Lancer LPG Conversion Hi all!
I know some of you may be wondering why this nutty muffin put up a new post when this topic is one that has been discussed and milked dry. Well you're right. But only so much. I thoroughly researched on Alternative Fuels on our forum and did find a lot of posts. A LOT! However, most of them were last updated at least 2 years ago! Is it that we've stopped using alternative fuels or is everyone on top of how things work? Surely with the petrol prices hitting 65 some of us are out hunting for alternatives or getting the bikes out on the road!
I for one, am stumped! I just put up my lovely lancer for sale in the classifieds section because my daily drive has now increased to 60-70km. And not surprisingly, I dont find it economical to shell out Rs.400 everyday on fuel. So the initial plan was to sell off the Lancer and buy a diesel hatch. I have a scorpio on the way, so this will not hurt much.
Currently my ever so dependable Zma has taken up the responsibility of my daily transportation. Faster, Economical and Traffic Friendly! But I miss my car. I hate coming to work with a helmet head. I hate being run off the road by ruddy cab drivers. I hate not having music while on the move. I hate coming to work sweat laden!!
So I figured - The Lancer has to go. I need a diesel hatch. Small and Economical. However, later on while talking to a friend, he asked why I've dismissed LPG. Apparently its come a long way since its introduction in India and is now a viable and safe alternative fuel.
I am interested only in LPG and not CNG for various reasons. The primary being the nightmare a friend lived after converting his Lancer (now sold) to CNG. Apparently bits and pieces of the engine started failing prematurely since CNG runs drier than Petrol.
While there are many nagging questions, my most concerning ones are -
A- Will it be sensible converting a 100,000 odd km run Lancer to LPG? The engine is in pristine condition and runs like a dream. But it may be true that the parts are good enough for Petrol but not LPG. Currently I get 10-11 kmpl in the city with AC on if I drive sensibly and upshift at 3000 rpm.
B- What about the safety? I do not want to put anyone inside or outside the car at risk.
C- What are the costs I'm looking at? I know a person who says he can source me a good used kit at an even better price.
D- How easy is it to install, tune and maintain. I dont mind if the installation is time consuming. But I do not want to make daily garage runs to get it tuned or maintained.
E- Is there a tried and trusted installer in Bangalore who knows his work?
F- Is there a smallish tank available? I wont be doing any long distance runs and would rather have some boot space for the shopping trips.
G- Am I missing anything here?
Looking forward to your inputs and hoping to save a Lancer from being put up for adoption! After all my home is very loving!!
Please do chime in with whatever information you may have! It'll be much appreciated!
Tassem!
Last edited by Tassem : 1st March 2011 at 00:49.
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