VT on Gas

[FstStig]

Hey Guys,

Looking at getting a VT on Gas and Petrol. What are the Pros and Cons on Gas for Commodores? Am I likely to see more problems with having gas then what I' am with just running Petrol.

So like i said if anyone can provide me with some pros and cons that would be great.

Cheers

Mumbo

[owen18]

ive got a vl ive just put on gas, at first it was backfiring but i replaced the leads and plugs and now she runs fine. Just make sure the ignition side of things runs perfectly

i think its definitely worth it, you do loose power on gas but i never noticed any reduction!

on petrol i was paying approximately $20 per 100kms, and now i pay $8

i sourced my own second hand gas kit (only 9 months old) for $750 (including freight from vic to sa) and then had it installed for $750 so ended up costing me $1500. Then got $2000 back

so who really cares about power when you save that much.

[nick3110]

got my VX berlina on gas, it runs pretty well, every so often it just fails to start (still a new system, less than 2 months old, i think its running a bit lean).. but anyways it saves me lots of cash on fuel.. so its worth it in the end..

[mwb235]

Hey Guys,

Looking at getting a VT on Gas and Petrol. What are the Pros and Cons on Gas for Commodores? Am I likely to see more problems with having gas then what I' am with just running Petrol.

So like i said if anyone can provide me with some pros and cons that would be great.

Cheers

Mumbo

I had my VT V6 Supercharged Calais done 2 years ago (older "mixer" style setup, not injection) and it runs fine. I don't notice any power loss, and it doesn't backfire. I had a VL and VR done as well - in my opinion Sprintgas is much better than Impco, but that is only from my own experience running both systems.

The two Essentials for any LPG install (particularly the older "mixer" type systems) are:
(1) It MUST be installed properly in the first place, by someone who knows what they are doing! (dodgy installs = running problems)
(2) It MUST be maintained regularly (checked & tuned every six months minimum, preferably every 3 months). This includes fitting correct spark plugs and leads to suit LPG.

IMO I say go for it - it is definitely worth it. Saves you money, is easy to get even in the country, and as for safety the metal LPG tanks are actually safer than plastic petrol tanks.

Just be prepared for a lot of "bad luck stories" when (1) and (2) above haven't been followed. Also, a lot of people think LPG is for barbeques only and can't see past their noses.

[vxcalais_01]

Go Scorcher, Ice or MSD leads. Will last you years. And get some of the new Bosch LPG PLugs. THey retail at Repco for $13.50 each but can be ordered to end of this month from Raceparts Australia for around $5.50. Excellent plug so far, full platinum fine tip, 0.7mm gap, different design to all theory so far. First LPG plug, not just a colder smaller gap one. Made to last 30,000k's which justifies the need to change normal plugs every 10-15.000k's as i do.

[poweredbycng]

If you're installing a mixer-based system, you will experience a slight power loss (in the region of a few rwkw) on PETROL and even more power loss when running on gas (an additional few rwkw on top of what's already lost on petrol). This is because the introduction of a gas mixer in the intake system causes a restriction in the maximum airflow and the fact that a mixer-based gas system will never be as good as a multipoint injected petrol fuel system in terms of efficiency and fuel metering accuracy.

Regards,
Dave

[gareth89]

can u run super chargers and turbos on gas? not stock lol
do u have to change anythink to run lpg such as intake?
also how do u make lpg sytem not smell? maily in the vehicle?

[nick3110]

also how do u make lpg sytem not smell? maily in the vehicle?

well u can't stop the gas from actually smelling..

but having no leaks helps quite a bit.. if u can smell the gas there is a leak somewhere go get it looked at by a LPG fitter/mechanic..

[poweredbycng]

do u have to change anythink to run lpg such as intake?

No, but if you choose to install a mixer-based system, the Gas Mixer will be installed between the airbox and the throttle body.

also how do u make lpg sytem not smell? maily in the vehicle?

If your car is fitted with a catalytic converter (which it should be - it's illegal for it not to be) and the gas system is tuned properly, the exhaust fumes should not smell of unburned gas.

Regards,
Dave

[thekovac]

Gday there mate!
I'm thinking the same thing with Commy's on gas. I've heard a few people mention problems with Value recession, but after reading a few threads here on this site, I've realised that, as with most things, if you don't take care of the system and you try and take shortcuts with installation (i.e. going to a crappy intsaller for a few $$), you're going to have problems. Otherwise, if you maintain it - change sparkies in time, and regularly service it, you'll be fine with it.

I've been a little reluctant to considering buying a commy because of what I've heard about its performance on gas, but after some research I've decided that LPG is not that bad at all for commies, infact, performance-wise, commy's react much better with thier ecotec/alloytec engines. Most people here say that they have experienced little loss of power, whereas in a ford you stand to loose 15-20% at least, and most say its fairly noticeable.

My real dilemma now, is the good ol' SVi vs. Mixer debate! Its been done to death, and I think it comes down to the user. Obviously the SVi system is a newish technological advancement, meaning that'll it be an improvement over the old mixer system, as it has less loss of performance, better economy, less need for maintenance etc etc but it does come at a cost. That cost is a fairly large expenditure on the part of the buyer. With a difference between a SVi and a Mixer is a minimum $1000 difference (if you shop around), on-top of the already extra expenditure needed for a mixer.

If you're a performance minded driver, want to have less hassles and keep your car for along time (it'll take a long time to make up what you lost) you'll probably want an SVi system, but if you're happy with loosing a bit of power, and happy to monitor your engine a little better, then grab the Mixer. I'd personally say the mixer system is best for most drivers. In reality the 3-5L/100 difference isn't going to be huge, considering gas is a mere 50cents a litre. If you get a Impco system, you'll won't even loose performance when you put your foot on it because it switches over to petrol automatically when under load. Personally I can't see the reason to spend so much extra for not so much gain. I'd rather spend the extra cash getting a toridial tank and a spare tyre solution, so I can use the nice big boot of the commy.

Sorry about my rant - I've got lots to say :| (hope its not lots of crap =P )