80 series gas conversion/Cooper STT query.

Submitted: Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 12:08
ThreadID: 40225 Views:2748 Replies:7 FollowUps:4
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hello,
I am going to convert my 1996 4.5 80 series to run on gas. I am going to add the upper cyl lubricant kit and an oxygen sensor which I am told aids gas burning efficency.
My first question is am I doing the right thing converting this vehicle and are there any pitfalls or things to know regarding owning a converted 80.
The car will retain the main fuel tank.
Question two is regarding the Cooper STT tyres ,are they as noisy on road as say a bfg mud terrain?
Any info on the above topics greatly appreciated.
Thankyou Alan.

PS does anyone know what happened to the Outerlimits website/forums?
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Reply By: Wayne-o - Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 12:12

Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 12:12
dunno about the gas conversion, sorry, but the STT aren't as noisy, but in my opinion, coopers aren't as good either, i have tried both......ps. only my opinion!!!
AnswerID: 209585

Follow Up By: Member - Tour Boy- Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 12:23

Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 12:23
Ditto on the coopers (FROM EXPERIENCE)...but go the gas I wouldn't be without it on my 3rd truck.
Tour Boy
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Dave
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FollowupID: 469645

Reply By: Ray Bates - Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 14:45

Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 14:45
Yes I have an 80 series on gas. There should be no problems. I put mine on at 65,000ks. It has now done 225,000ks and I tow a 17'6" caravan. I believe that I have only changed the plugs four times and then I believe that I wasted my money doing so.
Go for it but don't forget thr oiler. I use top quality marine 2stroke in my oiler. My oxygen sencer is standard
AnswerID: 209595

Follow Up By: Member - Peter R (QLD) - Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 17:11

Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 17:11
Have a 94 80 series and had problem with backfiring.

Check this link

Since I took vehicle to Scott at Metropolitan Autogas (07 32560333) in Brisbane (Oct 2005) and had problems fixed have had no problems.

Installation by an expert and regular servicing by an expert seems to be the best advice I can give.

Original installer has gone out of business and from what was found with the incorrect fitting of converter/vccc line ,missing parts ,change to correct spark plug leads and regular change of spark plugs (I do each 10000km now) , that would be the reason why.

Have the upper cylinder lube kit fitted .

Pedro

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FollowupID: 469667

Reply By: FZJ 80 - Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 19:01

Sunday, Dec 10, 2006 at 19:01
Westozal.

I converted my 80 to gas 12 months ago and wish i had done it earlier. Economy is great and it actually drives smoother,the flat spot pre 95 4.5 80's are prone to is eliminated totally. Probably about 10% less power, i had tank fitted in back and removed 3rd row seats and fitted cargo barrier. Naturally reduces rear area room which is not a real drama for us but would not suit most. Did this so as it retains the original ground clearance for off road and so the sub tank is still retained. LPG and petrol tanks combined gives 233litres of fuel. Gives peace of mind when touring long distances.

Regards

Greg
AnswerID: 209628

Reply By: Beast of Bodmin - Monday, Dec 11, 2006 at 08:55

Monday, Dec 11, 2006 at 08:55
Hi Westozal,
I have a 92 80 on gas for it's whole life. There are different schools of thought, yes, it saves fuels costs if you are the first user - as you will be. However somewhere down the track you WILL have issues.
The valve seats on an 1FZFE head are too soft to reliably run gas, eventually they will need replacing.
9mth ago l had to do exactly this (search my threads from that time) and ended up with a hefty bill. If you dont own the car at that point, all well & good. Otherwise it needs thinking about.

Upper cyl lube has for & against too. Some folk love it & others loath it. My viewpoint is that anything that stops proper heat disipation into the valve seat and leaves hydro carbons hanging around to build up will only create problems. Therefore l wouldn't touch it.
Also, work out the cost of kit & fitting (small) plus the proper oil (huge) over a decent vehicle life too.
My advice, fit gas, forget uppr cyl lube, sell vehicle after another 150-200,000k's.

Tyres - I run Goodyear MTR (285/75). They are a great all round tyre and perform well in all conditions l have driven but now half worn are extremely noisy - not like a simex tho.

Hope this helps
BoB
AnswerID: 209708

Reply By: landseka - Monday, Dec 11, 2006 at 09:51

Monday, Dec 11, 2006 at 09:51
Thanks Allan for asking this question as I too am at this point of decision making.

My main concern is in fitting the gas cylinder which is seems that I can only get a 60L tank that will replace the sub-tank unless I went for the inside mounted one which would be an absolutly last resort.

The question is, will 60L be viable or more a pain as I figure it will only offer around 200km range (assuming there will be approx 50L usable) .

Thanks

Neil.
AnswerID: 209715

Reply By: westozal - Monday, Dec 11, 2006 at 23:08

Monday, Dec 11, 2006 at 23:08
Hello again,
Thankyou to those who have replied to my questions regarding gas. My 80 has only done 135kms so I figure it will have lots of life left in it.
I tow a 5.8 m poptop caravan so hopefully wont lose to much power. In reply to the last my fitter is putting a 92 ltr tank in mine in place of the sub tank and spare, which then brings another question where to put spare?
Im not keen on a spare carrier as I have bikes and they ride on the A frame which will not allow enough turn lock so have decided to put a roofrack on which I now realise wont fit in the garage with the spare on...... oh well life wasnt meant to be easy was it ????
Regards Alan.
AnswerID: 209894

Follow Up By: Member - Steven H (ACT) - Wednesday, Dec 13, 2006 at 22:10

Wednesday, Dec 13, 2006 at 22:10
Hi Westozal, I have put my name down on to a very long waiting list to have LPG fitted to my 97 model 80series. Can l ask what $$ you have been quoted? to see how local price stands up. Thanks
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FollowupID: 470232

Follow Up By: landseka - Sunday, Dec 17, 2006 at 13:18

Sunday, Dec 17, 2006 at 13:18
FWIW Steven I was quoted $3300 for my 98 80 series in August with an estimated fitment of October.

Ha Ha Joke. Still waiting.

Now told no kits coming to WA & no idea when it will happen.

Surprise surprise though, price of tanks are to rise in January.
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FollowupID: 470816

Reply By: prado_95 - Wednesday, Dec 27, 2006 at 22:08

Wednesday, Dec 27, 2006 at 22:08
Upper cylinder lube kit is a good idea - I've had one on mine since 5K km. Dont know if it saved anything, but at about $175 over 10 yrs the cost is not high.

95 model onwards did not have provision for an oxy sensor - there's no factory ECU input for it. MAYBE there is provosion for it IF there electronic mixture control as part of the LPG system (only).

Only 92 to 94 (4.5L) models had an oxy sensor. The factory ECU uses it to fine tune petrol mixture under cruise conditions. IMPCO systems dont use it at all.

A word of warning - ensure that the valve clearances are adjusted (if required) every 40K km.

On the power front, I had about 2KW more power on LPG than petrol in the mid range - pretty much unchanged outside that. Drives smoother too. However absolute power will be lower on both LPG & petrol using a suck thru system (such a IMPCO).

I've saved about 2/3 of the new car cost (incl conversion, wheel carrier & extra maintenance) by running LPG.
AnswerID: 212247

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