[chestnut]

Hi,

I was wondering if I should convert my Ford Falcon over to LPG. Has anyone done this? The conversion cost has been estimated at $3000 and I'm not sure if I will make any savings or if the conversion will effect the running of my car.

[PamInPerth]

Yes, I think it is worth it but I have not got round to it yet. :rolleyes: There is a gov grant that goes towards the installation cost - it has been reduced to $1750 this year and will reduce again next year.

LPG fuel is not taxed and so it is much cheaper than petrol , though I have heard that the mpg is not as good for LPG as petrol. But there still appears to be a large befefit from what I have read.

Found some info today:

The Australian Government announced the LPG Vehicle Scheme on 14 August 2006 to assist private use motorists with the conversion of a new or used petrol or diesel motor vehicle or the purchase of a new LPG vehicle.

Three different grants are currently available subject to program eligibility criteria:

1. a grant of $2,000 for the LPG conversion of a new or used petrol or diesel motor vehicle; (Note: The 2009 Budget advised this grant will reduce as follows:
- $1,750 from 1/7/2009
- $1,500 from 1/7/2010
- $1,250 from 1/7/2011
- $1,000 from 1/7/2012 until 30/6/2014.

2. a grant of $1,000 for the purchase of a new motor vehicle with a LPG unit fitted at the time of manufacture, for vehicles purchased before 10 November 2008;

3. a grant of $2,000 for the purchase of a new motor vehicle with an LPG unit fitted at the time of manufacture, for vehicles purchased on or after 10 November 2008.

Convert Your Vehicle

Subject to space limitations most unleaded petrol-fuelled vehicles can be converted to LPG Autogas/petrol operation at a reasonable cost.

The time taken to install an Autogas conversion varies depending on a number of factors including tank options, the number of cylinders and so on. A typical family sedan with a single boot-mounted tank should take two to three days, whilst a large four-wheel drive with multiple tanks might take a week.

Typical conversion costs range from $2,500 to $4,500 depending on the type of vehicle and the licensed installer you select. However, the costs can be recouped in as little as 18 months thanks to the savings made at the pump every time you fill up. Of course, once you recover the initial conversion costs the savings mount quickly.

http://www.lpgautogas.com.au/index.cfm?Action=MyCar

[chestnut]

Thanks. Do you know how long it takes for a car to be converted - I can't really be without mine for more than 2 -3 days max.

[PamInPerth]

The conversion should take just a couple of days according to the website - but best to check with the garage before starting. :)


The time taken to install an Autogas conversion varies depending on a number of factors including tank options, the number of cylinders and so on. A typical family sedan with a single boot-mounted tank should take two to three days, whilst a large four-wheel drive with multiple tanks might take a week.

[chestnut]

Thanks - I didn't notice that bit!!

[PamInPerth]

Currently LPG is averaging 60.9 cents /litre and unleaded petrol 116.7 cents/litre.

There is a payback calculator on the website too.