LPG/Diesel findings

ok, it's just over 4 weeks since I had my LPG fumigation done by EcoShot. Their claims of about 30% more grunt and 20% better economy I was a bit sceptical about. Two days after the "operation" I went 800ks up to Straddie towing around 1500kgs, with car loaded to gunwhales with the usual camping gear, wife, kids and dog. The car is a Defender 300tdi, which are a bit underpowered but excellent on fuel economy (10L/100ks) not towing and 13L/100ks @ 95ks towing.

I reckon I did about 10% better on economy and regarding the performance.....well, I can well believe the 30% claim. Furthermore, having returned to my normal routine, without having any specific dyno stats (which I'll have done later in the year) I know I must have at least the claimed 30% improvement in power. I get up familiar hills in higher gears without any effort. Absolutely delighted in this regard. Must admit though, I'm a bit disappointed in the fuel/economy aspect. I reckon there's a 10% improvement, no more. Having said that, once you factor in that some of the usage is LPG (65c per liter) in dollar terms the economy is about 17% improvement. The other thing is the extra range you get due to the extra 30L tank. The diesel tank is 79L and the lpg one is 30L but you only use 20L per tank of Diesel - so, effectively 99L of available fuel which will get me around 950/1000 ks, not towing.

The cost was $3600 less $2000 (thankyou Johnny) and further tax relief made it well worthwhile for me. The power was the main motivation. Crawling up those long hills at 60kph whilst towing and kidding on I don't care that every other bugger was zipping by like I was standing still is now a distant memory. I can get up there at the giddying speeds of 80 kph or more. Much better in soft sand too.

The settings are adjustable and I am still in the process of finding the right balance. I'll be taking it to Graeme Cooper for a tickling up and we'll see what the dyno readings are.

I said I'll report back, so I hope somebody finds that of some use.