propane convert

[sblkcamaro70]

has any sumbled across anything or done anything with a propane conversion. i am not talking about using it like nitrious but as the only fuel source in my 89 dx.

[TheSilentChamber]

There has been alot of discussion about it in the technical/engineering forum. While propaine is cheeper, it has less power than gasoline, so any savings you get on fuel, will go right back in because of the worse mileage.

[sblkcamaro70]

but i thought lp was more efficient becuase it is a higher octane. i am probably wrong

[skotman]

to an extent i don't think that the octanity... octaneness... that the octane of a substance has that much to do with how many miles per gallon you're going to get.

higher octanes = a less explosive material. one that will combust, but requires either more spark or a higher compression or both to get anything useful out of it. maybe propane at a compression high enough to get equal power out of it would be dangerous in an engine. i dunno. just speculating.

[FrodoGT]

On a higher compression engine propane would cause it to knock and detonate rather badly..

[GeneHer]

People have been using Propane in Fork Lifts for years.

That being said, you have to do a few things...

1. You need to get an ECM that "maps" propane. Your ECM "thinks" in terms of gasoline. I don't know of a source for such an ECM for Hondas.

Given how many Honda Civics there are out there I imagine you'll find a conversion kit ready to go. This might take care of item #2 as well.

2. You may need "official" permission to use alternative fuels. That permission may be gratefully given, or you might be denied. I don't know.


I did google a site which looks interesting and might be useful.

http://www.mipga.org/Vehicle.htm It matters because Michigan is also the home to America's "Big Three", which may mean that they have some input into the converstion processes.

I for one wish the best of luck in this venture. I hope that you'll keep the forum updated on your progress.

Gene

[Mark_Z28]

Propane has less energy than gasoline so you will use a lot more propane to get the same amount of power/work from the same amount of gasoline. You wouldnt need the ECU at all if you can get a stand alone ignition system. You may have an impossible time trying to find a propane carb that will bolt up to a Honda engine. It was a popular conversion on V8 engines that had a carb, it just replaced the stock gas carb. Propane burns very clean and the engine will be very clean inside also. Propane also dries out the seals and doesnt have the lubricating properties gasoline has so increased valve seat wear may occur. I had a 76 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD truck that had propane on it. It ran ok but used up the fuel way too fast and wasnt that powerful. I converted it back to a Edelbrock four barrel and aluminum intake and it had a lot more power and much better mileage comparatively, still sucked.

[allstar323]

Similar to using E85 or "flexfuel" I read in road and track...or was it car and driver? but anyway, it has less energy content so you will burn more. I forgot the reason why the cars were a tad bit more powerful (ex: the 1/4 times were like a bit faster)...but mileage suffered greatly.

[Mark_Z28]

It has higher octane so the car can run higher compression and advanced timing which will make the car more powerful.