lpg

dexterdude · May 13, 2012

Hi , i am thinking of buying an lpg converted p38 , havent got one to look at yet but i was hoping for some advise as to the pros and cons of lpg. can anyone tell me what to look out for . i heard somewhere that the heads were "porous" and they werent good for running on lpg. do you need to install a flash lube system to keep the valves lubricated as they do on subarus. Thanks in advance for any advice.

sas1810 · May 14, 2012

what year and engine size are you thinking of buying?

dexterdude · May 14, 2012

no idea yet was looking for some advise as to what was good to buy .

MrGorsky · May 14, 2012

I've not heard of anyone needing Flashlube on a Rover V8 engine, and for obvious reasons it's a popular engine to convert, and they convert very well.

Japanese engines in general need Flashlube because the valve seats are softer than most european engines.

There is a very good forum here...

LPG Discussion Forum • Index page

for questions about LPG in general.

dexterdude · May 14, 2012

I was wondering if there are any lpg systems that were better than others ?

hoarec · May 14, 2012

I have a 2001 4.6 that has been converted prior to me buying it 2 half years ago...it originally had a single point system that was changed over at about 76,000 miles to a mulitpoint Prinz system, I bought the car at 117,000 miles and it has just reached 176,000. I had a valve lube kit fitted last year when I had the lpg serviced just to be safe, but as they are the V8 engines the valve seats are already hardend I believe...so technically you do not need it...., and have just had the lpg system serviced last week. No problems what so ever...the guy stated that it was running smoother on LPG than on Petrol......not bad for an old gal....

cljcars · May 14, 2012

Mine has just come up to 125k. Same engine, had the block tophat linered. Whilst that was being done I stripped the heads, valves in excellent condition, not pitted or damaged in anyway. Crank was as new. If it wasn't for the block it would have been going strong still in original form (was dunked in the drink and hydraulic'd by the previous owner).

It had a single point on it, now its got a bigas multipoint, runs very well. Slight more power on petrol, but hardly noticeable. Returns about 15-17 on gas.

fortgrange · May 14, 2012

dexterdude said:
I was wondering if there are any lpg systems that were better than others ?

Probably more important to find a better installer rather than a better system, as most modern sequential systems are up to the job if fitted well. You pays your money and take your choice.

Prins and BRC are supposed to be the dogs danglies, but expect to pay as much as a grand more to have them fitted as apposed to say a Bigas or Emer system. Fitted well any system will probably out last an aging P38 anyway, so the less the outlay the quicker the pay back. Either way its just nice to fill up and not see the pump go past three figures.

dexterdude · May 14, 2012

Thankyou for all the replies , one thing that was mentioned to me by an independent landrover garage was something about a "porous head " or something that was why they didn't reccommend lpg . does anyone know what they were talking about ?

cljcars · May 14, 2012

I heard another myth, I thought anyway. From a independent 4x4 mechanic. It went like. Don't buy a lpg converted v8. When people lpg convert them they trap air in the block and it causes the block to fail near the airlock because it overheats!

I think there are loads of lpg converted RR out there and its just coincidence.

jamesmartin · May 14, 2012

yes it is a myth,

Jelleyman · May 15, 2012

I have a 4.6 with an AG system in and its a dream, but like fortgrange said its better to get a trust worthly installer.

May be worth asking on here is there anyone who can recomend and installer in your area and give them a call to get a guide price on systems.

dexterdude · May 15, 2012

I think I might have given the wrong impression , I am thinking of buying a RR with a system already fitted , I dont do enough miles to justify the cost of having a system fitted to a donor vehicle.Think i should ask the seller who fitted the system then and should the lpg be serviced once a year ?

Hawaii · May 15, 2012

bought mine without the conversion for 2 reasons (or is that one reason)

1. converted they are a lot dearer than buying one and gettting the conversion done yourself
2. not converted are loads cheaper

When I got mine I asked around both local LR dealer & LR independant and they both came back telling me that the BRC sfully sequential system is the one to get fitted and the V8 doesn't need any flashlube etc. as the valve seats are already hardened enough. I do about 16,000 miles per year so will recoup the cost of the conversion in about 18 months

Mine came in at £1750.00 fully fitted, with a 3 year warrenty and it's just been serviced and only needed a new filter (£7.99). NO problems at all since it was fitted

Can't tell any performance difference between petrol & LPG but at 69.9p/ltr for LPG as opposed to 136.9 for unleaded seems a no-brainer to me

cljcars · May 15, 2012

Mine was Cheap even with the LPG system fitted its a 1996, RR cost me about the same as it would do to fit a good LPG system.

But you need to take somebody with you with a knowledge about LPG or read up about how a quality install should look like and function. I am afraid there is quite alot to consider, once you have researched it you should be OK. Best things to look for are receipts/certificates for gas services also.

I know the system I have installed is pretty basic and all the software to let your laptop chat to it is free, all you need is a lead, if your that way inclined. This saves me giving it to a LPG man if I have to get anything repaired, set up. It was a benifit I only realised after buying the motor and experiencing problems.

Good luck finding one.

dexterdude · May 15, 2012

mine will only be a weekend and local runaround so mileage will only be about 8000 a year that is why i thought it would not be economical to have it fitted after , looking at the figures it would take about 3 years to recoup the cost .Thanks again for all your replies . i will probably be asking more in the future to do with what to look out for in general when buying a RR. They look the ultimate in comfort to me that is why i have always wanted one !

MrGorsky · May 15, 2012

I'm going to convert mine myself. Have thought about doing that?

It has some advantages in that you get your car cheap, and you get a new system that you know will work for about half the price of a professional installation.

I did my previous car (a Jag) and it's really very easy provided you take you time.

There's a company called Tinley Tech that sell kits, and they're very good.

dexterdude · May 15, 2012

don't think i would trust myself to get it right , expensive if you get it wrong .

magictiny · May 16, 2012

There is only one major downside to LPG.
Filler her up takes aaaggeess.... compared to petrol LOL

The minor downside is that LPG burns hotter than petrol, so cruising at high speeds for long periods can (and I only say can) damage the engine, the liners can move, so get an engine that has top hat liners fitted, or keep to the speed limit...

dexterdude · May 16, 2012

don't think speeding would be a problem . i want to get one to drive around in a lazy comfortable manor .

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