LPG Conversions in Aus?

[Milton477]

I have been running my P38 V8 on LPG for some 320 000 Km. In the UK there are no regs so I have maintained the system myself. Recently, the dreaded crack:) in the block reared its head so an engine change became necessary. When the valley gasket was removed I was amazed to see how clean the valley was after such a high mileage. 434

Now we are moving down under, decisions about diesel vs LPG need to be made. I have had 3 Rangies now all V8 & have found them all to be awesome off the road & very comfortable on.

I am currently running an OMVL direct injection system which has done away with all backfires & is controlled by the vehicle ECU. I have 2 tanks installed - one in the spare wheel well & another running north/south where the CD changer is on newer vehicles. Uasble capacity is 100L.

I understand that there are rules governing the installation of LPG in Aus. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Bradtot]

Milton
Gas is wonderful as u can see by your clean engine.
Cost per ltre at the moment is from 50 to 60 cpl in metro areas more expensive in country towns. So depends on where u intend moving to.
Diesel is from 1.38cpl to 1.46cpl and more if in country towns.
Gas has to be fitted by licenced fitters and is more tightly controlled than it is in uk.
If you are intending on getting another p38 then there are only 2 options for tanks ( someone will correct me if I am wrong) one in place of spare wheel well and one in boot.
Are u able to import yours or is it cost prohibitive?
Lpg gas tanks must be inspected every 10 years for re certification.
Gas is availiable in most built up populated areas but not in the deserts of aus.
I for one have had gas on since 93 on my classic and am getting better than diesel economy but without the same range. I also have that nice sounding V8 noise and power as well.
I am a little biased and I am sure others will give their thoughts but I would go for gas. Remember though it can cost up to $4000 to fit depending on how eleborate you want to go and there may be a long wait as all the fitters I know are booked for months in advance due to our increased petrol prices just recently.
Kind regards
Brad:D

[landymanv8]

Milton, I would agree that lpg is more economical round the metro area. It gets expensive out in the country especially if you have to use petrol due to lack of range. However compared to UK prices you'll think the stuff is nearly free and just consider the weather, especially if your coming to Perth. There are plenty of vehicles out there already converted. Steve

[Milton477]

Thanks Brad & Steve.

We are heading for Brisbane.

Trawling through the P38 ads in Aus, I have not seen many with gas conversions. Being as biased as I am, I wondered why & whether a fitter would fit a used imported system if I brought one with.
P38s seem good value for money in Aus if run on gas in this climate of high petrol prices. Petrol is £1.00 a litre here with gas at .48p so you are right, Aussie gas is for free - well just about. Rory

[JDNSW]

Gas is very much cheaper here because of much lower excise than other transport fuels. This can of course change at the stroke of a pen, and the more people change to gas the more likely this becomes, so this is a risk anyone on gas should consider.

The lower range is a more important consideration in Australia than in the UK because of the long distances, even apart from the fewer LPG outlets in rural areas.
John

[loanrangie]

If you are planning on another P38, i would pull the lpg injection out of your current car and bring all except the tank with you as it will save you money on the install. You can fit the gear yourself but must be complianced as mentioned above, there are very few lpg converted P38's here as the cost is prohibitive compared to the cost of the cars- P38's are viewed as a bit of a lemon here.

[George130]

If you are planning on another P38, i would pull the lpg injection out of your current car and bring all except the tank with you as it will save you money on the install. You can fit the gear yourself but must be complianced as mentioned above, there are very few lpg converted P38's here as the cost is prohibitive compared to the cost of the cars- P38's are viewed as a bit of a lemon here.

Exactly what I was going to sujest. The injection systems are still quite uncommon in AUS and cost a lot more.
Some installers/ inspecters will let you fit the system but They need to check it all before the final connection to the tank is done. This works out a lot cheaper.

[Ace]

The only LPG fitted P38 i know is Rons. I looked around as i was thinking of buying one and i never came across an LPG fitted vehicle.

Bring yours with you, as the guys said above you can organise with a LPG fitter to inspect your system and certify it once its fitted. Matt

[LRHybrid100]

Sell the P38a V8 and buy a Diesel P38a - and bring that over!!!

Just to make you more confused!!!

LRH

[Quiggers]

LPG at Lismore and Ballina is .70 cents per litre, the local monopoly does us no favours, but an hours drive away on the Gold Cost it weighs in at about .55 cpl. Grrrrr. Unleaded in Lis and Bna is $1.33.
GQ