13 replies to this topic

[webby0121]

Hi, i posted a topic on this ages ago which i have been reading through.

I have decided to weigh up an LPG project and i was wondering a few things.....

What parts i would require for a 998cc stock single carb mini.

How much the parts will cost.

And has anyone done this to an A series engine before?

im also gunna put the tank where the spare wheel is.

 

Thanks

 

 

[kappa]

This is a interesting thread as I have also been looking into this

[DomCr250]

I've looked into this too - the major issue that I can see is you need to either have the kit professionally installed or get it approved by an installer.

 

Some of the components (the tank as an example) are date stamped and are only considered 'safe' for a number of years - this means that you cannot just go and buy a secondhand kit off eBay and install it.

 

The main differences between the kits is in the way the gas is controlled, and it's the more complex controller that cost more.

 

I'd do some calcs and work out if it's worth doing ....from the tekki viewpoint it's probably a great talking point but from a return on investment view it may not add up.

 

Last thing to consider is that they need some regular maintenance, I've had a mate with a Range Rover blow the plugs out of the head and a mate with a focus have loads of issues ... both I suspect caused by a lack of correct servicing.

 

Cost is from about £700 fully installed, secondhand full kits on fleebay go for £50 to £200 ish

Edited by DomCr250, 26 February 2014 - 02:44 PM.

[AVV IT]

So why are you considering an LPG conversion in a classic mini? The classic mini's not known for being paticularly suited to long journeys and in general you need to do a fairly high mileage to make an LPG conversion pay for itself in fuel cost savings. I looked into getting one for my Clio once, and as I remember it was going to take me about two years of doing my 100 mile a day tound trip commute to get my money back. I'd imagine another issue is locating the extra fuel tank needed for the LPG. It's fairly standard to fit a wheel sized tank in the boot in place of the spare wheel, but I wouldn't imagine that a 10"/12" wheel sized tank would hold very much.

[vx220]

You'll also be carrying an extra 40kg around with you, and remember to account for a reduced mpg when working out your figures

[o0OWILKSO0o]

Is it even possible to run multi fuel on a carb or are you planning on going completely LPG?

[Mpi Mark]

I work in the motor trade and I wouldn't touch any car that has been lpg converted. It destroys cars resale values particularly on newer cars so it's just a false economy in my opinion.... unless it's a £500 landrover. If the car doesn't owe you much it might be worth doing but a decent conversion is expensive and you'll loose the boot. To recoup the cost of the conversion you will have to do a lot of mileage, plus the vehicle may be difficult to sell on.

Don't do it

[Carlos W]

I'd do it on a V8 4x4 or something but not a mini! Also, does it not reduce performance?

Lpg has kind of died a death due to improvements in diesel engines hasn't it?

[grumpy dad]

Hi 

yes I have done this to a 1275 A series

in austin A35

single carb HIF 44

its easy if you want to go low tec

its called open loop you fit a vaporiser in the front

hook this up to a adaptor plate fits between the carb and manifold

or between the carb and air filter

the pipe between the tank and the vaporiser is now plastic 

I had to fit copper rules change

we use to get about 50 mpg at petrol prices

if you want some fun you can mix your own gas

90% propane 10% nitros but don't tell anybody

and it still ran petrol

this firm is very good

 

http://www.tinleytec...log/SPOLIS.html

 

or good old Ebay

the tank must be under 10 years old 

[albo]

can`t a calor bottle be used,,and just swop over when empty as they do on fork lifts, 

[grumpy dad]

Hi 

yes a calor bottle can be used

but then you have not payed the Tax on it 

also it would have to be one from a forklift

you move liquid from the tank 

to the front of the car 

[bpirie1000]

I find it strange that your looking at this.....

Mini is cheap to run.. Try a 4.6 range rover.....THURSTY?........

[DomCr250]

Hi 

yes a calor bottle can be used

but then you have not payed the Tax on it 

also it would have to be one from a forklift

you move liquid from the tank 

to the front of the car 

It's cheaper to buy LPG from the pump than to pay for it in a bottle, but you are correct the bottle gas does not have duty on it. 

 

Cheapest of all is a domestic / commercial LPG gas fill, but you need a pump to fill the tank fully and it's illegal to use on the road.  All the Johnathan Palmer driving experience cars used to run on commercial LPG to reduce the costs ...it's funny to see a gokart or a full race car with a gas tank in it, but it seemed to work for them. 

 

Nice suggestion with a whiff of Nitrous in it ...now I like that - have you looked on Burgermans DIY Nitrous pages (www.nitrous.info) ...worth a look if your into playing with the stuff - he is very clever bloke.

Edited by DomCr250, 28 February 2014 - 09:24 AM.

[grumpy dad]

Hi 

I have done it but only 10% buy weight

just two things to  remember

you are shifting liquid about 

and every thing works at about 200psi

so the pressure is not that high