I've been reading up on this for a while, and I've even experimented around with it a bit on my lawnmower.
I know Roush makes a propane powered F150 and and lots of taxi fleets (Crown Vics) run on Propane.
Turns out it's a pretty simple conversion, they just use different fuel injectors, lines, tank, etc.
Propane, like E-85 has a higher resistance to detonation, which allows you to run higher compression and more timing.
Plus, it's MUCH cleaner burning. There'll be no carbon buildups.
Roush Propane | Horsepower Magazine
ROUSH Propane - Pick-Ups
As far as engine modifications go, you don't really need to do anything to get it to run on propane, besides the obvious fuel system. However, you can increase the compression and timing to take advantage of the fuel.
I converted my 3.5HP briggs mower to run on propane. I bought it at a pawn shop for $40 bucks with a gummed up carb and a fouled plug. Wouldnt start on gasoline.
I mounted the blue bottle using a fire extinguisher bracket, used a blow torch nozzle and cut the end off, attaching the hose to the nozzle. I use the knob for throttle control. I ran the hose directly into an extra port on the carburetor. Started right up on the first pull.
Since then, I shaved the head to increase the compression.. I shaved it down as far as it would go without any valve clearance issues. Probably increased compression by a couple points. I also bought an offset flywheel key from a go kart racing company. Bumped the ignition timing by 9 degrees. For giggles, I also added an E3 diamondfire plug, and Royal Purple racing oil.
With propane, you never have to change the fouled plugs, the oil stays much MUCH cleaner... there are no carbon deposits, and it has similar performance advantages to E-85.
I'm also thinking of converting my 13.5KW generator to run on propane... that way I don't have to worry about spoiled gas..
Since Roush makes a conversion kit for the F-150, I have no doubt that they "can" make a similar kit to work on a mustang. It even works with the FACTORY COMPUTER!!!
Plus, the cost of propane or Natural Gas is must lower than gasoline. Sure, the car will burn more than it will gas because it contains less energy, but the cost per mile will be much lower because propane costs much less. Not to mention, propane doesn't have all the pesky highway taxes that gasoline has.. It's not taxed as much... if you know where to buy it. And there's no way of telling if it's "off road" or "for highway use" like they do with dyed "off road diesel".
With a carburetor setup, it's REAL easy to do a propane conversion... just replace your carb with a propane carb.
The key is building the motor to take advantage of the different fuel... higher compression being the main deal.
What do you all think?
Oh, just for fun, here's a couple youtube videos of my mower running on propane and for even more fun.... MAPP gas.. haha.. enjoy.
YouTube - Souped Up 3.5 HP Mower Running on Propane (1 of 2)
YouTube - Souped Up 3.5 HP Mower Running on MAPP Gas (2 of 2)
So, let's get a good discussion going here about the benefits of running propane, the ease of conversion for a mustang, and the costs of running it vs. gasoline.
Homer
I know Roush makes a propane powered F150 and and lots of taxi fleets (Crown Vics) run on Propane.
Turns out it's a pretty simple conversion, they just use different fuel injectors, lines, tank, etc.
Propane, like E-85 has a higher resistance to detonation, which allows you to run higher compression and more timing.
Plus, it's MUCH cleaner burning. There'll be no carbon buildups.
Roush Propane | Horsepower Magazine
ROUSH Propane - Pick-Ups
As far as engine modifications go, you don't really need to do anything to get it to run on propane, besides the obvious fuel system. However, you can increase the compression and timing to take advantage of the fuel.
I converted my 3.5HP briggs mower to run on propane. I bought it at a pawn shop for $40 bucks with a gummed up carb and a fouled plug. Wouldnt start on gasoline.
I mounted the blue bottle using a fire extinguisher bracket, used a blow torch nozzle and cut the end off, attaching the hose to the nozzle. I use the knob for throttle control. I ran the hose directly into an extra port on the carburetor. Started right up on the first pull.
Since then, I shaved the head to increase the compression.. I shaved it down as far as it would go without any valve clearance issues. Probably increased compression by a couple points. I also bought an offset flywheel key from a go kart racing company. Bumped the ignition timing by 9 degrees. For giggles, I also added an E3 diamondfire plug, and Royal Purple racing oil.
With propane, you never have to change the fouled plugs, the oil stays much MUCH cleaner... there are no carbon deposits, and it has similar performance advantages to E-85.
I'm also thinking of converting my 13.5KW generator to run on propane... that way I don't have to worry about spoiled gas..
Since Roush makes a conversion kit for the F-150, I have no doubt that they "can" make a similar kit to work on a mustang. It even works with the FACTORY COMPUTER!!!
Plus, the cost of propane or Natural Gas is must lower than gasoline. Sure, the car will burn more than it will gas because it contains less energy, but the cost per mile will be much lower because propane costs much less. Not to mention, propane doesn't have all the pesky highway taxes that gasoline has.. It's not taxed as much... if you know where to buy it. And there's no way of telling if it's "off road" or "for highway use" like they do with dyed "off road diesel".
With a carburetor setup, it's REAL easy to do a propane conversion... just replace your carb with a propane carb.
The key is building the motor to take advantage of the different fuel... higher compression being the main deal.
What do you all think?
Oh, just for fun, here's a couple youtube videos of my mower running on propane and for even more fun.... MAPP gas.. haha.. enjoy.
YouTube - Souped Up 3.5 HP Mower Running on Propane (1 of 2)
YouTube - Souped Up 3.5 HP Mower Running on MAPP Gas (2 of 2)
So, let's get a good discussion going here about the benefits of running propane, the ease of conversion for a mustang, and the costs of running it vs. gasoline.
Homer
