LPG (propane) conversions??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Big69C20 Toy · 05-06-2002, 01:40 PM

Hey all i've been doing some reading and was thinking about doing this to my truck. Anyone out there done it and have some imput? From what i've read you lose up to 10%power, and get slightly worse fuel economy due to the difference in BTU's. However i figured that since the octane rating on propane is 104 i could put some big pistons on that'd kick the compression up to around 12 or so and it'd be safe. Perhaps a turbo as well or a supercharger? That'd get performance going. I know the engine lasts longer with propane running.

Sorry for rambling just looking for any imput out there on whether or not i should do this. It'd be nice not to destroy good ole mother with my truck. The LPG burns WAY cleaner and the conversion seems very simple.

Thanks for the imput,
Greg

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69 Custom 20, 396BB,Longbed fleetside.
New Oak Bed With SS strips... damn nice.

Edelbrock performer RPM-O, Edelbrock 750Carb, Headers, HEI, 2 40" glasspacks.
Stereo: Classic-style tape deck/radio, 2 6x9 Cerwin Vega's in doors, 2 10" Neo subs under seats, 1 900 Watt amp.

SN= Ares220

HvyChevy454 · 05-06-2002, 03:07 PM

ive heard of a $1200 kit like that for the powerstroke deisels that makes them out run any stock gt stang camaro or trans am.

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Lutz, Fl
My Team Website
The Heavy Chevy Website
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72 Cheyenne 10 LWB GM 12-bolt 3.08 w/ Auburn Posi
91 454 Edel Intake 850 cfm carb Comp Cam 268/.500 Hedman Headers Dual 3'' Exhaust
71 Cheyenne 20 4x4 Fact. A/C PS PB Tilt Currently in the works...
Put it to the floor...

68 Suburban · 05-06-2002, 03:46 PM

I have been stock piling propane parts if you decide to go that route I have a lot of stuff available. I also just picked up this 80,000 mile dual fuel beauty. It runs great on both fuels. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1823711523

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Baradium · 05-06-2002, 03:46 PM

takes an engine tear down to build a chevy motor for propane, it requires hardened valve seats etc that you won't have. You'll need to get those before converting if you want it to last. I've been thinking about doin a dual fuel setup with my scout, fortunately for this case, all of the motors are built to be able to run propane no matter what they were intended to do. If you do the conversion, do it right, it'll save you problems in the future. I really like the dual fuel idea because it means you can still stop at gas stations on longer trips. And LPG essentially puts out no emmissions at all.

Big69C20 Toy · 05-06-2002, 04:19 PM

Thanks for the info guys, i read about the hardened seats. It'd sure be a nice li'l setup though, especially considering the emissions.

------------------
69 Custom 20, 396BB,Longbed fleetside.
New Oak Bed With SS strips... damn nice.

Edelbrock performer RPM-O, Edelbrock 750Carb, Headers, HEI, 2 40" glasspacks.
Stereo: Classic-style tape deck/radio, 2 6x9 Cerwin Vega's in doors, 2 10" Neo subs under seats, 1 900 Watt amp.

SN= Ares220

05-06-2002, 01:40 PM	#1
Big69C20 Toy Livin' it up. Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Richland, MI Posts: 2,212	LPG (propane) conversions??? Hey all i've been doing some reading and was thinking about doing this to my truck. Anyone out there done it and have some imput? From what i've read you lose up to 10%power, and get slightly worse fuel economy due to the difference in BTU's. However i figured that since the octane rating on propane is 104 i could put some big pistons on that'd kick the compression up to around 12 or so and it'd be safe. Perhaps a turbo as well or a supercharger? That'd get performance going. I know the engine lasts longer with propane running. Sorry for rambling just looking for any imput out there on whether or not i should do this. It'd be nice not to destroy good ole mother with my truck. The LPG burns WAY cleaner and the conversion seems very simple. Thanks for the imput, Greg ------------------ 69 Custom 20, 396BB,Longbed fleetside. New Oak Bed With SS strips... damn nice. Edelbrock performer RPM-O, Edelbrock 750Carb, Headers, HEI, 2 40" glasspacks. Stereo: Classic-style tape deck/radio, 2 6x9 Cerwin Vega's in doors, 2 10" Neo subs under seats, 1 900 Watt amp. SN= Ares220 __________________ -Greg; Sold the 69 C20. It's off to a better home with more love! Now onto the 86 CUCV M1009; K5 blazer with 6.2L diesel, corp 10 bolt axles, Detroit locker in the rear, trutrac front, 3.73 gears, 35" tires.

05-06-2002, 03:07 PM	#2
HvyChevy454 Slowly getting CRSS... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lutz, Florida Posts: 656	ive heard of a $1200 kit like that for the powerstroke deisels that makes them out run any stock gt stang camaro or trans am. ------------------ Lutz, Fl My Team Website The Heavy Chevy Website ------------------ 72 Cheyenne 10 LWB GM 12-bolt 3.08 w/ Auburn Posi 91 454 Edel Intake 850 cfm carb Comp Cam 268/.500 Hedman Headers Dual 3'' Exhaust 71 Cheyenne 20 4x4 Fact. A/C PS PB Tilt Currently in the works... Put it to the floor... __________________ -Nic Lutz, Fl My Team Website The Heavy Chevy Website ------------------ 72 Cheyenne 10 LWB GM 12-bolt 3.08 w/ Auburn Posi 91 454 Edel Performer RPM Intake 750 cfm carb Comp Cam 268/.495 Hedman Headers Dual 3'' Exhaust 71 Cheyenne 20 4x4 Fact. A/C PS PB Tilt Currently in the works... Speak Softly and Carry A Big Block... There is No replacement for Displacement... "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti

05-06-2002, 03:46 PM	#3
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	I have been stock piling propane parts if you decide to go that route I have a lot of stuff available. I also just picked up this 80,000 mile dual fuel beauty. It runs great on both fuels. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1823711523 ------------------ Check out other members trucks 1968 50th Anniversary C-10 Suburban (Tows all these cars all over the place) 1968 50th Anniversary C-10 Pickup 1968 50th Anniversary C-20 Pickup CST, FOR SALE 1969 SS Camaro Conv't 1960 Lakewood Travel Trailer 1963 Ford Falcon Wagon, On Ebay for $1250 2000 Chevy Malibu (Suppose to be daily driver, but the Burb is) Phoenix, AZ. Click Here for Parts and Venicles I have Available THINGS I AM LOOKING FOR: 67-68 SUBURBAN TRIM. $$$$ Reward for finding the 3rd door trim piece and the small piece that goes on the 1/4 panel right behind the 3rd door. __________________ Just sitting here contemplating contemplation.

05-06-2002, 04:19 PM	#5
Big69C20 Toy Livin' it up. Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Richland, MI Posts: 2,212	Thanks for the info guys, i read about the hardened seats. It'd sure be a nice li'l setup though, especially considering the emissions. ------------------ 69 Custom 20, 396BB,Longbed fleetside. New Oak Bed With SS strips... damn nice. Edelbrock performer RPM-O, Edelbrock 750Carb, Headers, HEI, 2 40" glasspacks. Stereo: Classic-style tape deck/radio, 2 6x9 Cerwin Vega's in doors, 2 10" Neo subs under seats, 1 900 Watt amp. SN= Ares220 __________________ -Greg; Sold the 69 C20. It's off to a better home with more love! Now onto the 86 CUCV M1009; K5 blazer with 6.2L diesel, corp 10 bolt axles, Detroit locker in the rear, trutrac front, 3.73 gears, 35" tires.

05-06-2002, 03:46 PM	#4
Baradium Binder Rep Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Salcha, AK Posts: 1,506	takes an engine tear down to build a chevy motor for propane, it requires hardened valve seats etc that you won't have. You'll need to get those before converting if you want it to last. I've been thinking about doin a dual fuel setup with my scout, fortunately for this case, all of the motors are built to be able to run propane no matter what they were intended to do. If you do the conversion, do it right, it'll save you problems in the future. I really like the dual fuel idea because it means you can still stop at gas stations on longer trips. And LPG essentially puts out no emmissions at all.



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