Just curious why there aren't more threads on propane? I assume not many people are running it as the reason. But why? Seems like a reasonable alternative to nitrous and nets good hp and mileage improvements if you have a place nearby to fill the tank. What gives?

 

That is a good question, I would like to know more about it myself

Kevin

 

many easier cheaper bombs that net more power. Some guys here do but for most it isn't worth it. Some are just anti drug......... If you do a search on it you'll find all sorts of info and opinions.

 

Not too many other modifications will give you a true 80 rwhp for under $900 and pick you up a couple mpg as a bonus. A good system will make it worth it. Ask anyone who actually uses it.........

 

I have had it on my 92 for several years and will be installing on the 2005 soon.

 

Yeah but you could just get a 400 dollar programer...get more hp...and you dont have to refill it.

 

If I ever get my issues settled with MSD on my kit that I've installed I'll let you know what I think of it. But basically I decided on propane as a clean and safe way to get more power, a lot safer than nitrous and easier on my engine. If the claims of 1 to 3 mpg increase and with propane being 40 to 50 cents cheaper than diesel where I'm at it could have a economical benefit too, but we'll have to see...

 

Thats the part about propane that interests me, is the cost savings in fuel, especially while I am pulling my trailer, it is easy to find propane fueling stations here in canada, and the cost per litre is cheap, about 50-60 cents, compared to 90-100 for diesel. And if it adds a bit more hp,, I just might be interested. Can anyone else that is running propane shed some more light on the subject??

Kevin

 

Remember the idea is not to displace diesel with propane. The key to getting mileage gains, (the performance just goes along with it! ) is to use a small controlled amount of propane to help burn the diesel fuel already present more completely. So while you are adding an additonal fuel, you are burning it completely and taking more of the diesel along with it.

Here is an example we use with the over the road trucks with our system, but you can get an idea from it (please excuse the unrealistic fuel pricing. It was done in March of 06 )

WITHOUT
10,000 Miles
5 Miles Per Gallon
$2.25 Per Gallon for Diesel
DIESEL COST
$4,500.00
COST PER MILE
$0.45

WITH
2 add. miles per gallon
10,000 miles
7 miles per gallon
$2.25 per gallon for diesel
$1.50 per gallon for propane
DIESEL COSTS
$3,214.29
PROPANE COSTS
$500.00
TOTAL FUEL COSTS
$3,714.29
COST PER MILE
$0.371
TOTAL DOLLAR SAVINGS
$785.71

WITH
5 add. miles per gallon
10,000 miles
10 miles per gallon
$2.25 per gallon for diesel
$1.50 per gallon for propane
DIESEL COSTS
$2,250.00
PROPANE COST
$500.00
TOTAL FUEL COST
$2,750.00
COST PER MILE
$0.275
TOTAL DOLLAR SAVINGS
$1,750.00

Yes, you do have to refill the tank, but contrary to popular belief, the tank does not have to be refilled so often. My 8 gallon tank lasts about 1200 miles of constant use. My diesel range is extended by about 80-100 miles a tank with this amount of propane. It is filled about once a month for my driving. That and a programmer, is a lot of power for not a lot of $$ and you get increased mileage.

Lots of misinformation abounds regarding propane injection and the proper way to do it and a lot of that misinformation gets repeated and blanket statements are made without any basis or actual experience. People read it and "well since it's on the internet , it must be true"
It scares off a lot of people, who are just looking for that extra little bit of power for towing and some mileage gains. Those that have it and use it, will tell you differently. A testimonial is a lot different than an opinion.

 

Very good post, very informative. Do you recommend a certain propane system, or are they all about the same?

Kevin

 

Two questions: Where do you mount the tank? i have a shortbed and don't want to lose bed space, but i don't want to mount it between the frame and the bed because of safety concerns.

second question: how do you know when your tank is empty?

 

Thanks!

Well, I am partial to one system but no they are not all the same.

Tanks are a personal choice and are largely dependant on your truck and how you use it. There are safety features built in to each tank and using them for applications not intended would not be wise. Liquid tanks for liquid applications, vapor tanks for vapor applications, and in all applications a safe, vented location.

The best place to mount the under vehicle tanks, is between the frame rails. Propane vehicle tanks are constructed from carbon steel under code developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). A propane tank is 20 times more puncture-resistant and can withstand up to 4 times the pressure when compared to a typical gasoline, methanol, or ethanol tank. In addition, a properly installed propane tank can actually add to the structural strength of a vehicle.


Some regulations to be aware of: No part of the tank can hang below the lowest part of the truck. This can be interpreted as the lowest skid plate (tranny) or the actual lowest section (differential) depending on who's reading the code. If the tank is enclosed in the bed with a canopy or in a tool/work box it must be in a sealed container air tight to the inside of the bed and vented to fresh air outside the enclosure. OPD valves have to be placed on all tanks, but ASME tanks (usually horizontal tanks referred to as RV, Fork Lift, or Fuel tanks) will generally have a dedicated supply valve separate from the fill valve. DOT tanks (think of BBQ style horizontal tanks) generally use the fill valve for the supply valve which can restrict flow. Using two DOT tanks in parallel will allow a better supply. Your tank mounting must support the weight of the tank when filled times 3. Ex: a mount capable of holding 150 lbs must support a filled tank that weighs 50lbs.


There are fuel level gauges you can mount inside the cab to let you know when the tank is empty, however, you will know, because that extra horsepower and throttle response is gone. With a system that is consistent, you would also be able to gauge how far you can go after a few tanks.

 

Is the 4:1 ratio good? Or any other thoughts?

 

4:1 will use a good deal of propane.

 

Nitromethane