LPG Conversion

[mrsmythe]

I'm trying to work some things out for my next VW (some way off yet, but I like to do my research), likely to be an early bay (not a camper), and I'd like to run a 2.1 (DJ) motor and convert it to run on LPG given how horrendously expensive petrol is in the UK; currently about £1.38 per litre of 98 unleaded, and a bit over half that price for a litre of LPG.

Are WBX's suitable for running with LPG? LPG typically has a RON rating of 106 so in theory a high comp motor like the DJ would be good to use for it or even raising the CR possibly?

I've read that LPG can make an engine run hotter and given WBX's run pretty hot anyway would this be a reason to not go this route or could use of a couple of radiators and a remote oil cooler take care of this? I'm guessing it would be of some help that the motor would be in a lighter vehicle than it was intended to run in. Use of an aftermarket ECU would enable better tuning for characteristics of LPG compared to petrol.

Ta!

[joop]

Go for it! No need for extra radiators, I would not raise CR! LPG injection would be the best option. Do not use one lpg venturie. It eats power. I use 2 idf's or drla's (forgot) with 2 dual venturie plates. LPG is 1/3 of the price of unleaded over here.

Cheers

[Toomanytoys]

Lots of wbx running LPG in the uk.. if you havent found this site yet, get on over there.. www.club80-90.co.uk

As for more heat.. mostly folklore.. one thing that isnt taken into account and affects different designs of engines, is LPG burns slower, lots of engines are running retarded timing for low grade fuel.. so if the timing isnt adjusted the harder to ignite and more controled burn of LPG heats up the exhaust port and valves.. thus tending to push the temperatures up.. the wbx doesnt suffer so much.. (IMHO) ... Also.. if the system is set up too lean, then it will run hotter.. I dont buy into the "LPG runs hotter" myth...
The 1.9 DG will easily run 12 or 14 degrees of advance instead of the stock 5.. a DJ in my experience will run a tad more than the stock 10, but only with the DJ distributor.. the DG distributor has a bit more total advance so it cannot be run more then the 10 DJ setting

An oil cooler is a good idea in any case as the stock one isnt really up to the job under std conditions... and essential if your going from a DG to DJ..
No need for changes to the cooling system if everything is in good condition..

I have a DJ spec engine running with the DG carb etc.. (actually both my T25's do) it also runs with a venturi and pulles very well.. if the venturi is too small then it will hurt top end power..

I converted my Caravelle several years ago.. and I wrote the LPG feature in Volkswagen camper and comercial magazine..
The syncro has a twin tank set up in the locker to max out capacity/range (104L LPG capacity...)