NGV Conversion
With the high fuel prices looming again, I’m pretty sure, this time, it won’t be a one time fuel hike like last year, I considered my options to save the wallet some pain.
Option 1. Get a smaller car. (The Peel P50 is really small)
Not feasible since I’m not looking to pay for another car. In case junior comes along, then back to square one. Also, at the moment, I’m pretty happy with my wheels plus the fact it will be paid off in 2 months time, make me even happier.
Option 2. Get a diesel.
Similar to option 1 when it comes to cold hard cash. Not many choices. Considered huge 4WD pickup but $$ wise will probably end up in square one. Too hard to park.
Option 3. Convert present car to NGV
Looks promising except the fact there was an explosion in a NGV converted Merc recently. Some say NGV tank explode. Others say Oxi-Act tank store in said Merc exploded. In the end not sure which is which. Downside is less boot space and probably need to up rated springs due to added weight. Tanks weigh between 60 kg to 80 kg! There are lighter fiber alternatives though.
So, being curious, I googled NGV and found NGV Community. A local NGV forum that talk about NGV conversion, the good, the bad and the ugly. What I discovered from the forums are:
- seems like the installation can make or break your dream of saving $$
- although some reduction in maintenance, don’t expect much because NGV burns hotter than petrol. Engines as we all know, it made to burn petrol. And because when petrol evaporates, it absorbs heat, thus cooling the combustion chamber. NGV is already a gas so it doesn’t absorb any heat resulting in hotter engine. You need to use better quality engine oil. I just wonder if any one tried injecting water into the cylinder like in racing engines to cool things down. But as long your cooling system is well serviced, this is not too big a problem. Btw, Mike didn’t know this until he started to research NGV conversions
- need to adjust timing, tappet, spark plugs, idle. Less high tech cars seems a better candidate, not because new car cannot use NGV, but some installer are less experienced 
- short range, probably need to pump NGV all the time, lack of filling stations.
So, my 2 cents. A properly done conversion, you won’t have not much problem. With crude oil prices going up up and away, you’ll definitely gain back your investment in converting to NGV. What throws a spanner in a perfect scenario is the additional effort to find filling stations. If you are lucky and your normal route has enough NGV stations, I’d go for it.
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