2002 V70 LPG conversion 1968 Austin A60 Countryman 2000 Triumph Golden Jubilee 1976 Triumph T140V Bonneville Project Wurlitzer 2150 Juke Box |
May 7th, 2019, 21:47 | #9 | |
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Quote:
Pitfalls, filling takes longer, Spark plugs and HT leads etc need to be in much better condition to run LPG than for petrol, you either have the spare wheel in the boot or not carry one, guys down the pub (and internet forums) will keep telling you it will ruin your engine. Pros, fuel cost is lower than a deseasel to run, engine oil is less contaminated, emmissions are lower. Valve seats are already hardened. After doing 100,000 miles on LPG you MIGHT find the valves are started to cut into the seats a little but likely still within wear limits. You do need to consider the payback time. Ideally you want a 12 month payback time. With the typical cost of 5 cylinder conversion being £1200 you need to be expecting to have spent £2500 or more on petrol in the year. That would see your money back and there after you are saving money |
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May 8th, 2019, 01:58 | #10 | |
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Quote:
I have been quoted £1650 from a chap who works in a back yard and £1700 from a professional LPG installer. A bit higher than I was anticipating. Also, I've been informed that my engine was built as a dual fuel unit and is used as such in other models as factory fitted. Payback can be debated at length but as I'm intending to keep the car for some years to come it's not a great issue for me.
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2002 V70 LPG conversion 1968 Austin A60 Countryman 2000 Triumph Golden Jubilee 1976 Triumph T140V Bonneville Project Wurlitzer 2150 Juke Box |
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