Propane Injection?
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Propane Injection?
I have a 1986 F150 with a C6 with a 351HO 4bbl in it. I get about 15mpg everywhere but that is still not enough with todays $2.81 prices. I know propane is about $1.60 or so a gallon so I was thinking of converting it. But do you use the same amount of propane to go say 500 miles as you would gas? And how much does it cost to make a propane injection system. On the usage part, I really wouldn't understand why you would switch to propane if you are paying half the price of gas on propane, but using twice as much propane as you would gas I would think that would equal out, thats what I am trying to understand, can someone clarify all this. Thanks.
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From: St. Peter
Yeah, you wont get as good of milage with propane as you would regular gas. I know our electical generator at our work runs on natural gas and only makes 3/4 the horsepower that a normal generator would running on diesel. I think it would cost you more to upgrade than it would to just pay the gas prices. But hey, i guess i'm not an expert on the situation, but its just my opinion.
As far as whats involved, you'd probably have to up the compression ratio, which means new heads/new pistions/both. Maybe new timing stuff, i'm really not sure, possibly new cam. I'm sure it would cost alot. But hey, then again, 15 MPG with 351 HO really isnt that bad either. Just by a small crappy car to drive around then take your truck for joy rides like i do.
As far as whats involved, you'd probably have to up the compression ratio, which means new heads/new pistions/both. Maybe new timing stuff, i'm really not sure, possibly new cam. I'm sure it would cost alot. But hey, then again, 15 MPG with 351 HO really isnt that bad either. Just by a small crappy car to drive around then take your truck for joy rides like i do.
Last edited by Peter94; Apr 25, 2006 at 12:41 AM.
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From: Pittsburgh
Propane likes decent amounts of compression and weird timing. They like to be advanced off idle and retarded up top as compared to a normal engine.
If you shop around you can do the conversion for pretty cheap, but to get the full benefit it does involve building the motor to run propane specifically.
If built to run propane, it will make almost the same power as gasoline but about 3/4 the mileage.
And the cost of propane really depends on where you live. around me I can get 30lbs for $11 which is roughly 2.00 per gallon taking the mileage discrepancy into account.
Justin
If you shop around you can do the conversion for pretty cheap, but to get the full benefit it does involve building the motor to run propane specifically.
If built to run propane, it will make almost the same power as gasoline but about 3/4 the mileage.
And the cost of propane really depends on where you live. around me I can get 30lbs for $11 which is roughly 2.00 per gallon taking the mileage discrepancy into account.
Justin
Last edited by hoxiii; Apr 26, 2006 at 08:57 PM.
