4.2 lpg

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liamoc

New Member
Posts
9
Hi,
Wondering about one of these at the moment.Classic Lse 4.2 currently petrol but if I buy this is it worth converting to LPG-how liveable with are these engines ?
The car I am looking at has 105k on it with some service history,bit of rot that I can cope with.
What kind of real life mpg do people get?
Which LPG system seems to be better ?
How troublesome in general are these engines assuming reasonably well cared for?
Absolutely fantastic sounding engine !!!
 
The Rover V8 converts to LPG very well. There are thousands running on it.

I have a 4.6 and get max 15 mpg from LPG. About 18 on petrol. Less around town.

I've been running LPG since I bought it and it's been great.

A multi point LPG system is what I would recommend. You can't tell the difference whilst driving, but you do get manageable running costs!
 
It's just my opinion but I wouldn't put LPG on an LSE. Leave it standard and look after it. In terms of MPG, if you worry about running costs don't buy a V8 it's that simple.

Generally I would think you should budget for say 12mpg around town and local running about and on a good day you might see 22-23mpg on a motorway run. HTH
 
One of the most aired topics on this forum. My own advice would be not to fit LPG to any RV8, except the original 3.5, as the increased combustion chamber temperatures can exacerbate the larger engine's tendency to crack the block behind the liners. Having said that I'm sure there are many out there that run trouble-free LPG set ups, but if you are one of the unlucky ones you are looking at a replacement block. This will more than wipe out any savings you've made on fuel & you should also calculate the 'break-even' mileage vs the conversion cost, bearing in mind the higher fuel consumption on gas & that the system should be serviced at specified intervals. Good idea to check with your insurer as well. Personally (based on experience) I wouldn't touch the stuff - if you want a RRC but can't afford to run a V8, look for a TDI
 
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Yes, I understand what you mean if I cant afford the V8. I have had Classics with the 300tdi manual and an auto with the Mazda Sl35ti. I am 90% through a conversion with the BMW M57 engine into a Classic. I just like different variations !! I do like to be able to go anywhere without unduly having to consider the cost of fuel.
The manual 300tdi was incredibly economical with an average of 33/34 mpg but not an inspiring drive. I was happy with the Mazda knocking out approx 27 mpg. I have come across a nice Lse and know I would not be happy with the expense of 15mpg as I like to use my Classics daily.
If it was a viable option to have that V8 sound on diesel money then that would be a winner for me. I know next to nothing about the V8 engines with regard to reliability and durability. I am glad of any input from real life experiences.
 
liamoc said:
Yes, I understand what you mean if I cant afford the V8. know next to nothing about the V8 engines with regard to reliability and durability. I am glad of any input from real life experiences.
Click to expand...

RV8's, esp. the original 3.5 (have you picked up that I'm biased yet?) will run forever if properly maintained which means engine oil & filter changes at 3k in preference to the 6k stated by LR. Boring the block to 94mm (3.9 onwards) was the worst idea they had, as it reduced the 'meat' around the liner & thereafter the engine's tolerance to anything but the correct operating temperature. As for 'real life experience' I guess replacing a 3.9 block due to a slipped liner, a (professionally installed) LPG system needing expensive work 2 months outside it's warranty period, difficulty in finding (back in '02/03) gas outlets - how much time have you got :mad:
 
liamoc said:
Yes, I understand what you mean if I cant afford the V8. I have had Classics with the 300tdi manual and an auto with the Mazda Sl35ti. I am 90% through a conversion with the BMW M57 engine into a Classic. I just like different variations !! I do like to be able to go anywhere without unduly having to consider the cost of fuel.
The manual 300tdi was incredibly economical with an average of 33/34 mpg but not an inspiring drive. I was happy with the Mazda knocking out approx 27 mpg. I have come across a nice Lse and know I would not be happy with the expense of 15mpg as I like to use my Classics daily.
If it was a viable option to have that V8 sound on diesel money then that would be a winner for me. I know next to nothing about the V8 engines with regard to reliability and durability. I am glad of any input from real life experiences.
Click to expand...
If you can put an M57 engine into a Classic, why not look at the V6/V8 diesels from the newer RR's. V8 would be pricey but the V6 would not be so bad, awesome perormance with economy.
 
lpg on multipoint will be fine.infact only way to run one..infact if you set it up properly it will be safer for engine than petrol..(you can keep stoick just alittle rich at cruise, unlike the petrol ecu settings)

you need to set it up awee .bit rich (at cruise).and advance the timing awee bit..

combustion temps are fine if you set it up properly..i run lpg on boosted motors with no problems..but i do use WB AFR meter to monitor..(and set up)

if you do buy ignore comments about keep on petrol, cos atleast you are sorting rot and keeping it on road, better than it going to scrappy!

oh expect 12mpg max..it weighs over 2t. is a 4.2l and dynamics of a brick..
 
Gosh 12 mpg is not viable for me.Is that on gas or petrol?
Not definate on this car yet but would have to seriously consider a 300 tdi conversion. i
 
liamoc said:
Gosh 12 mpg is not viable for me.Is that on gas or petrol?
Not definate on this car yet but would have to seriously consider a 300 tdi conversion. i
Click to expand...
12mpg on gas imho....

Don't get an LSE then do a Diesel conversion...just buy a diesel Classic....

original 4.2 LSE's are getting rare, so please don't chop it about and ruin a rare car just for your own satisfaction...but that is just my opinion!
 
liamoc said:
Gosh 12 mpg is not viable for me.Is that on gas or petrol?
Not definate on this car yet but would have to seriously consider a 300 tdi conversion. i
Click to expand...

Frankly, if you have to go the diesel route I'd look for a factory TDI. Unless you have a definite need for an extra eight inches of rear legroom converting a LSE will only de-value it.
 
My LSE has run nearly 80k on LPG. I don't really notice much difference between petrol and gas apart from the cost.
If you LPG it put the tanks underneath as the boot tanks look a bit grim. But this conversion isn't cheap as you need a new petrol tank too. Last time I looked it was about £2k which may or may not be viable.
Good, original LSEs are getting quite pricey now.
 
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