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BAR is Bureau of Automotive Repair. They run the Referee stations in CA for engines swaps, imported vehicles, major conversions, etc.
Been doing quite a bit of research and there are several factors to consider when swapping to LPG.
There are both pros & cons to converting to propane; But in my estimation, more pros than cons.
Firstly, Dual-fuel system are to much of a compromise and generally less efficient than an LPG only conversion. I can also bump up the compression higher with LPG than gasoline (which is really easy to do on a SBC).
Second... I am converting a Carbureted vehicle. Not an EFI vehicle.
Modern Fuel injection has tweaked out as much efficiency as feasible, and therefore the energy capacity of the fuel would be the main variable. So a propane conversion would see about a 5-10% loss of energy and therefore mileage.
A carbureted vehicle however, is rearly tuned for peak efficiency. Carburetors can be very complicated and Most owners just don't know how to maintain them properly. (Some mechanics don't either).
Since a propane system is so much simpler and easier to tune, your likely to get just as good, if not better efficiency than gasoline on a carburetor.
Some people claim their Carb'd vehicles get better mileage running LPG than they did on gas (although not drastic). SO... a LPG conversion makes total sense, if you can get LPG at a reasonable proce.
So... where to get fuel...
Yes! Propane is ABSOLUTELY much cheaper than gasoline. By as much at 30% cheaper!!! However, where you get it is the key. Any ol' mom and pop shop, or typically fueling station that sells LPG, is not necessarily selling it at Automotive rates. It could be $3, $4, or $5 a gallon (in US). Just depends... They're just not set up for mass distribution.
SO... you got to a dealer that IS set up for mass distribution. Typically a propane-only dealer, such as Suburban Propane, Amerigas, etc. Not all sell at automotive rates though. You can find out where with an online search.
So what kind of rates are we talking?
Cheapest gasoline (regular) here right now is $3.75/gal (regular).
The local Suburban Propane that sells "autogas," sell's it for about $2.50/gal.
A fill-up that used to cost me $55, now would only cost me $36. And I fill up AT LEAST once a week.
I could go from 20mpg gasoline, to 13mpg LPG, and not be at a loss (except for conversion cost). But since potential loss is not more than 5-10%, the benefit is still there.
Same or better mileage. Same or better power. Not a bad deal... (but as mentioned. FI won't see as big a benefit, unless you really rack up the miles).
You just have to know where to get LPG ahead of time. Fortunately my miles are all local, so I'll be able to fill up at the same place (during regular business hours however).
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