Which LPG Kit is best?

[Gavla]

So I have kind of set my mind on getting an LPG Kit.

Any LPG guru's out there that can point me in the right direction...

I have an 1987 325i Cab.

Thanks

[Brianmoooore]

A top notch vapour injection system is best, such as Prins VSI, but for an old school low tech. engine like a M20, with a metal inlet manifold, then a venturi mixer system is adequate, can be bought for relative peanuts, and is a simple DIY install.
The market for new mixer system 'kits' is now pretty much non existent, but there's no problem putting one together using a mixture of new and second hand parts.
The whole thing is fairly daunting at first sight, but in reality is all very simple.
Where do you want the tank? Replacing the spare wheel or taking over the boot?

[Grrrmachine]

Brian, I know you never read your PMs but I'll need you to pass your eye over the upcoming Wiki LPG article to see if I've missed anything. It'll be in two pages; an overview of LPG, and a fitting guide.

LPG page is taking shape here:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/LPG

[Gavla]

Thanks Brian

DIY, you gotta be kidding...

I have 2 quotes which I will put up separately.

Ideally I want a spare wheel tank.

[Gavla]

LPG Quote 1;

£920.00 Inclusive VAT
using the latest generation Lovato Smart (very popular with our clients) (part of the largest LPG conversion system producers group in the world - LANDIRENZO) multipoint sequential injection equipment, a brand trusted and used by consumers and automobile manufacturers across Europe.

This quote includes:
> - 2 yrs parts and labour warranty (unlimited mileage)
> - Free 1000 miles service
> - UKLPGA certification
> - Conversion within 2 days

We also have a premium system called BRC Plug&Drive that can also be considered for the conversion that costs £1100 inc VAT with 2 years parts and labour warranty (unlimited mileage).

BRC have the biggest network of LPGA Approved installers in the UK, with over 100 installers nationwide. We are fully trained and approved LPGA installers and have been converting cars to LPG with BRC for many years. We are certain you will not be disappointed with our service and vast experience across all makes and models.

[Gavla]

LPG Quote 2;

We can fit the latest generation multi-point sequential injection system to your Bmw E30.

Because we specialise in the Ac Stag/Lpg Tech brand we are able to offer this brand in a Budget and a High quality package. Please note that we are the only garage in the UK offering AC Stag in the high quality package.

Budget Package- Consists of the "Ac Stag 300 Plus Isa 2/Lpg Tech, ”˜Valtek’ injectors, ”˜Tomasetto’ Reducer and ”˜Tomasetto’ Multivalve.

High Quality Pagackage- Consists of the 'Ac Stag ECU 300 Plus Isa 2/Lpg Tech', ”˜Hana’ injectors, ”˜Tomasetto’ or ”˜KME’ Reducer and ”˜Tomasetto’ Multivalve.

With special offer we have at the moment, conversion prices would be as follow:

Budget Package
£950 for a AC-STAG 300 PLUS/Lpg Tech


High quality package
£1200 for AC-STAG 300 PLUS/Lpg Tech

Other kits that we fit:
£1200 for a BRC
£1550 for Prins VSi

[DanThe]

I would make sure you use a recommended installer if your not doing it yourself. Lots and lots of bodge artists about.

[Grrrmachine]

I helped DanThe recently buy some Stag gear from Poland - it's significantly cheaper over here.

For example, your "budget" Stag 300 kit at 950 quid can be bought here for 250 quid; you just need the tank, the copper pipes and multivalve).

http://allegro.pl/sekwencja-stag-300-6- ... 51422.html

Actually Dan, did you ever get that big tank you were looking for?

[DanThe]

Yeah I did get it Rich, took 6 weeks as it was part of a bulk order by the polish chap over here, well worth the wait though.

That £950 price is fitted by the looks of it, the parts I used for my V8 totalled about £600 in the end, but it would be cheaper for a 6 pot and also depends on what tank will be used

[Brianmoooore]

So what is your level of technical skill, and what facilities do you have? Do you change your own oil? Would you attempt a cambelt change? Do you have anywhere undercover to work?
£1550 for a Prins VSI kit! - I paid considerably less than that for two, and they came attached to two perfectly serviceable complete M52B28 engined BMWs.
As I thought, no one wants to sell you a mixer kit - not enough profit in that!
If you possibly can, DIY is the way to go with mixed new and second hand bits. Here's something to start your collection: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... EL:GB:1123 Will drop into an E30 wheel well perfectly, but will stick out the top a bit.

[DanThe]

Nice size but in my experience its worth spending more for a full toroidal tank, the extra gas comes in very handy

[Morat]

The best system is one that is installed and set up properly. I would avoid the One Day Conversion places like the plague.

[Brianmoooore]

The best system is one that is installed and set up properly. I would avoid the One Day Conversion places like the plague.

That's one big advantage of a single point mixer system with a lambda sensor controlled stepper motor. As long as the bits are suitable, it's dead easy to set up.

[Gavla]

Ok, so is the verdict that what I have been quoted for is right for my car....?

The quotes do include full installation.

I do not have the skill or technical know how to fit this or the space to work...

What would the advantage of spending the extra on the high quality versions...?

[Laher]

I'm also looking into LPG.

I've been quoted 999+VAT by leon @ professautogas [one day install], which seems very steep for me.

Also read some good and bad reviews for them.

Hmm. Are the AC Stag LPG systems good enough ?

Thanks

Where have you been quoted those prices Gavla.

Thank you

[DanThe]

One day install will be a lash up, stay away.

I bought the Stag for my 540 and its very good, I asked a few installers before hand but they were not sure and tried to push me towards the systems they fitted, Prins and something else, which is expected really.
Very easy to setup once you know how to do it. Just make sure the components are the correct spec for your engine

[Brianmoooore]

If you have a 'sophisticated' engine, which has multiple sensors and feedback loops (and plastic inlet manifolds), such as from the M50 onwards, then these multipoint systems make sense, but for something as basic as a M20 it's difficult to justify the complexity and cost of such a system when a simple lambda controlled will do almost the same job. Ditching the lambda control system makes the install simpler and cheaper still, and can still be made to work very effectively.
A DIY install can be done in several separate stages, none of which take the car off of the road for more than a couple of hours, and all can easily be done with the car on the ground, except for running the LPG pipe from the back of the car to the front, and fitting a lambda sensor into the exhaust if you want a feedback controlled system and don't already have a sensor.
The 'downside' of Dan's full toroidal tank, is that on an E30 you will need to cut a hole through the wheel well wall for the valve/solenoid assembly, which puts stuff out in the elements that would be better inside, and needs to be sealed to stop water gettng into the well.
As Dan says, avoid the one day merchants. LPG installation attracts some real 'cowboys'. It just can't be done properly in that length of time.

[Grrrmachine]

As Dan says, avoid the one day merchants. LPG installation attracts some real 'cowboys'. It just can't be done properly in that length of time.

This is the sagest advice. My car had the simplest mixer-plate LPG installation when I bought it, and it failed 11 out of the 12 safety points for the Polish MOT. It got uninstalled sharpish!

Still have it all in a box somewhere...

[Gavla]

Where have you been quoted those prices Gavla.

Lpg Conversions London Ltd.
66 White Post Lane
London E9 5EN
UNITED KINGDOM
T +44 203 222 5333
F +44 203 222 5333
E info@lpgconversionslondonuk.co.uk
A www.lpgconversionslondonuk.co.uk


Battersea Autogas
1-4 Elcho Street
Battersea
SW11 4AU
Tel: 020 8871 2233
Mobile: 074 0368 3440

[Gavla]

Thanks for the advice and info gents.

One place said it would take 1 - 2 days, the other said 3 - 4 days both depending on which system is installed.

I do not need the large tank as the purpose of this exercise is to cut my urban driven costs down as most of my driving is short distance and Central London.

I will look into this some more and all the components needed but my feeling is that I will get the professionals to do it.