Bangalore - Maruti Versa DX - LPG Gas Kit recommendation

aa9031 · 1st December 2006, 08:01

Hi,

I have a 2002 Maruti Versa DX 8-Seater.

I wish to convert it to run on LPG. Is it possible to put a gas kit
on the Versa. It has the esteem engine, so it should be possible, right?
I don't know if anybody has done it without removing any of the seats.

Also, can anybody suggest a competent installer in Bangalore? I have seen
a few lovato shops while driving around. Some posts on team-bhp say
that the Lovato kits have problems...

Which one of these works best for my Maruti Versa: Zavoli / B.R.C / Lovato?

Any help is appreciated.

thx

-aa

esteem_lover · 1st December 2006, 13:51

it can most certainly be converted to LPG
You dont have to remove any of the seats.
There is a tank that fits right into your spare wheel well, which saves a lot of space.
From my experience, Lovato is average for the premium you pay, whereas other friends' experience says Zavoli is great.

mail4ajo · 1st December 2006, 18:18

I have been researching and exploring the feasibilty of an LPG conversion over the last 3 weeks. I have some good findings.

The OE LPG kit for Maruti (WagonR, Omni) is Minda-Impco. But there is no way you can get that kit in the retail market. They have approval for OE fitments only.

I have fanatically called across the world to get info on kits. I spoke to a senior officials at Minda, Haryana and also to an official at IMPCO Santa Ana, California through my Market research company. They confirmed that IMPCO has brought over BRC of Italy. This explains why BRC was the original OE fitment in the LPG Omni and also on a custom order of 500 Esteems for a tourist company. BRC couldn't clear the Bharat Stage III norms and they were out.

There is no representation from Minda-Impco anywhere in the country and the only hope is Maruti. However they don't sell the kits for the aftermarket fitment. We are left with BRC and Lovato(which I heard is no longer worth).

Zavolli, I heard good reviews, but haven't seen it myself. Will check it out and post feedback.

dl704p1 · 1st December 2006, 18:56

esteem_lover...

I think the Maruti Versa Spare wheel is stuck under the van behind
the rear axle and may not have spare wheel well to put the small tank.

I think the only place to put it is behind the last row of seats, but am not
sure how big a tank will fit.

Best bet is to try and find anyone with a Versa that has a lpg kit fitted and
check the brand and fitment specs.

Thx

-dee

esteem_lover · 3rd December 2006, 20:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by dl704p1

esteem_lover...

I think the Maruti Versa Spare wheel is stuck under the van behind
the rear axle and may not have spare wheel well to put the small tank.

I think the only place to put it is behind the last row of seats, but am not
sure how big a tank will fit.

Best bet is to try and find anyone with a Versa that has a lpg kit fitted and
check the brand and fitment specs.

Thx

-dee

sorry, i was not aware of that. i presumed it had a wheel well.

nikkibike · 7th December 2006, 17:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by mail4ajo

We are left with BRC and Lovato(which I heard is no longer worth).

I know a dealer of this brand in my area who is dealing the same for last 10 years!!! When I enquired a kit for my Swift, what I cud understand from him is that only LOVATO has the approval of RTO authorities when fitted to a Swift!! Then, later I found that only Lovato has RTO approved kits for all Maruti models!!! RTO endorsement is one of the major critieria when an LPG kit is retrofitted on any car eh?!! What say?!

mail4ajo · 7th December 2006, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikkibike

I know a dealer of this brand in my area who is dealing the same for last 10 years!!! When I enquired a kit for my Swift, what I cud understand from him is that only LOVATO has the approval of RTO authorities when fitted to a Swift!! Then, later I found that only Lovato has RTO approved kits for all Maruti models!!! RTO endorsement is one of the major critieria when an LPG kit is retrofitted on any car eh?!! What say?!

Nikki, you have been greatly misled......

Don't feel I am boasting about my knowledge on this. I have been too much into this for the last few weeks. Please check the ARAI's website for the approved kits in India. Its just not LOVATO and BRC.

There are so many other kits inclusive of many Indian makers who have been approved. All kits are not approved for every car. The cars and models have also be mentioned in the sheet.

nikkibike · 7th December 2006, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by mail4ajo

Nikki, you have been greatly misled......

Don't feel I am boasting about my knowledge on this. I have been too much into this for the last few weeks. Please check the ARAI's website for the approved kits in India. Its just not LOVATO and BRC.

There are so many other kits inclusive of many Indian makers who have been approved. All kits are not approved for every car. The cars and models have also be mentioned in the sheet.

Ajo, Are you sure that all those are suitable for Euro III / BS III vehicles?!!! Coz. what I know is that none other than Lovato has RTO approved kits for E III / BS III version cars!!!! Pl clarify.... juz curious!!

mail4ajo · 7th December 2006, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikkibike

Ajo, Are you sure that all those are suitable for Euro III / BS III vehicles?!!! Coz. what I know is that none other than Lovato has RTO approved kits for E III / BS III version cars!!!! Pl clarify.... juz curious!!

LOVATO kits is not the mother of all gas kits. Check this link for your answer: http://araiindia.com/html/upload/cmv...son_7Aug06.xls

And also ask the guy who gave you the incorrect information not to Bull*** you again.

vigsom · 7th December 2006, 22:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by aa9031

Hi,

I have a 2002 Maruti Versa DX 8-Seater.

I wish to convert it to run on LPG. Is it possible to put a gas kit
on the Versa. It has the esteem engine, so it should be possible, right?
I don't know if anybody has done it without removing any of the seats.

Also, can anybody suggest a competent installer in Bangalore? I have seen
a few lovato shops while driving around. Some posts on team-bhp say
that the Lovato kits have problems...

Which one of these works best for my Maruti Versa: Zavoli / B.R.C / Lovato?

Any help is appreciated.

thx

-aa

Welcome aboard!!!!

An LPG kit can be fitted.The Tank is a cylindrical one slightly lower in diameter than the regular cylindrical ones and will fit behind teh second row seat.I would recommend Tartarini,if that is available in B'Lore.Next best is Lovato..easily serviceable.

gr8guzzler · 7th December 2006, 22:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by mail4ajo

The OE LPG kit for Maruti (WagonR, Omni) is Minda-Impco. But there is no way you can get that kit in the retail market. They have approval for OE fitments only.

Are you sure of this? I have a Minda Impco kit fitted in my Ikon and I had got it retro fitted by their dealer in Navi Mumbai.

mail4ajo · 8th December 2006, 01:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr8guzzler

Are you sure of this? I have a Minda Impco kit fitted in my Ikon and I had got it retro fitted by their dealer in Navi Mumbai.

Minda Impco kit for Ikon is not approved as per ARAI website. When did you do the conversion and do you have RTO approval? Search this link and see if Minda is mentioned against Ford Ikon on any of the worksheets. You wont:
http://araiindia.com/html/upload/cmv...son_7Aug06.xls

Minda Impco is authorised for Maruti Wagon R only as OE fitment and for Ambassador Nova, Indica, Zen, Esteem, M800, Uno, M1000, Padmini and 118NE as aftermarket fitment.

Infact the approval kits for Ikon are BRC, SKN, Raajan Automotive etc.

aa9031 · 19th December 2006, 20:22

First of all, thanks for all the help and information.

I got a Zavoli brand kit fitted to the Versa and so far it works
flawlessly. I made a trip to Mysore the last weekend and I think
it gave me about 11km/unit on LPG (I think) with clogged city traffic getting
out of and back into Bangalore and 80-90km/hr on the highways. There were 8 people in the van and assorted luggage on the roof rack.

REgarding the installation...
I was barely able to fit a 50lit Econ make tank fitted behind the last seat.
The speaker covers had to come off due to lack of space.
It took about 5 hours to do the whole thing including leak test, test ride,
paperwork, demo, etc...
Total cost was 19k including tax and service charges including a tank of
lpg.

I have the RTO paperwork from the installer which I am taking to the
Jayanagar sub divisional RTO tomorrow for endorsement.

I will keep everyone posted as to how that goes, considering that I have
no knowledge of Kannada and touts there are always on the lookout
for someone to con...

Thx

-aa

gr8guzzler · 19th December 2006, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by mail4ajo

do you have RTO approval?

Yes, I have got the RTO approval for the kit. Minda may not be an OEM supplier for Ford, but they do have aftermarket kits available for it. Check out the Minda site.

CrAzY dRiVeR · 19th December 2006, 23:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by mail4ajo

There is no representation from Minda-Impco anywhere in the country and the only hope is Maruti. However they don't sell the kits for the aftermarket fitment.

There was a recent thread that MAruti autorized service centres are fitting LPG on its cars without voiding warranty

IS it not available for versa???

1st December 2006, 08:01	#1
aa9031 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 5 Thanked: 0 Times	Bangalore - Maruti Versa DX - LPG Gas Kit recommendation Hi, I have a 2002 Maruti Versa DX 8-Seater. I wish to convert it to run on LPG. Is it possible to put a gas kit on the Versa. It has the esteem engine, so it should be possible, right? I don't know if anybody has done it without removing any of the seats. Also, can anybody suggest a competent installer in Bangalore? I have seen a few lovato shops while driving around. Some posts on team-bhp say that the Lovato kits have problems... Which one of these works best for my Maruti Versa: Zavoli / B.R.C / Lovato? Any help is appreciated. thx -aa
	() Thanks

1st December 2006, 13:51	#2
esteem_lover Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Madras/Py Posts: 7,556 Thanked: 502 Times View My Garage	it can most certainly be converted to LPG You dont have to remove any of the seats. There is a tank that fits right into your spare wheel well, which saves a lot of space. From my experience, Lovato is average for the premium you pay, whereas other friends' experience says Zavoli is great.
	() Thanks

1st December 2006, 18:18	#3
mail4ajo Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,957 Thanked: 331 Times View My Garage	I have been researching and exploring the feasibilty of an LPG conversion over the last 3 weeks. I have some good findings. The OE LPG kit for Maruti (WagonR, Omni) is Minda-Impco. But there is no way you can get that kit in the retail market. They have approval for OE fitments only. I have fanatically called across the world to get info on kits. I spoke to a senior officials at Minda, Haryana and also to an official at IMPCO Santa Ana, California through my Market research company. They confirmed that IMPCO has brought over BRC of Italy. This explains why BRC was the original OE fitment in the LPG Omni and also on a custom order of 500 Esteems for a tourist company. BRC couldn't clear the Bharat Stage III norms and they were out. There is no representation from Minda-Impco anywhere in the country and the only hope is Maruti. However they don't sell the kits for the aftermarket fitment. We are left with BRC and Lovato(which I heard is no longer worth). Zavolli, I heard good reviews, but haven't seen it myself. Will check it out and post feedback.
	() Thanks

1st December 2006, 18:56	#4
dl704p1 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1 Thanked: 0 Times	Lpg Tank location needs to be inside... esteem_lover... I think the Maruti Versa Spare wheel is stuck under the van behind the rear axle and may not have spare wheel well to put the small tank. I think the only place to put it is behind the last row of seats, but am not sure how big a tank will fit. Best bet is to try and find anyone with a Versa that has a lpg kit fitted and check the brand and fitment specs. Thx -dee
	() Thanks

19th December 2006, 20:22	#13
aa9031 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 5 Thanked: 0 Times	Maruti Versa DX - LPG Kit First of all, thanks for all the help and information. I got a Zavoli brand kit fitted to the Versa and so far it works flawlessly. I made a trip to Mysore the last weekend and I think it gave me about 11km/unit on LPG (I think) with clogged city traffic getting out of and back into Bangalore and 80-90km/hr on the highways. There were 8 people in the van and assorted luggage on the roof rack. REgarding the installation... I was barely able to fit a 50lit Econ make tank fitted behind the last seat. The speaker covers had to come off due to lack of space. It took about 5 hours to do the whole thing including leak test, test ride, paperwork, demo, etc... Total cost was 19k including tax and service charges including a tank of lpg. I have the RTO paperwork from the installer which I am taking to the Jayanagar sub divisional RTO tomorrow for endorsement. I will keep everyone posted as to how that goes, considering that I have no knowledge of Kannada and touts there are always on the lookout for someone to con... Thx -aa
	() Thanks