LPG Conversion recommendations?

[Goenry]

Hi All,

Having checked some of the threads around and not finding much on LPG conversations, I wondered how many people have had their Merc's converted to LPG and whether anyone would like to share some stories about their conversions - good experience or bad, I would like to see what the general consensus is for or against an LPG conversion - I am thinking of doing it on my CL500, V8 engine to be converted so know price may differ to a 4/6 cylinder car.

things to share such as who you used to do it, what system, how much was it, the size tanks they used, whether they opted to do away with the spare wheel or the back of the boot etc etc.

 

[zenman63]

Go to the lpg.co.uk forum
Not so cost affective any more.

 

[Mblinko]

Over the longer term it is very cost effective if you want to drive a thirsty v8 for half the cost others are paying. I have had two LPG land rover v8s and done over 100k in them. The first I bought with a single point injection, the second I bought and had a PRINS multi point installed. Yes it cost a little over 2k to have done, but it was excellent and after about 18 months on my mileage it had paid for itself and I was reaping the benefit.

Don't believe those who say, it's not as powerful, it is, the calorific value is marginally less than petrol and you will not notice. Good quality systems well installed and serviced every 10k will last an age. Some say they damage plugs and leads, that's not my experience. Installers recommend going up a grade in plugs which is sound advice but then again I ran on standard plugs for 40k and all was fine.

Downsides are, frequent trips to the gas pumps as tanks can be relatively small. Some installations remove the petrol tank, replacing with a small one so tanks can go in the space freed up. Boot installations are unsightly IMHO and take up valuable space. I've had both and would frankly put it in the boot only because not to will limit your range.

These are just my experiences, hope they help in some way.

 

[JohnnyW202]

Get a kit from this place.

Auto Gas LPG

Try the King 8 Cylinder, very good....

The injectors feel cheap they're OMVL but plastic bodied, but they do the job very well, unscrew the brass nozzle from the injector body for 3.0mm holes...

The Magic Jet III reducer is very good, compact but dual phase, so it can provide the power for big V8s I was skeptical but after installing on a LS430 which is around ~300BHP with no such much as a misfire or low pressure alarm, I can say they work well...

65.9 Per litre here, I get 180 Miles out of my C200 on LPG and about 200 Miles out of the LS430, on a run...

Amazing really how efficent that Japanese V8 is against a 2 Litre 4 Cylinder Mercedes Engine.

28MPG vs 31MPG.

They're very simple to fit and the place I take them certifies your work and checks for gas leaks, I can provide you with COP11 LPGa which advises you on installation for example how far the feed and fill pipes should be from the exhaust etc.

 

[Goenry]

Thanks Johnny, but I dont plan on doing the conversion myself! Its beyond my capabilities and confidence to trust my own handiwork! I wanted to see what others have experienced and Mblinko's post was very useful. Anyone recommend a conversion garage in the Southwest?

 

[thewhirls]

I've used LPG cars as a 2nd family car mainly for the last 9 years or so and had no problems. All the conversions have been multipoint and it's all worked out well for me personally. If you're converting then get one fitted by a member of the UKLPGA or if you're doing a DIY job then have a member check it over and certify it, it'll matter in the future. I'm currently having my Cayenne fitted with the latest generation LPG system so i'll let you know how that goes, incidentally my 02' ML500 with LPG is advertised here if you fancy dipping your toe in the water with something cheap!