propane performace

mikej83 · Mar 17, 2009

hey guys, im lookin for some info on performace propane setups. i have a line on a shortblock built for propane specifically, mainly the 13:1 (might be 13.5:1) compression pistons and such. i've searched and searched the net, only finding a huge amount of dual fuel or conversion info. nothin on performace setups. apparently theres a book about it, but its out of print, and i've yet to find it. anyone with any knowledge of it, or anything, it would be greatly appreciated

thanks

mikepotts · Apr 17, 2009

what do you want to know? i have a slightly modded 5.0, i used an edelbrock preformer RPM air gap intake, an impco 425 mixer, model L convertor, and a 12v. solinoid in place of the VFF30. mine runs FABULOUS! i used a holley dbl pmpr throttle plate (bolted right to the bottom of the 425), so it has INSTANT throttle response. i am planning on later adding some performer RPM heads and replacing the intake with an RPM air gap dual quad intake and adding another 425 mixer. if your motor is a small block, and doesnt have aftermarket heads or a stroker i think you would be fine with the same as what ive got currently.

anupaum · Apr 23, 2009

Several years ago, I ran propane in a small block Chevy that I'd built. The engine had a static compression ratio of 12:1, yet a salesman at Competition Cams convinced me that I needed a compression building cam (one of their "Extreme Energy" grinds). When I first fired that engine up, it sounded like a diesel!

My actual compression pressure turned out to be something ridiculous like 250 psi! That engine would PING on 110 octane propane during warm weather--so make sure you calculate your compression pressure accurately! It's more important than the static ratio.

mikej83 · May 1, 2009

well, you guys answered alot of the questions i have :headbang:

i guess im mainly loookin for the typical propane vs gasoline crap, just wanted to know torquewise how a built-for-propane-only motor would perform vs say a stock or midly warmed up small block on gas. see if it was worth it money wise, ect.i love the idea of having something different, especially when a propane motor is so much cleaner...but if its gonna be the same output for more money, i'll probably just keep with gas. And, i was just seeing what combos work, whats been tried and found to work. Thanks for all the help guys :icon_cheers:

anupaum · May 1, 2009

mikej83 said:
well, you guys answered alot of the questions i have i guess im mainly loookin for the typical propane vs gasoline crap, just wanted to know torquewise how a built-for-propane-only motor would perform vs say a stock or midly warmed up small block on gas.

If you build it right, it will perform as well, or even better. 106 octane gives you a bit of room to play!

especially when a propane motor is so much cleaner...

Not true. It might have been true in the '70s, but not anymore. Computerized fuel injection changed everything.

propane performace

mikej83

15+ Year Member

mikepotts

15+ Year Member

anupaum

15+ Year Member

mikej83

15+ Year Member

anupaum

15+ Year Member

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