Little confused

[Alphatronicsinc]

Can somebody explain, "$40k to $80k root canal per engine family and model year for the Small Volume Manufacturer ("SVM")" and " CARB certification for California and 12 other states which have adopted CARB standards is about a $300k process per engine family and model year." I am not sure what this means. I am looking into switching my 2003 silverado HD 2500 4X4. I am in Texas. Any input would be greatly apreciated.

[CNGfamily]

Re: Little confused

Can somebody explain, "$40k to $80k root canal per engine family and model year for the Small Volume Manufacturer ("SVM")" and " CARB certification for California and 12 other states which have adopted CARB standards is about a $300k process per engine family and model year." I am not sure what this means...

It has to do with the cost (claimed) by those companies that undergo the certification process to permit a family of engines to be legally converted to use CNG. It is used as part of the justification for the high cost of converting individual vehicles.

If your vehicle doesn't already have a legit conversion available (listed here: http://www.ngvamerica.org/pdfs/marke...ses.NGVs-a.pdf ), then chances are you won't be able to get one (not sufficient demand to convert 5-6 year old vehicles)

[afvman]

Re: Little confused

Alphatronicsinc et al,

I'd go a step further and add that the certification costs aren't claimed, but real. It all has to do with two issues. The first is 'tampering', which adding another fuel system is...and aftermarket upfitters having to play on the same field as the OEM's starting in 2002 when all the alt. fuel waivers ran out.

It's not that CNG can't meet the same emission requirements, in fact, they can and have a chemical advantage over liquid fuels. It's the cost to document the emissions. Using the same drive cycles and OBD-II strategies requires expensive dynamometer time and there's the rub.

Converters have to prove that the MIL light will come on at no more than 1.5 times the standards, same as the OEM's. This plus the emission testing runs up the cost. And, yes, a 4.6L in a sedan isn't the same certification as a 4.6 in a pick-up...different transmissions, rear end ratios, etc, all of which change what comes out of the tailpipe.

Should it be that way? Separate question fraught with political overtones, but, in my opinion it does keep the backyard mechanics out of the game. If we can't show we're as good or better than gasoline, who are were kidding?

I was there in the '70's and don't want to go back.

afvman