Just a matter of curiosity, has anyone converted a 9-5 to run on CNG? If so, is there a kit available overseas? I've seen many vehicles in other countries that have been converted to meet local requirements, so I thought I should check before building my own. This is all pending a test to see what the T7 does when it discovers it is only controlling the autobox...
I have seen postings regarding conversions to LPG, particularly in the UK. CNG may be similar, but I don't know the respective gas pressures at which the fuels must be stored in the car.
After seeing an article in the local paper recently that identified CNG costs at slightly over $1 per equivalent gallon (in Utah I believe), I started thinking about this potential conversion option too.
I sold a full size Chevy Express conversion van on eBay 17 months ago to a buyer from California who shipped it straight to his uncle's dealership in Holland (Europe, not Michigan) where it was to be converted to run propane. Then, by fitting a partition behind the drivers seat, they're able to get a huge reduction in road taxes.
Apparantly, road taxes in Europe are significant. Perhaps some of the European member here can comment. I guess more and more cars and trucks are being fitted for propane too.
Yes there are CNG/Metan/injection systems and I sow one on 9-5 for sale.
The CNG systems are new "love" of taxi drivers.The tank weight over 80kg empty,no one knows how long will engine last,but it needs 5 Euro for 100km.
I'm waiting for the day they'll invent **** into fuel converting system...
I bet someone could convert a vehicle to methane fuel.... The "raw material" to make the methane should be readily available here in the US since so many people are so full of it. hahaha.
people...and cows. might as well make use of an abundant greenhouse gas that can double as fuel. now wasn't one of the advantages of propane that it has an octane rating of over 100?
Qualified Alternative Fuel Motor Vehicle (QAFMV) Tax Credit
A tax credit is available toward the purchase of QAFMVs, which may be either new, original equipment manufacturer vehicles or vehicles that have been repowered by an aftermarket conversion company to operate on an alternative fuel. Qualifying alternative fuels are those powered by natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, and fuel containing at least 85% methanol. The vehicle must be placed in service as an alternative fuel vehicle on or after January 1, 2006.
I'd love to take advantage of this, and since my 1999 9-5 is fully depreciated I would be willing to take some risk. I wonder if there is some way we could buy the parts from someone in the UK that does this on the 9-5 and find someone in the US (Midwest preferably) that would be willing to tackle it....
I'd love to take advantage of this, and since my 1999 9-5 is fully depreciated I would be willing to take some risk. I wonder if there is some way we could buy the parts from someone in the UK that does this on the 9-5 and find someone in the US (Midwest preferably) that would be willing to tackle it....
The biggest "problem" may still be the relatively low cost of gasoline here in the US. I did some quick math after reading DoctorPhill's comments of 5 Euro fuel cost for 100km of travel on CNG in Bulgaria, and determined it correlates into $7.75 USD of fuel for 62 miles. That is pretty much what I am paying for 89 octane gasoline now - with none of the inconveniences of limited fuel availability, high cost of conversion, lack of technical support, etc.
E85 is another matter. Conversion kits do exist, the factory makes E85 vehicles, the fuel is becoming available in my local area at a savings of over $1 per gallon, and the Tax Credit applies too!
Eat less bread, burn E85! :cheesy:
Oops! I just read the quotation regarding alternative Energy Tax Credits a second time. The quotation says 85% Methanol, E85 is 85% Ethanol. Time for more research into IRS documents.
Otherwise I'd never have time to Google these arcane IRS rules. It looks like E85 does not qualify, methanol does but that looks like a can of worms. CNG qualifies but it appears that the conversion must have an EPA certification, which only a few cars/trucks have. However, the law is sufficiently broad that it would be worth getting a revenue ruling from the IRS on this, it might open the door. Anyone can request a revenue ruling, it's by no means a sure thing but perhaps with some help from the politicians the chances are greater than zero.
As far as the cost of CNG and where to refuel, so far the best resource I've found is www.cngchat.com. It looks like people are refueling at home, which reduces the cost. The Department of Energy has lot of information on their alternative fuel site -- http://www.eere.energy.gov/. Now, back to careerbuilder.com.
CNG is only .68 cents per equivalent gallon here...and E85 is MORE expensive. Although the benefits of having a turbo car with either is reason enough to do it. Not to mention my state offers a 50% tax credit for CNG conversions.
I just obtained a 2003 Bi fuel 9-3 vector with CNG conversion installed in boot, I have been told of 40% less cost than petrol and is more eco efficient. I am struggling to find suppliers of CNG in UK!
Can anyone help here also...
Are you 100% sure it is not LPG?
Do you have a fitting like this?
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