i posted this in the fuel related forum as well, but since this is detailed post involving two different aspects, fuel system AND engine modification, i figured i should post here as well.. sorry if this breaks the rules!

After 20,000km of experience with my beast, i'm encouraged to further explore an idea I've had for awhile now..

My truck uses a stock, carbureted 300 six, mated to an AOD to get around. Since I have the 4.10/4.09 Dana 60/44HD setup, the six gets around surprisingly well!! I have plenty of power, and the sucker will do anything I want, even though my truck is a 5200lb "Highboy" 4x4!!

Overdrive allows me to drive the sucker 70mph on the highway comfortably, and even will do so with 2000lbs in the back!! (I'm nicer to my AOD than that, but I tried it just to see if it would take it..) heheheh

I know I've cruised by plenty of newer trucks in OD whether cruising in the city at 35mph in OD at 1100rpm, or at 70mph at 2700rpm... great stuff.

I crossed the continent with it in March, in all conditions, with 1500 lbs on it. No problem, although I felt some limitations to its ability to haul at speed through the rockies, as you all might expect.

Here's my point:

I want to convert to propane, and build the six into a stout, high compression tourque monster.

Why?
1. Propane is 116 Octane by nature, and will detonate properly at any compression you want.

2. Propane is about 50% cheaper than 87 octane gasoline these days, here in Vancouver, B.C.

3. I get the almost EFI-like benefit of a pressurized fuel system for easy starts.

4. Propane engines run hotter, and more efficient. less combustion by-products get into your crankcase, prolonging oil life and lessening wear and tear.

5. Emissions - lower, helping pass smog tests, where applicable (like where i am.)

Now, I know propane provides slightly less BTU's than gasoline, but with engine mods for high compression, like flat top pistons, and a milled head, along with a tourquer cam-shaft and dual exhaust (the efi exhaust manifold comes to mind) I think I can more than compensate for the lesser BTU's.

Mixer's are available to provide whatever CFM/propane delivery I need.


I'd really love some feedback on this idea, from those who have a lot of experience modding the six, and from those who know propane..

This idea has matured for me over a period of 5 years now, as I've continued to look into it. I'm not too far from the point where i'd like to take a 300 block to a engine rebuilder to have it checked for suitability for this project.

Thanks for taking the time to read!! I have plenty of pics and info in my gallery of the work already done to get my "semi-original" creation on the road; currently scaring small import drivers on the roads of Vancouver.. heheheh

It may not quite be one of those smart cars, but i can carry one in the back!
heheh. I laughed at a guy the other day driving a 79 F250 with a cummins diesel thrown into it. Thats the opposite direction I want to take in a few ways.......

Oh yeah.. why the 300 six? Becausei figure it will run for 40 years when taken care of, and cost next to nothing to maintain. I think i can get numbers like 300 lbs of tourque, and 200 horsepower doing what i mentioned above.. now there's where i'd like to hear from the guys with 300 experience...
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If you're asking can it be done to a 300, yes. I have modded the 300 in my 72 F100. I have a c6 auto though. Here's what I have... MSD 6a box, MSD Blaster II coil, Ford Racing 9mm Spark plug wires, Hedman Header, Offenhauser C series intake, edelbrock 500 cfm 4V carb, Comp 268 duration cam, some headwork, and Most importantly Ross Forged pistons that give me 9.5:1 Compression. This build dyno'd at 300HP and 400 TQ at the flexplate.

I can tell you that in March it hauled my 22' travel trailer like it wasn't there when I drove from Oregon to Vancouver, and up the Fraser Valley through Surrey, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Hope. Its was something like 3500km total with all the driving I did in the month I was there. My truck had a 360 V8 in it last year and hauling that trailer felt like my truck was tied to a tree. Glad I made the switch. You will really like your 300 once you've woken it up a little.

I don't have to worry about smog checks here, we don't have them even for new vehicles. So emissions aren't an issue. I have a friend that has a propane Chevy 292 Inline 6, but the only reason he did it was because he didn't want to pay road tax, so he has his tanks filled and claims they're for his BBQ. With prices of gas here I am inclined to agree with you on that point. Though I would advise Buying it in Washington to save even more money.

Just out of curiosity, why did you laugh about the 79 with a Cummins? The 5.9l is basically the 300's big brother. My 71 F250 is getting one as soon as I rip the 390 8 banger out.

If you want my opinion I say go for it. I may look into a dual fuel setup for mine given the octane number of propane.

Best regards

 

well, the 300 is certainly cheaper and easier to maintain, although i know the cummins is reliable.. also, unless you're burning bio-diesel, the pollution from the older Diesel's without catalytic converters is unacceptable to me..

the numbers you are getting from your engine seal the deal for me, and I will begin soon!!

thanks for the insight!

 

I had a 87 F150 with the 302 on propane. One thing is you will loose about 10-20% power if you switch to propane. When I put the new motor in my 87, I had it built to compansate for the power loss. The other thing to remember is when you run out of fuel, there is no getting a gas can from anybody to fill it up.

The only other problem I had (only 3-4 times) with the propane was when it got cold (around -25 to -30 degrees C). The truck did not want to start if it was left outside overnight plugged in or not. I was told this was a common problem with propane vehicles in the extreeme cold.

Other than that, there was no difference with daily running except when I filled up with fuel, and mine was half the price as my buddy's.

 

Hank Hill (king of the hill) would be proud of you.

 

Thread split. Arguments and personal attacks are not allowed.

 

Curious -- what kind of tank do you use? What mods to fuel lines, pumps, etc.?

 

I wrapped a battery blanket around the vaporizer and plugged it in with the block heater.That cured the starting problem on cold days.You can also pour hot water on the vaporizer on cold days.Both ways work very well for you guys where the winters get very cold.

 

Ok, I'm sold, where can I find info on how to convert?

 

Try your local propane supplier or check with the local taxi company.A lot of cabs run on propane.And they could probably direct you to the best source.

 

I priced it in Ontario.....$4000 Cdn to convert to duel fuel.

 

What about your local wrecking yards?I've seen the older type conversions at the local pick a part out here in BC.Or even enquire about used parts.EFI has been around for some time and there has got to be something cheaper than that.