anyone running a propane conversion?

87hilux7mge · 10-04-2011, 07:34 AM

was looking into some stuff (i know, i need to quit doin this crap) about alternate fuels: e85, e100, propane, etc...

was wondering if anyone on here is running a propane conversion (doubtful), or if anyone has experience with propane?

in reading, it would work great with a boosted or high compression app, due to its high octane rating (100-110), be cleaner burning/runnin (less crap in the motor, lower sulfur content, less emissions, etc...) could have more power potential if tuned right, and cost less than regular gasoline.

most kits ive seen for MPFI/forced induction cars use a blow-thru mixer. mostly these kits are low maintenance and tuning, as propane is self regulating, even under boost. the only thing you have to do is run a reference port to up the gas with boost pressure (like a rising rate fuel pressure regulator).

the only bad thing ive come up with so far is mileage (most report the same mileage or very slight amounts less) and availability (cant run to the store at midnight and fuel up).

cost for the kits can be high, so they would take a while to pay for themselves.

another advantage for me (off roader) is that propane can operate at any vehicle angle (extreme entry/exit angles) so no stalling and no uncovering the fuel pickup.

often times people have spoken of the safety aspect of propane vs. gas. being that due to higher construction standards, propane tanks are safer in a collision. idk if i agree with this, cuz if a tank gets punctured, poof and all it takes is one ignition source...then again, same for a gas tank

mostly im just lookin for opinions and to see if anyone has experience with propane.

commence discussion!

cre · 10-08-2011, 06:04 PM

Yes. A brilliant builder/machinist named Ian over at SM ran a LPG setup on a 7M for quite a while. EVERYTHING was built from the ground up for running it. He just couldn't make enough power with it to satisfy himself so he eventually ditched it. He's now working on a twin turbo LS6 setup, IIRC. The guy does some absolutely insane work.... and it's all a work or art. Look up his builds on SM, "IJ." (not 1J.).

Personally, I'd be more inclined to go with E85. It's easier to convert over to and a lot easier to tune for. I have driven or tuned a MKIII running it but I have worked on some other conversions and it runs quite well. I'm thinking about going that route with my MR-2.

87hilux7mge · 10-11-2011, 02:48 AM

my big worry was tuning and upfront expense. some of those PPI kits are running 2-3k w/o tanks. i wouldnt be goin for massive power so i guess that would be in my favor. i just like the idea of two 100 lb tanks in the flat bed and no fuel pickup uncovering.

e85 wouldnt be bad, but there is 1 station within 200 miles of where i live, so its not as practical. propane, i can just go to the gas station and fill during the day. theres only, oh, 3-400 gas stations here in spokane so.

idk, prolly wont do the conversion any time soo, but its good to know theres some info on it. thanks for the lead cre!

10-04-2011, 07:34 AM	#1
87hilux7mge walbro fp Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: spokane Posts: 479	anyone running a propane conversion? was looking into some stuff (i know, i need to quit doin this crap) about alternate fuels: e85, e100, propane, etc... was wondering if anyone on here is running a propane conversion (doubtful), or if anyone has experience with propane? in reading, it would work great with a boosted or high compression app, due to its high octane rating (100-110), be cleaner burning/runnin (less crap in the motor, lower sulfur content, less emissions, etc...) could have more power potential if tuned right, and cost less than regular gasoline. most kits ive seen for MPFI/forced induction cars use a blow-thru mixer. mostly these kits are low maintenance and tuning, as propane is self regulating, even under boost. the only thing you have to do is run a reference port to up the gas with boost pressure (like a rising rate fuel pressure regulator). the only bad thing ive come up with so far is mileage (most report the same mileage or very slight amounts less) and availability (cant run to the store at midnight and fuel up). cost for the kits can be high, so they would take a while to pay for themselves. another advantage for me (off roader) is that propane can operate at any vehicle angle (extreme entry/exit angles) so no stalling and no uncovering the fuel pickup. often times people have spoken of the safety aspect of propane vs. gas. being that due to higher construction standards, propane tanks are safer in a collision. idk if i agree with this, cuz if a tank gets punctured, poof and all it takes is one ignition source...then again, same for a gas tank mostly im just lookin for opinions and to see if anyone has experience with propane. commence discussion! __________________ 87 toyota 4x4 single cab short box pickup, 7MGZE.

10-08-2011, 06:04 PM	#2
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	Yes. A brilliant builder/machinist named Ian over at SM ran a LPG setup on a 7M for quite a while. EVERYTHING was built from the ground up for running it. He just couldn't make enough power with it to satisfy himself so he eventually ditched it. He's now working on a twin turbo LS6 setup, IIRC. The guy does some absolutely insane work.... and it's all a work or art. Look up his builds on SM, "IJ." (not 1J.). Personally, I'd be more inclined to go with E85. It's easier to convert over to and a lot easier to tune for. I have driven or tuned a MKIII running it but I have worked on some other conversions and it runs quite well. I'm thinking about going that route with my MR-2. __________________ If something breaks or you need to contact a member of the administration please post HERE. Unless it's a private or administration matter please post it on the forum. It benefits no one else if car related questions aren't posted for future users and takes away from the time I'm able to spend helping on the rest of the forum. If you're so inclined I'm always more than happy to accept tips via PayPal. Tip Jar --->

10-11-2011, 02:48 AM	#3
87hilux7mge walbro fp Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: spokane Posts: 479	my big worry was tuning and upfront expense. some of those PPI kits are running 2-3k w/o tanks. i wouldnt be goin for massive power so i guess that would be in my favor. i just like the idea of two 100 lb tanks in the flat bed and no fuel pickup uncovering. e85 wouldnt be bad, but there is 1 station within 200 miles of where i live, so its not as practical. propane, i can just go to the gas station and fill during the day. theres only, oh, 3-400 gas stations here in spokane so. idk, prolly wont do the conversion any time soo, but its good to know theres some info on it. thanks for the lead cre! __________________ 87 toyota 4x4 single cab short box pickup, 7MGZE.

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