Can I use propane on my 04 and how much does it take to see mpg improvements?

 

My buddy runs propane injection on his 04.5 but also has a Banks 6-gun on it. He hot rods around a lot, so didn't see any mileage gains. Burnt out a torque converter with all the torque he pushed through it, too. He runs 38" tires on stock 3.73 diff gears and that thing snaps your neck when you punch it.

 

Tree DR,

The MSD/Superchip systems that we have sold have gotten an average of 2-3 MPG increase, lower EGT's and a 75-90 HP increase. Of course if you drive it like you stole it, the MPG will wash out, but if you are trying to make MPG you'll get a good increase. The MSD/Superchip system are the safest available, they even have a serial port so that you can do mods thru a laptop computer.

Mark @ DPPI

 

dont use drugs
just my .02

 

water methanol from snowperformance does the same thing and is a lot cheaper. u can use windshield washer fluid for about a $1 per gal. or make a 50/50 mix for more power. stage2 dodge system ~$550.

it is cheaper because you don't need an extra tank you use your washer reservoir. or they have an 8gal tank.

From snowperformance.net

test using stage2 dodge system and an 03ctd. washer fluid alone got a 50rwhp and 107rwtq. 50/50 got 74rwhp and 164rwtq. plus you get the same mpg increase (2~3).

as soon as I get the cash I'm gonna get one.

 

I have enough hp to do the job if hp is a by product of mpg improvements ok. If you only gain 2-3mpg what does the propane cost and per mile does it acually make it cheeper to run than straight diesel? So you gain 3mpg and save 25$ on diesel and spend 20$ on propane. Not really worth it to me. I did look at one propane kit it said you would probably use 20lb every 500mi.

Pantera That about the water/methanol sounds interesting. Where do I find more people that are useing it, to get a better feel for the real results? I wonder if my hydrogen will work with it also?

 

Just as a referance I think propane costs about 1/3-1/2 as much as diesel.
On the water meth, unless you get a really big tank I think it is usualy used more like nitrous. It is more for "shorter" runs while propane is kinda designed to be left on.
Somebody correct me if I am wrong.

 

this is from snow performance.net

diesel dodge kit $570 8gal res $170.

"Water injection has been shown to reduce NOx emmissions and increase milage on diesel trucks around 4-8%"

"Boost Cooler Benefits (Diesel):

1. Greatly reduced EGT’s. Decreases of 250 degrees F are common using a 50/50% Methanol /Water mix. This prevents the usual problems associated with high exhaust car temperatures - rings sticking, holed pistons, etc.
2. Low cost power - where else can you get 70-100 HP for approximately $400 along with reduced EGT's.
3. Greatly increased air charge densities - 3-5 psig boost increases are common.
4. Great for towing - more power/cooler EGT's to haul the heaviest loads.

How long will a tank (2 qts.) last?

In high boost/high horsepower application, a full blast 1/4 mile run will utilize as much as 1/8 tank. A larger tank should be considered if over 9psi boost is utilized in road racing where a tank can be used in as few as 6 - 2 mile/ full tilt laps. Under normal street use in a 400 HP Mustang, a tank usually lasts about 500 miles. Two reservoirs can be used for 1-gal total capacity if desired. Turbo diesels use more qty. and usually utilize the existing windshield washer reservoir (over 4 qts. in most cases) or the new 8-gal reservoir upgrade. More will always be used when the system is first installed, less when the novelty wears off."

this is the best info I could find. I would give chris snow a call. toll free (866)365-2762 or (719)633-3811

 

Well I had to fill the tank on the grill anyway. 20lb tank holds 4.5 or so gal. mine took 4.62gal. $13.72 or $2.97 per gallon.
Will the water/methonal work at lower rpm and boost levels? I do a lot of town driveing so that is where I would need it the most. Also do I have to turn it off and let the water clear before shut down. Would I also have to do that with the propane?
If the cost of the propane or water kit is 500 or so it will take a long time to recoup the cost in mpg. Where do you get the methanol and how much does it cost? Do you use tap water or distilled or steam distilled water with the methanol?
I know I could go ask the distributers but sometimes you get more truth from the people useing it every day. Thanks for the info.
Tree DR

 

Methanol is a by product I think of natural gas upgrading. Around here if you buy it in bulk it is about $1.50 a gallon...mix it 50/50 that makes $0.75 per gallon. If you get a system get the digital water injection from snows...it cuts usage to only when its an advantage. You'll need at least an 8 gallon reservoir if you plan to use it. You have to wait till the block warms up to operating temp before use and turn it off 5 minutes before stopping to purge the motor of water vapor. It works amazing for power and egt reduction. I think propane gives you better mileage than water meth. Propane at the service station is expensive. You need to get it elsewhere. Even where I am it is 1/2 the cost of diesel. Go to a bulk tank filling center and set up an account. ks