I watched the Channel 4 Driven programme last night and it had an item about LPG and the potential savings. Since I run an STi I didn't think it would be of interest, but I've just read their article at

 

Hi, I posted on this before as I had done some research about converting my non-Scoob (23 mpg Jaguar). I didn't see C4 programme but was under the strong impression that you lose some performance (and economy as mentioned above). Things to consider:

1) Only around 500 LPG outlets in UK (but list growing)

2) Yes price for LPG is low now but for how long - Uncle Gordon B doesn't miss many tricks ?

3) It seems to take a 2-3 days for conversion. £1500-ish. Probably cheaper in Europe for basic job but then you have the hassle and what if it goes wrong?

4) Will not help on re-sale price as public not yet on board with this technology

5) Will take up space for extra tank although you can often have gas tank in spare wheel location

6) Need to think about your Warranty.

I reckon it's only worth it if you intend to keep the vehicle for some time and put on the miles.

DL

 

I thought someone out there might have something to say about this. Have I missed something blindingly obvious? I know there is a weight penalty, but with high octane fule at half price I would have thought there might be a response of some kind.

My next thought is about buying tyres from France. Has anyone done this, and if so what was the saving? I bought some spares from Wembley when they were selling their imports, so should be alright for a while but it strikes me that there could be a useful source of low-priced tyres out there.

 

I think that Power Enginering mentioned in an article (Banzai Magazine)that they were investigating LPG, I would be interested if anyone knows anything more about this pro's/con's?

Richard

 

There was a thread on LPG back in August in the General Section started by Ian/555. This had some links and info on contacts

Likewise, there was a thread a couple of weeks ago on sourcing tyres in France

Sean

 

I've just spoken to a local conversion place (<A HREF=www.autogas.co.uk>Autogas 2000</A>) who do not recommend fitting LPG conversions to turbocharged cars at all.

They're the most local dealer to me...

 

I've also read that you can get problems with LPG and turbos

Imagine if you've got a modded car that (sometimes) spits flames with petrol....
could be quite a fireball with LPG!

 

So it looks like LPG is a non-starter then.

I've had a search for the topic on importing tyres from France, but only came up with a couple of references, neither of which considered the subject fully. Does anyone have any further ideas?

 

The story so far .....

I have had a chat to some local conversion companies. There is not a problem with running a turbo car on LPG. The octane is better and engine wear will be lower.
The basic problem is that the delivery of the gas is like an old carb, gas being sucked in by the flow of air . Add this to a high pressure turbo and your fuel consumption is much worse than petrol.
I have heard rumours of an injected system that will overcome this problem. It raises the kit price from about £1200 to about £1800.
Another problem is that a Scooby is not in the list of cars that are entitled to a grand/rebate from the government.
Also, given octane of 105, I would want to gain all performance from this. Then going back to 97 octane. This could be a big headache.
I will post more as I find it.

 

Nigel, you're a star!

 

I run mine on LPG - See the pictures here

 

Colin,

I take it you're talking about the scoob and not the balloon!

Any helpful feedback/details?

 

Its not a balloon, its the gas container

On a serious note:- No help ideas except that it seems an extremely good one. We have been considering converting our Clio to LPG for some time since it does about 20,000 miles per year. I think you can get some sort of rebate but Im not sure how much.

[This message has been edited by Colin Berry (edited 07 September 2000).]

 

No rebate I'm afraid, for some reason it's not on the government's list.
So how does your's go then? Have you done many miles/had any problems?

 

Seeing as I do 1,000 miles a week I have been looking into this for a while.
I will definitely get it done when someone gives me the definitive response regarding power and consumption.
It would save me about £4,000 a year in fuel costs!!!

Stef.

 

Stef,

Thats until the tax relief expires in 2 years time, and the price goes up to being the same as Unleaded,

Shaun.

 

More Info

 

Mr Cookie,

Try this link. It shows which cars are eligible.

 

Spoke to Auto2000 who are an importer/developer of the LPG conversion.

I have never spoken to such an unhelpful company. Their opinion was basically that they could do carb, were working on fuel injection and wouldn't talk to me or even put me on the mailing list for the release of the kit.

As for turbo they have no plans, seems strange as I'm sure we would all get a kit if it means MORE POWER!

... will keep searching, I am now going to try the marine industry. Speed boats have had kits for some time now.

 

Just spoken to the EST.

The reason that Subarus are not on the list is that no-one has put a kit in one & offered it up for testing. Were a conversion company able to do that, then any subsequent conversions would be able to claim the grant.

There are a whole list of conversion companies on that site too.

 

Nigel

Are Jags listed in that group of cars entitled to £1,000 backhander (sorry meant rebate eh Mr Brown).

Simon

 

I friend of mine runs an LPG conversion company at Kemble Airfield near Cirencester. I was asking him about the possiblity of converting a Turbo Scoob to LPG. He said that there would be no problem doing this but didn't go into any details.

If anyone wants further info from him then call Richard Glover at Blaze LPG Conversions on 01285 770909 or email blaze@mosferic.demon.co.uk

Sean