LEGAL non-EPA conversions

[72Blazer]

I've seen a few threads from people with older vehicles who are interested in CNG conversions. My daily driver is a 72 Blazer that I'll likely keep for the next 50 years. At 12 mpg, it wouldn't take too long to recoup the investment in CNG if I can get a kit for a decent price.

SO- does anyone out there have any experience with a kit that's not terribly expensive?

I have experience working on LPG systems on forklifts and heavy trucks, and I'd be installing the kit myself and running dual fuel.

[afvman]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

72Blazer,

Man a '72 that's still running! Good for you.

This would be an opportunity to go back to pre-OBDII technology, open-loop carburated systems...if you can find one. It's not 'rocket science' and you might be able to pick something up off of EBay.

I just got back from the International NGV conference in Brazil and they have a LOT of that vintage still for sale. And, it meets the ISO standards if not ours.

Let me know if I can help.

afvman/Bill

[Penam]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

I have a 1961 Corvair I wouldn't mind converting. Please share any information you find and I will do the same.

[livelarg]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

72Blazer,

Man a '72 that's still running! Good for you.

This would be an opportunity to go back to pre-OBDII technology, open-loop carburated systems...if you can find one. It's not 'rocket science' and you might be able to pick something up off of EBay.

I just got back from the International NGV conference in Brazil and they have a LOT of that vintage still for sale. And, it meets the ISO standards if not ours.

Let me know if I can help.

afvman/Bill

I have been looking all over to find info for my old carburated engine. I keep seeing how easy it is to find the kits, and thier not that hard to do, but I cant find anywhere where some one actually says where to look for the kits. I would check ebay if I could find what to look for.
PLEASE help me know where to start looking for info on the convert!

Thanks
KEnt

[jblue]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

PLEASE help me know where to start looking for info on the convert!

http://www.impco.ws/components.asp

[frankw]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

New here,
had a 78 chevy that ran on lng. want to purchase a new truck that runs on the same.
heres the problem.with fuel injection where do you go to get it done leagally or illegally? people want these done just to run into dead ends and govt regulations.Im sure the only reason you cant buy one is the fuel tax.the govt wants it and so do the states.
look we all know the govt doesnt do what is in our best interests just theirs.
but for the average person looking to convert. its a nightmare.
i want to be politically correct and green.but more than that i want the feeling of independance of not needing gasoling when most likely someday there will be rations like the 70's.
you all here have the knowlege to get this thing mainstream but no one wants to help get it going.
the govt sure has drug its feet.the people want ngv only to run into dead ends. maybe if it started from the backyard mechanic the govt would see its tax loss and get it rolling.
who can help? someone out there can help me. will you?
[email protected] located in florida/ohio

[larrycng]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

Using the law and it loop holes;

What is the oldest vehicle that required to go through your states smog inspection? Use a vehicle that is not required to go through an emission inspection

The Clean Air Act takes effect with the '68 model year. Before '68 there were no engine exhaust emission controls -- except for Calif which impemented them in '66.

Impco is a good source for just about any engine.

Larrycng

[frankw]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

currently live in florida.
really looking to have a brand new chevy pickup converted to propane.
its really hard to believe they dont come from the factory as an add on.
i can only figure its because govt doesnt want us to have them.
i could buy a pre emissions truck. but why don't i have a choice.
i suppose i could get an impco kit pull the new fuel injection unit off and replace with carb.
we have no emmissions certification ....yet.
any help is appreciated

[CraziFuzzy]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

don't be so quick to blame the gov. It ins't that anyone in the government is really pushing AGAINST CNG, it's just that the current regulations are designed around the situation 10-15 years ago, where the only real demand for CNG was fleet use. Gasoline, at the time, was just too inexpensive for CNG to matter to private parties. Only fleets would get a decent return on the investment.

I'm not sure about LPG, but since you DO have a new chevy, you CAN get it converted to CNG relatively easily, and LEGALLY. There are a few companies out there specializing in chevy's... (NaturalDrive and BayTech). One of the biggest drawbacks of the current regulations is the expiration of certifications, making it more difficult to convert a used vehicle than a new one.

[larrycng]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

IF you don't mind moving up in the world, you could get a Rousch propane F-150. I think they still have the one at Diehl Ford in Bellingham, Wa.

Also at the risk of incuring even more rath from certain individual on this web site, I agree with going for LP since there is more availability.

Once in a while I have to come out of the closet for LP

Larrycng

[frankw]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

don't be so quick to blame the gov. It ins't that anyone in the government is really pushing AGAINST CNG, it's just that the current regulations are designed around the situation 10-15 years ago, where the only real demand for CNG was fleet use. Gasoline, at the time, was just too inexpensive for CNG to matter to private parties. Only fleets would get a decent return on the investment.

I'm not sure about LPG, but since you DO have a new chevy, you CAN get it converted to CNG relatively easily, and LEGALLY. There are a few companies out there specializing in chevy's... (NaturalDrive and BayTech). One of the biggest drawbacks of the current regulations is the expiration of certifications, making it more difficult to convert a used vehicle than a new one.

Sure the govt never saw the oil crunch coming.they think iran is friendly.cmon i dont believe its not all about the fact they can't control it yet.
they will let us have propane conversions when they can properly road tax it.

[cowboy]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

check out impco for v8 chevy in my ton truck I used a 425 impco mixer with the top hat configuration just take off the air cleener and bolt the top hat on and clamp the mixer to it and I used a k and n air cleaner and you will also need a hp and a lp regulater mine is a 74 it works great

[larrycng]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

I would go to Vortox (vortox.com) for an air cleaner. They have metal housing and their own filters. They take backfires (if you have the problem) without breaking. Although you have to replace the element each time they will collect more and smaller dirt than a K&N.

I don't really care for K & N


Larrycng

[CraziFuzzy]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

eh, as said before, that's a regional decision. In SoCal, there are FAR more 24-hour CNG stations than LPG, and for the cost of LPG, you could just as easily run on gasoline... You also lose the home-fill option.

[BradCNGS]

Re: LEGAL non-EPA conversions

Check the DOE's Clean Cities Alternative Fuels Price Report for July 2009. On a BTU basis, CNG is the least expensive of the alternative fuels about $14.98 per million BTUs. LPG is the most expensive at $29.69 per million BTUs.

Yeah LPG is available, but its more expensive than gasoline and twice as expensive as CNG.