In my quest to make my old 73 F100 4x4 (300 I6) a more affordable daily driver I have begun my research into converting it to lp and slapping on a simple turbo system. I doubt I would ever run more than about 6-7 psi of boost.

I want something that is unique and different and so far from what ive been told and read propane is actually a better engine fuel than gasoline. It also seems it would be alot easier to turbo a propane carb setup than a gas carb setup. Actually LP sounds more simple than a normal gas carb setup does to me...

What do you guys think, am I crazy? Will it work? And most importantly will it be economical? I drive 15k a year and from what I understand the payback would be in the first year.

Gas is $3.65 here and LP is $1.98

 

There have been propane fueled vehicles around for years but what you are proposing may be more of an experiment. Try your question at FORDSIX PERFORMANCE • View forum - Turbo, Supercharger, and Nitrous and see what happens.

 

I wouldn't call it an experiment really, the Impco 225 Mixer will support about 8psi of boost max in a blow through setup according to Impco. The 225 and a Model E converter may be pretty close for a stock 300 with a turbo. Turbos and LPG are pretty common in Australia as well. Along with Ford Six Forums that Harte mentioned check out

Alternative Fuels • Index page

Other then that, hit up google and see what you find.

 

I will check w/ the guys over at fordsix and see what kind of info i can find. Seems like lp and turbos go hand in hand as far as ease of adaptability.

 

Propane conversions are fairly common. Turbo applications are not uncommon. The experimental part comes in because a propane/turbo application is not a common configuration for a 300.

 

After reading through several threads here and at the Ford Six site, I'm considering trying the 300 turbo in my next project. I hadn't considered propane power, but the engine I'm planning on using is already set up for it because it spent it's entire life as an irrigation engine. I was leaning toward a non-pressurized carb, but many seem to think blow-through is the way to go.

Keep us updated. I'm VERY interested in seeing how you make this work. I'm still in the middle of body work on my Crew Cab, so this project won't get a start before summer, at least.

 

X2, also very interested. Always interested in something different.

 

As someone put it on another forum, even boosted an engine that wants around 460cfm(I'm just throwing this out there as its the max CFM of the Impco 425 Mixer) will still only use 460cfm of air air but it will be at 8psi or where ever the boost level is set. Having a draw through setup will restrict the turbo inlet that that cfm vs. blow through will allow the turbo to have what it wants/needs to build pressure while allowing the mixer to keep the mixture right at the engine instead of a lean mix by trying to draw more air through it than the mixer supports.

 

Ah, that makes sense. I'm still early in my research phase, so that's good info. I've ordered a book on turbochargers. That should help a lot before I actually start spending money on parts.

 

I am going to do the same thing on my 77 ford. so far i have all the propane stuff, 425 mixer, model L regulator and a 30 gal under bed propane tank. my question is what would be a good size turbo for a max of 8 psi? i have an extra turbo from a 80s turbo coupe, 2.3l 4cyl. im not building a hot rod so dont need a turbo from a diesel, just need some extra power for towing.