They put it in back by the criminals as a scare tactic

 

Which was 4.9L, lol. The 4.0 liter is an Austrailian used engine from Fords Falcons. It even came propane dedicated from the factory, optionally of course. The VCT gasoline one was 230 Hp n/a.

Definitely cool build, both the Aussie Stang and the OP's truck!

 

I'm also a propane guy, just not as far along in my build as John is. To soothe the guy running around waving his hands in the air about how we're all going to die, automotive propane tanks have a burst plate similar to a nitrous bottle. So they don't explode. Additionally, gasoline pools and vaporizes in a tank rupture. Propane dissipates since it exists as a gas unless under pressure. Under destructive hydrostatic testing, automotive tanks don't explode. They deform until eventually a weld will fail and tear open. I didn't search for barbeque tank explosion on youtube, but since barbeque tanks aren't used to fuel cars, they have no bearing on this discussion. You can't use a bbq tank, they don't have a siphon tube, and you can't flip them upside down to use them because of the idiot overfill prevention valve.

Several advantages have been mentioned regarding propane. One that hasn't been discussed is how well it works with nitrous. You don't have to control nitrous pressure in such a tight band, because since they are both gaseous, they both expand and contract with temperature. No going lean/rich because of weird bottle pressures.

One potential downside that should be factored into any dedicated propane build, is its effect on intake flow. Since propane is a vapor, it displaces that same amount of air, reducing volumetric efficiency by say 10%ish. So when you spec cylinder heads and cams, you need a bit more intake flow than with a gas-burner. Also, propane is a bit picky about spark, so your ignition system has to be top-notch, especially with forced induction.

 

I've been seeing these dodge CNG trucks for about a year and a half now on my way to work driving through Auburn Hills. I've never seen a tank in the back. I wonder how big they are?

On topic, I love this setup. I wouldn't do it because I'm a chicken for change and love gas, but this is super cool.

 

I seen it mentioned but I don't really think he was being serious enough to run around waving his hands in the air about the danger. But your comment adds to the story line.. J/K lol

 

I am well aware of the advantages of propane. I actually just acquired an 8.1 that has liquid propane injectors. there was a guy selling a complete liquid propane setup for my 8.1 but i was curious how he was going to ship the setup so i didnt bid.

Do you have any experience with that? love to chat more about it

edward.coss@gmail.com

 

I don't have experience with injection, just carburetion now. Would love someday to build a dedicated propane injection turbo LS motor but that may be sometime far off. The carb is currently a bottleneck for me losing 5 psi through the carb (23psi in the hat and 18lbs boost in the intake). A larger carb or two of the same would make tuning easier and get rid of a lot of restriction making a cam the next logical step. Liquid injection and vapor injection are two different animals, liquid injection is cool but has it's drawbacks as well, it's cutting edge ad not practical for even an advanced hot rodder...

 

Interested in draw backs? of liquid

 

Me, too.

 

Liquid injection, They need to keep the rail under high pressure to stop the heat of the motor from making vapor in the rail which screws with flow. You would need a tank with a special in tank pump, lots of proprietary stuff. Pretty sure there are systems on the market but they are more purpose designed for whatever application they are aimed at ie crown vic, etc. To think of just buying up some injectors and parts and building a hot rod I don't think it's practical. The evaporative cooling would be awesome but I also read that the injectors are likely to gum up with anything but the best fuel but that is just my opinion from info I have gathered.

Vapor injection looks much easier to hot rod and is likely what your 8.1 had on it. I have seen kits with 8 little solenoid injectors with hoses that lead to the ports, a vaporizer/regulator that maintains 15psi for the injectors and they are fired similar to a gasoline injector. Hoping someday to build a propane injected turbo ls but as you can see the results with the carb are good so I will keep playing with this. Working on tuning the caltracs on the street, it just blows out the tires if I stall it up any