Q. How much is the rebate?
A. Currently the LPG rebate for used motor vehicles is $2000 (jun 2006) and to comply it must be privately registered. , NOT "business" registered or "usage" - OCT 2010 $1500 Rebate
Q. I heard you can't fit LPG on the BA ford falcon
A. Yes you can. LPG vapour injection is the most reliable system to fit to these vehicles, as the BA falcon do exhibit ignition system issues which tend to cause backfiring when using the existing venturi induction system. Though you can still fit a closed loop venturi Tartarini system, with generally no issues.
Q. Can you fit LPG to any vehicle?
A. Yes. Most vehicles have either a certified LPG kit or a non certified kit. For vehicles that do not have a kit already put together, it can be made up. However any vehicle produced after Jan 2003 it must be a certified kit.
Q. What is a certified Kit?
A. Certified kits are approved emission kit. Meaning that the installation kit must be installed exactly as required, to comply with legislation. Any vehicle with a none certified kit for vehicles after Jan 2003 are not roadworthy and legal here in NSW, meaning you cannot pass registration with a non approved kit
Q. How long does it take to fit?
A. To ensure the proper time and care is taken when installing / converting a vehicle to LPG we require two working days to complete the job. Nothing is rushed. This is a quality installation not a quantity.
Q. What brand and parts do you use?
A. We use Australian made Tanks APA or Manchester. We use Italian made components for the LPG system, such a closed loop Tartarini computer management system & Airod converters and mixers
Q. Will my car still have Petrol as well as LPG?
A. Yes 90% of our installation is duel fuel, though some customers request to fit a larger LPG tank in place of the fuel tank (where possible)
Q. What do you do that is different from other installers?
A. All our workmanship including wiring are installed in accordance with the highest standards, and includes such items as a Fuel pump cut off relay (when running on LPG fuel, petrol that is continually run around in circles will destroy the benzene from the fuel, and eventually kill the fuel pump, eating away at its copper impeller.) We use conduit and solder all our connections. The installation is neat and tidy and looks professional
This is why our quote is sometimes higher than other competitors. Remember you pay for what you get in this trade, if it cost less then generally corners are cut or cheaper inferior components are used.
Q. What warranty is on the installation?
A. We give a Lifetime warranty on our labour installation. All parts supplied are guaranteed by the manufacture
Q. Does it void my manufactures warranty?
A. You should refer to the manufacture for clarification, generally speaking though most wont.
Q. How much boot space will it take up on my VT Commodore?
A. A 95L LPG tank is bracketed into the rear of the vehicle forward to the rear seats, these vehicles have a bracketed LPG tank specific to the installation and vehicle, You will lose the option of the rear through pocket, though you will still will be able to remove the spare wheel easily and will be left with surprisingly plenty of boot space.
Q. Will if effect the life of my engine?
A. Generally speaking LPG being a dryer (Less Carbon molecules) than petrol and higher operating temperatures does put some strain on the engine and can affect the life. Though a good cooling & ignition system will just about ensure the same life will be drawn from the engine petrol, when using LPG. What you may find is the exhaust valves wear quicker from the use of LPG.
Q. Do I need to service my cylinder head?
A. This is a question generally based on how many Km's the engine has done. Most engines produced after 1990 are built to run higher ignition and leaner fuel mixtures (Emissions), thus the cylinder heads are designed to handle these higher temperatures. I don't recommended doing your cylinder head when installing the LPG, as you may get a good 100,000+ km before and cylinder head issues, if at all arise.
Q. How safe is LPG?
A. LPG is actually safer than petrol. If you ask any fireman, what fire he would prefer in a vehicle a LPG or petrol? They will generally always tell you an LPG fire. Because LPG is contained in a carbon steel 4mm (min) thick cylinder, and petrol either Plastic or Galvanised iron, LPG storage is stronger. LPG tanks have an excess pressure valve (which we plumb outside the vehicle), so if the pressure became too high or it was in a major accident, it would release LPG outside the vehicle in manageable way, but petrol on the other hand, spills and runs everywhere. The LPG tank is also fitted with an Excess Safety valve, so in the case of an accident and the LPG line was ruptured the valve would stop / reduce the flow of LPG. If your vehicle stalled then another safety valve would isolate the LPG inside the tank.
Q. How much power loss should I expect?
A. Scientifically speaking you generally loose about 10%, (Heating Valve, LPG has less energy than petrol), though many customers report to us they can't if at all pick the difference.
In Metro areas the LPG mix is not set. (Propane & Butane, Propane gives more power & more Kms). So depending on the day and the service station, you might get 80% Propane and 20% Butane, but the on the other hand it might be 80% Butane & 20% Propane, or 50/50 or 25/75. It's basically chook lotto when you fill up in metro areas. All regional areas are fixed at 100% Propane (Freezing properties - 42Deg c Propane and butane close to 0 Deg c). The U.S has a fixed 80% Propane law, but here in AUS is not. So you Power loss and milage will change with every fill up.
