LPG for VOLVO S40 T4

debix · Oct 14th, 2012, 16:37

Hello enthusiasts!

I have read through a lot of threads on this forum, and haven't seen anything to make me think that it would be a bad idea to convert my 1998 Volvo S40 T4, yet!
I have been offered an installation of BRC system, by an accredited installer.
Before I bite the bullet, I am hoping for some feedback from owners of LPG conversions, especially if yours is an S40 and/or a Turbo.

How are you doing?
Any major or minor problems?
How many miles have you covered?
What's the fuel consumption like?
Anything I should look out for, or ask the installer before I give the go ahead?

Thanks!

atnas666 · Oct 14th, 2012, 22:32

Make sure you get a good installer.
Make sure every think on ignition side is spot on.
I get about 24-27mpg on lpg.

I have had to go back to the installer a few times but all is good with the system at present.
I've been on it nearly a year and have covered about 10k keep the car well serviced coolant/oil and ignition and ur be fine.

debix · Oct 15th, 2012, 00:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by atnas666

Make sure you get a good installer.
Make sure every think on ignition side is spot on.
I get about 24-27mpg on lpg.

I have had to go back to the installer a few times but all is good with the system at present.
I've been on it nearly a year and have covered about 10k keep the car well serviced coolant/oil and ignition and ur be fine.

Well thank you atnas666. This is the kind of info I am looking for!
However I don't know how to judge whether the ignition thing is up to spec...?
What system did you have installed?
I am in the darkest depths of southern Portugal, and there aren't huge choices when it comes to installers, but the one closest by seems to have some pretty good feedback regarding a nice, tidy job with an intelligent and helpful service. It's all regulated here, you can't install your own system, or get a mate to do it, all installers have to be registered with the department of transport. Still, I guess some will be more proficient than others!

atnas666 · Oct 15th, 2012, 17:19

Simply put your best option would be to buy new VOLVO spark plugs, ht leads and coil packs. then your ignition will be sport on and will have no problem

Mines a prinis system BRC are meant to be just as good

(Hmm you should change your location to Portugal as it currently says London)

The rule of thumb is any problem you have on the car will be about 5-10x worse on lpg

debix · Oct 15th, 2012, 17:54

Thanks atnas666

Quote:

Originally Posted by atnas666

The rule of thumb is any problem you have on the car will be about 5-10x worse on lpg

That's a rather alarming figure!
Even if you had said twice as bad, I would be starting to have serious doubts....?

atnas666 · Oct 15th, 2012, 19:15

As long as you cars is running good your be ok... Its really only ignition items to worry about. Change the items stated above and you really should have no problems.

Its well worth it in the long run...

capt jack · Oct 15th, 2012, 19:43

Just one thing to add. Use standard copper-cored single point spark plugs. LPG doesn't go so well if you start to use fancy metal plugs, or anything with multiple electrodes.

Cheers

Jack

debix · Oct 15th, 2012, 21:39

Thanks Capt Jack. I am not sure how the master fitter will take my suggestion, but I'll give it a try.

volvobaggen · Oct 15th, 2012, 21:50

In my opinion the most important thing is to fit a large tank. You use more lpg than petrol, filling stations are often not as abundant as petrol pumps.

Don´t worry about people saying there will be a lot more trouble with lpg, the only issue is that lpg is harder to ignite than normal petrol. Worn out ignition components might be enough to start a petrol-air explotion, but not the lpg-air explotion. Don´t spend a fortune on gimmicky spark plugs, buy the cheap single electrode copper plugs, preferably NGK or Denso.

debix · Oct 17th, 2012, 00:25

Thanks volvobaggen. I can fit a mere 44 litre donut tank where the spare wheel is. I don't want to obstruct the folding rear seats, and can put the wheel anywhere really!

I guess I let the installer do his job and install his spark plugs and stuff, then ask him to change them to the ones you recommend at a later date.

Would I be invalidating the guarantee if I asked my regular mechanic to make those changes?

Oct 14th, 2012, 16:37	#1
debix New Member Last Online: Oct 27th, 2012 01:32 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: London	LPG for VOLVO S40 T4 Hello enthusiasts! I have read through a lot of threads on this forum, and haven't seen anything to make me think that it would be a bad idea to convert my 1998 Volvo S40 T4, yet! I have been offered an installation of BRC system, by an accredited installer. Before I bite the bullet, I am hoping for some feedback from owners of LPG conversions, especially if yours is an S40 and/or a Turbo. How are you doing? Any major or minor problems? How many miles have you covered? What's the fuel consumption like? Anything I should look out for, or ask the installer before I give the go ahead? Thanks!

Oct 14th, 2012, 22:32	#2
atnas666 Proud T4 owner Last Online: May 5th, 2021 16:04 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: guildford	Make sure you get a good installer. Make sure every think on ignition side is spot on. I get about 24-27mpg on lpg. I have had to go back to the installer a few times but all is good with the system at present. I've been on it nearly a year and have covered about 10k keep the car well serviced coolant/oil and ignition and ur be fine. __________________ '99 S40 T4 (Running on LPG) '97 S40 2.0CD (Sold to Completefluke) Volvo FM12 420Bhp Draw-bar - Car Transporter

Oct 15th, 2012, 17:19	#4
atnas666 Proud T4 owner Last Online: May 5th, 2021 16:04 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: guildford	Simply put your best option would be to buy new VOLVO spark plugs, ht leads and coil packs. then your ignition will be sport on and will have no problem Mines a prinis system BRC are meant to be just as good (Hmm you should change your location to Portugal as it currently says London) The rule of thumb is any problem you have on the car will be about 5-10x worse on lpg __________________ '99 S40 T4 (Running on LPG) '97 S40 2.0CD (Sold to Completefluke) Volvo FM12 420Bhp Draw-bar - Car Transporter Last edited by atnas666; Oct 15th, 2012 at 17:22.

Oct 15th, 2012, 19:15	#6
atnas666 Proud T4 owner Last Online: May 5th, 2021 16:04 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: guildford	As long as you cars is running good your be ok... Its really only ignition items to worry about. Change the items stated above and you really should have no problems. Its well worth it in the long run... __________________ '99 S40 T4 (Running on LPG) '97 S40 2.0CD (Sold to Completefluke) Volvo FM12 420Bhp Draw-bar - Car Transporter

Oct 15th, 2012, 19:43	#7
capt jack VOC Member Last Online: Jun 10th, 2024 19:15 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Selby, North Yorkshire	Just one thing to add. Use standard copper-cored single point spark plugs. LPG doesn't go so well if you start to use fancy metal plugs, or anything with multiple electrodes. Cheers Jack

Oct 15th, 2012, 21:39	#8
debix New Member Last Online: Oct 27th, 2012 01:32 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: London	Thanks Capt Jack. I am not sure how the master fitter will take my suggestion, but I'll give it a try.

Oct 15th, 2012, 21:50	#9
volvobaggen Member Last Online: Jan 18th, 2015 21:13 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Haugesund	In my opinion the most important thing is to fit a large tank. You use more lpg than petrol, filling stations are often not as abundant as petrol pumps. Don´t worry about people saying there will be a lot more trouble with lpg, the only issue is that lpg is harder to ignite than normal petrol. Worn out ignition components might be enough to start a petrol-air explotion, but not the lpg-air explotion. Don´t spend a fortune on gimmicky spark plugs, buy the cheap single electrode copper plugs, preferably NGK or Denso.

Oct 17th, 2012, 00:25	#10
debix New Member Last Online: Oct 27th, 2012 01:32 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: London	Thanks volvobaggen. I can fit a mere 44 litre donut tank where the spare wheel is. I don't want to obstruct the folding rear seats, and can put the wheel anywhere really! I guess I let the installer do his job and install his spark plugs and stuff, then ask him to change them to the ones you recommend at a later date. Would I be invalidating the guarantee if I asked my regular mechanic to make those changes?

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