V40 LPG conversion

[tt82]

Hi all, I'm looking into converting my 2001 V40 with the B4184S2 122bhp engine to LPG. Volvo offered an official Bi-Fuel version of the S/V40 which was badged the B4184S9. The tourque and bhp figures for these engines are the same in petrol mode but the S9 version has slightly higher fuel economy and emissions.

It seems that i have the starting point for the Bi-Fuel engine and im just wondering if its possible to get it retro fitted by a Volvo dealer? I would prefer to use the volvo system if its an option as should any problems arise, even though the car is an old car i should be able to have the local dealer sort it.



P.S. if there are owners of the V/S40 Bi-fuel engine reading this, I would appreciate it if they could post some photos of the system as i believe it takes up some of the boot space.

[classicswede]

The tank is fitted to the spare wheel well and the spare wheel will need to be kept else where.

The volvo system as per factory fit is very poor and has a bad reputation. Spare parts from volvo are extreamly expensive. You would be much beeter off with a after market installation.

[capt jack]

Wouldn't bother asking a Volvo dealer to do it - I doubt they'd be interested.

Go to one of the specialists - the LPGA website will provide a list of authorised fitters.

It's actually quite a straightforward job - gas tank, fuel regulator, injectors, ECU and a bit of pipework.

Classicswede on here knows what he's about, or you could ask the people who converted my V70 160,000 miles and over 5 years ago, Autogas 2000 in Thirsk, N Yorks. The car has been and still is fabulous, and the LPG conversion nigh on perfect in all that time and mileage.

Pictures attached

Cheers

Jack

[tt82]

Originally Posted by capt jack

Wouldn't bother asking a Volvo dealer to do it - I doubt they'd be interested.

Go to one of the specialists - the LPGA website will provide a list of authorised fitters.

It's actually quite a straightforward job - gas tank, fuel regulator, injectors, ECU and a bit of pipework.

Classicswede on here knows what he's about, or you could ask the people who converted my V70 160,000 miles and over 5 years ago, Autogas 2000 in Thirsk, N Yorks. The car has been and still is fabulous, and the LPG conversion nigh on perfect in all that time and mileage.

Pictures attached

Cheers

Jack

Thanks for posting the pics, can i just ask what capacity the LPG tank has please?

[tt82]

Had a quote off The Greenfuel Company, they say.....

Our quotation is specific to your Volvo V40 1.8 (122bhp) SE Estate 5d 1783cc auto but should be considered as a guideline only. Your cost of conversion is estimated at £1,527.50 including VAT.

..... and they reckon

If you drive 18,000 miles this year you will spend £3,097.65 on petrol but by converting your vehicle you could spend just £1,903.76 on LPG saving you £1,193.89 this year on your fuel costs.

I know those figures will be buffed up to look as good as possible, but it seems like doing the mileage i do, the system would pay for it self in 18-24 months.

[capt jack]

My tank is 60 litres nominal, which mean it actually takes 48 litres to fill.

I get 25 mpg on gas.

If I made any mistakes then it was with the tank. I wish I'd tried to get a slightly bigger one. Filling up every 250 to 260 miles is a bit of a nuisance sometimes. Then again, a bigger tank would've meant some alterations to the floor.

Either way, it's a lot cheaper than petrol.

Those Greenfuel figures do sound about right to be honest. I was converted at 50,000 miles, and the car has now done 210,000 miles. I reckon in that time to have saved £12,000 in fuel costs. I paid £1700 for the conversion and £3500 plus a knackered Honda for the car, so I'm happy!

If you plan to keep your car for at least another 50,000 miles you'll be ahead of the game I reckon.

Cheers

Jack

PS: The Greenfuel calculator is great, but other fitting companies can work out cheaper! Contact Autogas 2000 at Thirsk, and ask Dai (Classicswede) on here for a price. You may be pleasantly surprised!

[classicswede]

Originally Posted by capt jack

My tank is 60 litres nominal, which mean it actually takes 48 litres to fill.

That is a suprise. I asume that would be a 600mm dia x 270mm high 60 ltr. a 630 x 270 of that type will fit a 72ltr or with some manipulation of the floor a 77ltr one will go in.

[classicswede]

The tank for the S40 is a 53ltr but with some mods a bigger tank can be fitted, If a long range is needed then a cylinder is the best way.

Conversion cost for a volvo 4 cylinder is £1200 all incuded from me using teh lastest multi point injection systems.

[capt jack]

Originally Posted by classicswede

That is a suprise. I asume that would be a 600mm dia x 270mm high 60 ltr. a 630 x 270 of that type will fit a 72ltr or with some manipulation of the floor a 77ltr one will go in.

Yes - as I say my one regret was not evaluating tank options more thoroughly. I don't doubt that with hindsight I could have got a bigger tank.

I'll know better next time. Trouble is, this car is so completely brilliant that next time is still a long way away as yet!

Cheers

Jack

[classicswede]

Thats it no point fixing what hasn't broken. I'm sure the car still hase a good few reliable years left in yet.