BAF conversions NS CA HOV lanes

[cquirk]

SO I found some really nice Crown Vics in Utah with the BAF conversions. It is pretty clear that the vehicles meet CARB appoval but they do not show up on the HOV vehicle list on the CARB web site. The web site was last updated 12 2008.

SO I callled CARB and spoke to several folks and could not get a clear answer to 2 questions

Is thier an updated list?

What does it take to get a car on the list?

Well they were not sure, so I figured one or 2 of the experts here might know

Curtis I would buy a Honda if they could just make it bigger ! Give me a CRV with NGV !

[Curtis]

Re: BAF conversions NS CA HOV lanes

I can't help you with Carb, but you're not the first to ask for a bigger GX. I'm looking into purchasing a car stretcher to accommodate you long legged folks. Perhaps in 2011 we'll se a little roomier Civic and, who knows, maybe they'll provide another offering. We can only hope.

[CraziFuzzy]

Re: BAF conversions NS CA HOV lanes

there might be the impala... if/when they get the CARB situation taken care of...

Isn't it great that California's got the most stations, but you can't get a car to use them?

[John Mitton]

Re: BAF conversions NS CA HOV lanes

You might want to contact BAF to get a letter from them and include it in your application. I should imagine the emission control system is the same if it was installed in Utah or at BAF in Texas.

[cquirk]

Re: BAF conversions NS CA HOV lanes

Hi: I was hoping the CV would last long enough that the Natural Drive Impala could be approved and available here in CA. This is one beautiful car that resolves all the major issues with CNG vehicles that I have. The trunk still has a lot of room even though they have enough tanks for 300+ mile range, the engine is not under powered as it is in the CV and the way the conversion was done is neat and retains a great deal of the Chevy parts. Last I spoke with Natural Drive they had a grant available to pay for CARB but as with most grants lots of string and issues. They are hoping that someone in CA would like to do a fleet conversion to make life easier.

[Lakewood90712]

Re: BAF conversions NS CA HOV lanes

Check page 10 of this link on the CARB website, http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...s94_020907.pdf .
looks like it for specific years and conversions. I would get a letter from CARB before buying . Someone on the phone at carb saying it's ok will not be of any use if you can't get california tags. Good luck.

[cquirk]

Re: BAF conversions NS CA HOV lanes

That list is acually the problem it is is not updated for any vehicles after 2006 I found some conversion that were legal and CARB approved but not on the list. CARB was not clear on any of this and could not help much. As you suggest trying to get the tags without CARB backing/approval is really not possible. I spent 5 minutes convincing them it was not a hybrid when I called them on Thursday, they were all very pleasant but could not help and did not know how to respond to some pretty basic questions

[freedml]

Re: BAF conversions NS CA HOV lanes

The list has been updated, the question is why the CV wasn't included. The list has the GX through MY09.

The 06 CV is a BAF conversion judging by the EFN, so the question is, did BAF apply for approval/renewal for 07/08/09 CVs and for that matter what about 05. Or maybe that EFN/application applies to some other years but the ARB made a mistake.

I think you need to try to talk to the person/department which maintains that list.

[moore101]

Re: BAF conversions NS CA HOV lanes

Have you looked at the 2000/2001 CNG Camry? Granted they are 8-9 years old now but are more roomy, have much better trunk space, and range than even the 09 GX.

This site has a few available: http://www.gobestauto.com/ViewInventory.aspx
They are also on ebay.

Keep in mind the CNG tanks technically expire 15 years after their build date on all CNG vehicles.


PS- My CNG Camry has 180,000 miles and runs like a top only the timing belt, water pump and struts have been replaced due to normal wear/preventative maintenance. Currently it gives a 300+ mile highway range also.

[CraziFuzzy]

Re: BAF conversions NS CA HOV lanes

you could always attempt to convert a pre-emissions car... ;-) Make a green-classic...

If I don't end up giving my crown vic to uncle sam, When its tanks expire 2 years I may revive the CNG 4.6 into an old mustang or something... a green classic so to speak...

[Curtis]

Re: BAF conversions NS CA HOV lanes

There's a nice CV and 2 Camrys on Ebay right now. The CV is low miles. There's also a nice range of vehicles in our CNG Marketplace forum you can review.