Buying a Chevrolet 5.7 V8

[Dunksterp]

Hi Guys,

I'm new here but I'm looking for some information regarding LPGing a Chevy 350 (5.7l V8).

First of all, the engine is a 1992 EFI model, but I'm fairly sure it's a throttle body injector (TBI) like a carb. Would this be the sort of kit I'd need to install?

http://tinleytech.co.uk/shop/lpg-kits/s ... search=yes

Also, what are the rules on DIY installing LPG? I've seen some insurance want a certificate but others just want an MOT?

Thanks

[Brian_H]

The rules on the installation of lpg varies by your insurer - Best bet would be to ask them, preferably in a format that provides an answer you can produce later if possible.

Certificates (the green lpga ones) are no longer issued, instead if its done by an installer registered with uklpg they would register it on https://drivelpg.co.uk/
But there isn't any legal reason you'd have to do so, its really just down to what your insurance company says (and if your considering changing in the future what any future company might say).

Its possible to have it inspected by an installer and either one of their own certificates produced or an entry onto the website register if its already installed, a few places will also supply kit and tech support on installing it if required, a couple of the installers on here offer that service, might be worth getting in touch with them to ask (they will probably post in here at some point anyway)

[Gilbertd]

You could fit an Impco but they are expensive, you could go with a standard mixer such as https://tinleytech.co.uk/shop/lpg-kits/ ... -injected/ (although you'd need to specify a different vaporiser for your engine) or go for this https://tinleytech.co.uk/shop/lpg-kits/ ... o-190-bhp/. I know the Epoka is a 4 cylinder kit but I know someone who has one on a Mercedes SL560 (5.5 litre V8 with mechanical injection) that was supplied by Tinley Tech. He actually went for the Impco initially only to find that with the mixer between the throttle body and air filter the bonnet would no longer shut......

[Dunksterp]

Hey all,

Thanks for the info so far. Gilbertd, what's the difference between those kits? I find that the tinleytech website doesn't offer the most fantastic descriptions or list what's actually in a kit! Does the 2nd kit have 4 separate injectors? I can't tell? How would you make it work with a V8?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to get a good understanding.

[Gilbertd]

The Epoka kit listed on the TT website does only show 4 injectors and describes it as a kit for 4 cylinder engines. However, as I know of at least the one car that has used it on a V8, it can be done. Not sure how as I haven't actually seen the car, it may be that they have doubled up on everything (the same as when something like a V12 or Bentley W16 is converted by using two 6 or 8 cylinder kits). Your best bet would be to phone Tinley Tech, they are very helpful and will be able to answer any questions you have and suggest the best option for you.

[Brian_H]

There is (or maybe was) an 8 cylinder version at some point as well, doesn't seem to exist any more though.

[LPGC]

Some options mentioned above.

With the Epoka you could fit 2 complete 4 cylinder systems to run the V8 or could just wire the injectors for the second cylinder bank in parallel with injectors for the first bank.

Mixers on downdraught carbs or throttle bodies will usually increase the combined height of the engine but if it uses a pan type air filter there's a BRC mixer that can fit inside the pan and doesn't increase the height (and makes for a system that isn't as expensive as Impco).

[Pinger]

I've just done this - bought a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban with a 5.7 Vortec already converted to LPG. See thread here >> viewtopic.php?f=30&t=15538 for details of the system installed.
While it isn't perfect right now, I am confident it can be improved.

Insurance: I talked to A Plan and they want the vehicle registered with the outfit mentioned in post #2 (this thread). Brentacre just list it as a modification after asking if there was a certificate issued at point of install - there was.

A 1992 Vortec will be TBI. Post 95 is SFI. I have the Haynes manual and it has all that info. If there's anything I can help with, just ask.
Have you bought it yet or just sizing it up? What vehicle is it in?