converting a corolla to LPG

[aidank]

hi all,

im looking at converting my 2005 corolla 1.4vvti to running on LPG, its got 120km on the clock and is running perfectly

Anyone running one, how are you getting on, most importantly how are the valves in the engine holding up ? anything I need to be aware of

do I need flashlube

some say all Jap engines need to be fitted with this flashlube, installers opinions vary

[Tubbs]

Ive done a few, and they run very well. But do need a flashlube and installers opinions shouldnt vary if they have any kind of experience.

[classicswede]

Been a long time since I last did one but as Tubbs pointed there is no question about flashlube. If the installer is unsure walk away as they are well known for needing it

[aidank]

was thinking that the flashlube would be required, you must have seen worn valves in a corolla that you recommend flashlube?

what brand kit would you recommend to install, or is there much of a muchness?

local man supplying Zenith Pro topkit he says, can't find much info about it online
others can supply BRC, Stark
must look at my notes of phonecalls I have made

also re the timing, are there any kits out there that allow for different ignition timing when run on LPG and when run on petrol

As the LPG takes longer to burn Im thinking I should advance the timing

[Gilbertd]

also re the timing, are there any kits out there that allow for different ignition timing when run on LPG and when run on petrol

Nothing to do with the burn time, more that fact that LPG has an Octane rating of around 113 RON so you CAN run more ignition advance if you want to tune the engine for more power. For normal use there is no need to at all. The LPG kits have no connection to the ignition timing, that is still supplied by the petrol ECU so no, no kit will advance the ignition timing. An engine intended for use with high octane fuel will often retard the ignition timing if pre-ignition is detected (a car intended to be run on 99 RON that is filled with 95 RON for instance) but I don't know of any standard system which will allow the timing to advance beyond normal. You can get a bolt-on ignition advance processor but unless you are intending running the car on a dragstrip and hope to get another few hundredths of a second out of it, it probably isn't worth it.

Where in the world are you as none of the kits you mention seem common (except BRC).

[classicswede]

System wise the common well known systems are AEB bases - King, OMVL, Emer, Zavoil etc or Polish KME, Stag, Europegas are well supported.

BRC is ok but you will be limited to BRC installers for future repairs and spares tend to be over priced.

Do some reading and work out what kit you like the sound of

[aidank]

I'm in Ireland. LPG is pretty new here, Eastern Europeans are the main people doing the installs.

My thinking behind the advancing the timing was make sure the burn is complete, thereby minimising the heat seen as the exhaust gas leaves the cylinder.

[Tubbs]

North or south ? Pete at the alternative fuel company ? Northern Ireland.

[aidank]

South

Do I also need to install special spark plugs for LPG or will standard ones do fine?

I guess when switching off I should switch back to petrol to make for easier starting?

[Gilbertd]

No and no. Standard plugs are fine and the engine starts on petrol anyway so switching over before switching off will have no effect. Or at least it shouldn't if the LPG system is set up properly. If the LPG system isn't set up right, while running on LPG the petrol system will be changing it's settings to correct the incorrect LPG map, then when you go over to petrol it will run like a dog as the settings will be wrong and it will take a few miles on petrol for it to sort itself out again.

[aidank]

been quoted €1099 for this http://www.lpg.ie/conversions + flashlube

good deal?

recommended for all cars registered after year 2000 with multipoint port (intake manifold) injection:

Spec as follows
Zenit PRO OBD

Conversion kit specification:

1.ECU - AGC Zenit PRO OBD.
2.Evaporators - Silver or Gold.
3.Injectors - Hana H2001.
4.Tunning - Adapts to your style of driving and quality of LPG in the tank. This means improved fuel economy, no warning lights and no periodical recalibration required.
5.LPG tank - donut shape tank in the spare wheel well.
6.Warranty - 2 years unlimited mileage warranty.