EPA Certifications

[ashtonmotors]

We are considering getting 3 more EPA certifications for vehicles. Copying Curt's lead. What 3 vehicles would you like to see certified?
Year:
Make:
Model:
Engine Size:

[MOMTOFOURGIRLS]

Re: EPA Certifications

I think you would have a pretty good market if you did a van or suburban of some type. I know a lot of families here in utah need the bigger vehicles for their entire family.

I would personnally like to see a 2001 Chevy Suburban.

[cngacrossusa]

Re: EPA Certifications

There are a ton of excellent Dodge Caravan and Dodge Grand Caravans out there (model year 96 and later have OBDII data port) that would make great CNG vehicles (especially the Grand Caravan) for the 3.3 ltr or 3.8 ltr v6 engine. I've got Grand Caravan with 3.8 ltr motor, and it will still smoke the front tires any time I want with 180,000 miles on it!! If a tank would fit underneath the vehicle in frame and say 7 gge tank in back behind the 3rd seat, this would be terrific bi-fuel family van.

Also, desperately need a small pickup with bi-fuel so delivery companies will take up CNG (ie like auto parts stores, cities, counties, etc.) There are ton of S-10 Chevy pickups out there that would be terrific bi-fuel with 2.2 ltr 4 cyl engine. I really should say just let Ford die and disappear, but all those Ford Ranger small pickups (especially the club cab versions) with 2.3 ltr 4 cyl and 3.0 ltr v6 engines would be terrific bi-fuel small pickups as well.

[drjmellor]

Re: EPA Certifications

I think the best types of vehicles to convert would be cross-overs, light trucks and mid-size SUVs. Cross-overs like the Chevy Equinox, Ford Tauras X (Freestyle in older models) or Ford Edge would be a better market. A Chevy Suburban holds many people, but is still a gas hog (even CNG) and is decreasing in popularity. Four-cylinder truck conversions would be popular because there is no EPA conversion system for any of them right now. I would prefer to drive a 4 cylinder truck on CNG than a car just to have extra storing capacity, but none exist. Many other people and businesses feel the same way. The best bet would be the Chevy Colorado because the Ford Ranger is being discontinued (why??). Mid-size SUVs like the Ford Escape and Saturn Vue would also be popular. Current conversion systems are designed for gas guzzlers and almost nothing else. Honda currently holds a monopoly with the Civic Gx and small cars. There is a market for other types of vehicles and should return profits on your investment.

[drjmellor]

Re: EPA Certifications

There is already an EPA conversion for a 2002 Chevy Suburban.

[freedml]

Re: EPA Certifications

I think you should look at it the other way around. I agree with the 4 cylinder idea. I would choose a 4 cylinder engine that's currently being manufactured which would give the greatest variety of body choices.

[freedml]

Re: EPA Certifications

If it's already OBDII does that make the certification process any easier?

[karlhafen]

Re: EPA Certifications

I would say suggest the GM echotech 2.2 used in Cobalt, Malibu, Vue Solstice ect.

[xravenwingsx]

Re: EPA Certifications

Can't go wrong with an Ecotec! That's just cause I own a supercharged 2.0 LSJ Ecotec. I'm biased but TONS of platforms. Cobalt, Ion, Vue, Sky, Redline, HHR just to name a few. Ooooh, bi-fuel HHR or Cobalt would be sweet.

[rtry9a]

Re: EPA Certifications

We are considering getting 3 more EPA certifications for vehicles. Copying Curt's lead. What 3 vehicles would you like to see certified?
Year:
Make:
Model:
Engine Size:

Ford Mustang GT- any year, 4.6L engine; or Corvette. Anything with a big V8 engine, manual transmission, and fun to drive.

I also agree that a small, light V6 pickup would be great- maybe Toyota.

Id also like to see something nice- an SKS, Lexus, or Lincoln Town Car perhaps.

[xravenwingsx]

Re: EPA Certifications

Ford Mustang GT- any year, 4.6L engine; or Corvette. Anything with a big V8 engine, manual transmission, and fun to drive.

I agree, Mustang GT kit would be awesome!!!! If they can do it in the 4.6L P71 Crown Vic, I'm sure they can do it for the Stang. Maybe even a special kit if anyone wanted to convert their Bullitt Mustang or Shelbys.

[j03j03]

Re: EPA Certifications

I have to put my vote in for the light pick-ups. I love my little Ranger('96) but someday i'll need a new one. If the kits were around for the newer ones that'd be great!

[karlhafen]

Re: EPA Certifications

I mean Echotec. Echotech looked wrong when I typed it. Did the 2003/2004 CNG Cavalier use an echotec? If so, some of the work may all ready be done.

[xravenwingsx]

Re: EPA Certifications

It may have--if so, it was probably the 2.2L Ecotec--any Cavy owners care to elaborate?

[Adrian]

Re: EPA Certifications

I'd love a Bi-Fuel Honda Pilot! I believe it shares the engine with the Odyssey Van and the Ridgeline truck. So certifying this engine family would allow conversion of all three. I know the Honda van is one of the highest rated family movers out there right now. Right now a Honda Pilot is our "regular" car that remains parked most of the time.

Adrian