200 Series Cruiser LPG Conversions

Submitted: Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 14:21
ThreadID: 60921 Views:8942 Replies:2 FollowUps:5
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Hi, I have been hearing about some of the 200 Series Cruisers being LPG converted with some trick gas injection equipment delivering great results, was wondering if anyone has done one and who would be the best converter in Melbourne to talk to etc.
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Reply By: Tippa - Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 15:01

Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 15:01
Hi, since the 200series comes in both petrol and diesel models, are you talking about a petrol/gas injection conversion or a Diesel/gas injection system?
If you are talking petrol/gas conv then read on...
i have the gas injection system fitted to my 80 series petrol. Mine is an Apollo system, installed by Premier Auto Center in Mt Druitt, Sydney (02) 98321650. They are one of the big players in gas conversions and would know and recommend a good installer in Melbourne.
Mine has 6 electronically controlled gas injectors wired into the factory engine computer/ECU.
Running costs have literally halved since it only uses a little more gas than petrol, but gas being less than half price makes it pretty well spot on half the running cost.
Figures for mine are around 350-400kms from 80L (90L tank) at 70c/L, so costs about $15/100kms with city/hwy driving.
Gas injection is said to be 20% more efficient than the old carb type, and thats when the carb/mixer is tuned spot on... most need regular re-tuning and so arent fully efficient most of the time unlike injection which never needs tuning. Also injection doesnt backfire so you wont risk any engine damage.
Another good thing about gas injection is it's fully automatic and computer controlled. At 40degC coolant temp (had mine changed to 50degC via the installer's laptop), it switches over to gas without you even knowing (apart from an amber light turning green). No loss in power at all and super smooth.
Best thing i ever did to my cruiser and i'd highly recommend it.
Pretty costly though, my 6cyl was $4,600 and a mate's 100 series V8 was $4,990, less the 2 grand govt rebate which is still on offer.
One thing to ask for is the long torpedo like gas tanks which run along the inside of your chassis rails. I know you can get them to suit 6cyl 100 series but not V8s as they run a lexus chassis. Not sure about 200s but they are worth asking about, so you can keep both petrol tanks.
Hope this is relevant and helps.
If yours is diesel, do a search as there has been alot of talk over gas injected diesels and their benefits.
Cheers.
AnswerID: 321412

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Friday, Aug 22, 2008 at 10:41

Friday, Aug 22, 2008 at 10:41
Thanks heaps Tippa. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. This is exactly what I wanted to know. Love the automatic switching and the sounds of the torpedo tanks. Will follow it through, haven't bought a rig yet so wanting to research this before buying a Petrol Cruiser.
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Reply By: Boobook2 - Friday, Aug 22, 2008 at 11:33

Friday, Aug 22, 2008 at 11:33
Nunnawading Toyota had a demo Petrol 200 that they converted to gas and put a rear bar on about 4 months ago. I saw it the other day on the road but I assume they have sold it by now.
They might know what works well.
If you get one with gas take a look at the rear wheel carrier from Kaymar, very schmick.
AnswerID: 321701

Follow Up By: Tippa - Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 at 06:53

Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 at 06:53
Good point, and something i have been trying to remember to make people aware of when going for gas... you will need to also budget for a rear spare wheel carrier (my 80series Kaymar one which fits over the original bar was about $850 and i fitted it myself) or a full rear bar and carrier (about $2grand?) and preferably rear suspension upgrade to take the extra weight of the gas tank, wheel carrier and spare wheel hanging out the back such as a rear pair of polyairs or firmer springs. I went for Old Man Emu 200kg constant springs (as part of a full OME suspension package) and am happy with them.

One thing i didnt make the wife aware of was this additional cost... So the whole thing was $4,600 (gas conv) + $850 (wheel carrier) + $1,800 (Old Man Emu springs and shocks all 'round, steering damper and castor bushes).
So it was a wallet-lightening exercise of $7,250. But the 'cruiser is a completely different machine now, alot more capable offroad, set up right, and all at half the running costs.
I estimate 1yr of fuel savings will pay off the gas conversion and less than 2yrs will pay off the upgraded suspension.
Cheers!
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Follow Up By: Tippa - Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 at 06:55

Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 at 06:55
Sorry, $7,250 minus $2,000 govt rebate= $5,250.
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FollowupID: 588697

Follow Up By: Tippa - Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 at 07:05

Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 at 07:05
Wish i could edit posts ha ha...
If you went for just rear polyairs instead of my expense of full suspension upgrade, you would be at around $4,990 (gas conv) + $850 (spare wheel carrier) + $500 (polyairs) - $2,000 (govt rebate)= $4,350.
Just a ballpark figure which i'm guessing compared to 80 and 100 series landcruiser prices. Have a ring around to get more accurate prices for the 200series, but i think they will come in around what i worked out.
Relative to the purchase price of a 200series, its not a huge sum compared to how much it will reduce it's running costs.
Cheers.
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FollowupID: 588698

Follow Up By: Boobook2 - Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 at 07:38

Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 at 07:38
One other thought, being Petrol, some dealers may be happy to do a deal at the end of the month and throw in a LPG conversion for free, or their cost ( which would be about) half price.

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