Conversion systems for '04-'06 MY F150's

[etrott]

Our company owns a fleet of mainly 2004, 2005 and 2006 MY F150's (both 4.2L and 4.6L engine sizes). I have two related questions:

1) Does anyone know of CARB/EPA-certified CNG conversion systems- now available or in development (or even under consideration for development)- for these models/engine families? (Note: the conversion kit/system MUST now or some time in the future, be CARB-certified/certifiable by the developer.)

2) Does anyone know of CNG upfitters in No. Calif. or adjacent regions that perform or install conversions for these Ford models and/or engine families? (Note: we contacted an upfitter in Fresno, CA; they no longer do conversions for Fords.)

Any insight, referrals and/or contact information would be much appreciated.

Eric
Sacramento, CA

[Andy-Paul]

Re: Conversion systems for '04-'06 MY F150's

Eric;

To the best of my (admittedly rather limited) knowledge, there has never been a CARB/EPA rated 4.2L (V6) conversion package. The 4.6L (V8) has been approved for CARB/EPA in some cases--the Ford P71 platform (Crown Vic, etc), but you will need to check the EPA platform number on it to be sure that it matches. I can also tell you that Ford has sold 4.6L V8 F150s in the past that were dedicated NGVs.

Finally, I can tell you that Transeco here in NC has done 4.6L conversions in the past, but are no longer doing so. Whether this is based on economic issues or due to some regulatory SNAFU, I don't know, but I will keep doing my utmost to find out. I am with a bunch of one truck tradesmen who would like to convert to CNG and pool resources to buy a compressor and slow-fuel tools, and the issue is bringing us to a complete standstill while we watch our livelihoods being sucked into gasoline. (But of course, that's preaching to the choir, right? )

I believe that Bay Tech in Los Altos, CA is not more than 150 miles away, and if you were to contact your local gas utility, they may be able to give you a list of approved converters. Best of luck and let me know how it turns out--and if you get an EPA platform number, please share it with me!

Andy-Paul

[ajgiorgi]

Re: Conversion systems for '04-'06 MY F150's

I think baytech only works on GM's, not fords. Pretty sure, but call them anyway.

[Andy-Paul]

Re: Conversion systems for '04-'06 MY F150's

You may have that luxury out there in CNG land. For all us po' boys on the east coast, the few refitters and repairmen we have do just about everything--last time I visited the Transeco shop they had a Dodge Magnum, a large F-series (4 or 550?) and two Silverados in progress.
Thank you for passing on that tidbit, however. I will put it in my fact file.

andy-paul

[baboo]

Re: Conversion systems for '04-'06 MY F150's

So is GM less problematic than Ford for a conversion?(1/2 ton pickup)
I will soon be traveling to AZ,NV,& maybe Utah looking for a pickup to buy and a place to convert it. I don't care about tax credit and not sure the EPA stuff applies to me. ANY suggestions?

[taigacarol]

Re: Conversion systems for '04-'06 MY F150's

Apparently Parway Ford in Cedar City is doing conversions on F150 & F250 trucks - please mention that Carol sent you their way if you call. I don't have all the details yet, but will post once I do.

[cnghal]

Re: Conversion systems for '04-'06 MY F150's

BAF is lining up selected Ford dealers to sell and maintain thier new, warrantied and converted vehicles. Don't know how far they've gotten, you might want to check with them if you can afford thier product.

[lnelms]

Re: Conversion systems for '04-'06 MY F150's

Phoenix Energy Corp carries a conversion kit for the Ford 4.6L (V8), cost is $4400 without the cylinder and hoses. Does anyone know where to find one for less?

[steveCA]

Re: Conversion systems for '04-'06 MY F150's

A couple of questions:

I bought my 2003 F-150 from a California Ford dealer as a new vehicle. Is there any difference in the engine specs as compared to an F-150 engine from a truck sold as a new gasoline powered vehicle? I'm thinking specifically in terms of higher engine compression ratio for the new truck that came from Ford as a dedicated CNG.

Can I add two (or more) tanks in the back of my pick-up to increase the range? I'm getting ready to retire, and I'd like to be able to pull a small trailer around the country. I can't even get to LV or Phoenix with just the 18GGE capacity it came with. I'd like to fill the rest of the bed with tanks. depending on price, of course. Used tanks would be just fine with me.

Thanks!

[cnghal]

Re: Conversion systems for '04-'06 MY F150's

Steve,
First, I haven't seen any specs or hard proof that Ford even put in hardened valves and guides much less increased to compression.

Second, the subject of extra range in dedicated 150s is something I have had quite a bit of experience with.
The last one I did, I pulled and sold the stock heavy type 2 twin pack, changed the filler to 3000psi and installed 3 - 15"x77" Type 3 3000psi Dynateks that only weight 135lbs each and hold 13.8GGE each. Mounted them in the bed front to back, built a platform on the top edge of the bed and installed a camper shell and a receiver hitch. It had plenty of storage or a bed in the shell and still got 15-16mpg on the highway not towing. With 46 GGE it had a range of over 650 mi. not towing.
I have all the stuff to do it if your interested.
BTW the Dynatek tanks expire in 2018 the same as your stock tanks.

[steveCA]

Re: Conversion systems for '04-'06 MY F150's

That's very interesting! I would not need the camper shell, but I would need a platform/cover and perhaps low side rails. I already have a strong hitch. What would something like that cost, do you think? And where are you located? If you want, we can continue this discussion via e-mail.

Thanks!
steveCA