Posts Tagged ‘conversions’

How to convert a 98 wrangler to propane?

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

In an effort to beat the gas prices I want to try to convert my wrangler to propane. Does anyone know people who have done it and can it be cheaply? Also is it still cost effective over gasoline? I figured since a jeep is probably the simplest vehicle on the road that it won’t be too hard. Also where can I buy the parts needed?

First thing to find out is whether or not the engineis propane compatible. Many today are not and therefore require too much modifcation to be compatible. Most mfrs of cars have one or two engines that are compatible with running on propane. So find out this first as it is the deciding factor.

Next there are usually a few places that do the coversions and the pricing can range from just over $1000 to over $2000. Depends on number of propane tanks etc you want and whether you want dual ful etc. So ask a few mechanics around as a few usually know who does the conversions and which shop is the best. Best to let a pro do this as any bad connections that leak can be problematical in the future due to the temperature of the propane. Better to have a decent shop do this rather than just go on pricing only.

is it cost effective over gas??? If you are going short distances and doing a lot of city drivng then yes. If doing more highway then not so. Reason is that propane is about 15-20% less efficient than gas so you use more to go the same distance. Therefore things like taxis who burn fuel in traffic do find it cost effective as they use a lot of fuel idling.

Maybe look at changing the rearend ratio in the jeep to lower the rpm at speed (all speeds) so you use less fuel when rolling. Only problem is speedo reads low and also you will use more fuel to get to speed especially if you have a heavy foot. By witth a light foot on the gas you could come out with better fuel economy. This could be pricey with two differentials in the jeep. Oh well was an idea.