Propane Power
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 705
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From: Halifax, NS
Propane Power
Wondering what you folks have to say about Propane conversions. As far as I understand things, a dedicated propane conversion is better than the dual fuel setups. I also understand that propane has a lower BTU level than gasoline, and that an RV cam is a good idea to compensate for any power loss.
The application i'm looking at is for my highboy, with a 429 4 BBl from a 1970 Thunderbird. This engine still has "lead heads", and I'm wondering if it will be necessary to do the valve seat work usually reserved for unleaded gasoline. Also, will the 4 barrel intake manifold prove to be suitable, or should I find a 2 barrel intake.
Any insight would be most appreciated.
The application i'm looking at is for my highboy, with a 429 4 BBl from a 1970 Thunderbird. This engine still has "lead heads", and I'm wondering if it will be necessary to do the valve seat work usually reserved for unleaded gasoline. Also, will the 4 barrel intake manifold prove to be suitable, or should I find a 2 barrel intake.
Any insight would be most appreciated.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: SD
Propane Power
A friend did a propane conversion to a '72 F250 390 and wasn't very happy with it. It ran good and was as dependable as gas, but propane isn't as readily available as gas, he lost a substantial amount of power and the fuel cost savings was marginal - and it always stinks. So he ended up switching back to gas.
Marty
Marty
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 705
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From: Halifax, NS
Propane Power
Thanks for your insight folks. I'll run the casting numbers on the heads and block before i go too far.. if the heads are nothing special, i will look at getting different ones as opposed to changing the valve seats. that may be simpler and as cost effective.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 200
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From: Virginia
Propane Power
I've been researching propane too. High compression and a good electronic ignition, with a dizzy curved for propane is important. I once saw a turboed jeep that burned propane and got huge HP... I guess it's like anything else, you spend more, you get more...
Get the hardened seats! Propane is much harder on 'em.
Good luck!
Mark
Get the hardened seats! Propane is much harder on 'em.
Good luck!
Mark
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 11
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Propane Power
Here are a couple of helpful sites:
http://www.propaneguy.com/
and
http://franzh.home.texas.net/engine.html
I am putting a 390 in my latest project and will go propane. Limited fuel is not a concern b/c this will be offroad only and I can take extra bbq tanks on the hauler to refuel. I am surprized at the post above in which a performance loss was noted. Should get a performance improvement with increased octane on an otherwise healthy engine. You can put a propane carb. on a 2bbl manifold with an adapter, but would be better to change to a 4bbl manifold.
Good luck and let us know how it progresses.
http://www.propaneguy.com/
and
http://franzh.home.texas.net/engine.html
I am putting a 390 in my latest project and will go propane. Limited fuel is not a concern b/c this will be offroad only and I can take extra bbq tanks on the hauler to refuel. I am surprized at the post above in which a performance loss was noted. Should get a performance improvement with increased octane on an otherwise healthy engine. You can put a propane carb. on a 2bbl manifold with an adapter, but would be better to change to a 4bbl manifold.
Good luck and let us know how it progresses.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 13
From: Kincardine, ON
Propane Power
There is higher octane but less overall energy. When I ran dual fuel there was a considerable drop in performance when on propane. You can dial up the flow and get that back and more and that's where building a motor to take advantage of propane's characteristics helps. You'll go through a good amount so look for a nice size bed tank. My only dislike for propane was difficult starting on really cold days, but that may not apply to your situation. SA Books also has one out on propane, it's older but covers all ins and outs. Good luck.
John.
John.
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