You'd be wise to use a reputable conversion company, ensuring that the job is done safely and properly. You must inform your insurer of the conversion, preferably checking that they are happy before you proceed. Note that most major insurance companies do not 'load' (increase) a premium as long as the conversion is carried out by qualified personnel and properly certified.

When choosing to get your vehicle converted at Belmore LPG Conversions, you will get a warranty on both parts and labour and a conversion certificate for your insurer. Keep the latter safe and only fax or post a copy to the insurer.

It is absolutely crucial that the correct type of conversion is fitted to your car. Inappropriate conversions can cause unreliability, damage to the engine or catalytic converter or simply be a plain waste of money if too complicated for the application.

The mileage your car has covered before conversion presents no barrier if it is high.  All that we require is that the engine runs well on all cylinders and that it has a very good ignition system. We examine every car before conversion is commenced and will advise you if any faults exist, and suggest ways of rectifying them.

What effect does LPG have on economy and power?
Because LPG does not contain the same amount of energy as petrol, both fuel consumption and power will suffer. However, later model vehicles are generally less affected.

Up to 30% increase in fuel consumption may be expected but this is offset by the lower cost per litre of LPG.

What does an LPG conversion involve?
The conversion itself does not alter the car much: new equipment is added but very little of the existing equipment is changed or removed. All conversions will, however, include a dedicated gas fill point.

During most conversions:

• A steel LPG storage tank is installed, usually in the boot but it can go under the floor in vehicles with enough clearance (e.g.; four wheel drives). This tank must be fitted with an automatic fill limiter (AFL) which ensures you cannot fill your tank past the safe fill limit of 80%. This is necessary as LPG requires room to expand with temperature changes.
   

• A converter/regulator is added. This converts the liquid gas into a gaseous vapour, as well as regulating the process.
   

• A special air/fuel mixer is installed to ensure the correct amounts of LPG and air are mixed together during combustion.
   

• A fuel lock is fitted that lets fuel flow when the engine is running but shuts off the fuel supply as soon as the ignition is turned off.
   

• If the vehicle is post-1986 (i.e. built to run on unleaded petrol), it must be fitted with an LPG Fuel Control Processor.

What does dual-fuel mean?
Dual-fuel means the vehicle can operate on either one of two fuels, usually petrol or LPG.

Should I choose LPG only or dual-fuel?
It costs no more to have your car converted to dual-fuel than it does have it converted to LPG only. So if it’s possible, it makes sense to go dual-fuel and give yourself the added flexibility of being able to use two types of fuel.

Post – 1986 vehicles (i.e. those built to run on unleaded petrol) present no problems. With these vehicles, the engine tuning is the same whether it’s running on LPG or unleaded petrol.

Do engines with E.F.I systems operate efficiently on LPG?
Yes, but only provided the equipment to be used is selected carefully. Ensure that it is designed, intended and can be tuned for the particular vehicle. Most, but certainly not all EFI systems, can be converted effectively to either “Dual-Fuel” or “Gas Only”. There are many technical factors which should influence the final decision on type of conversion.

Is much of the vehicle manufacturer’s equipment altered?
No, especially not where the conversion is to “Dual-Fuel”. With the new breed of engine management systems the vehicle emission controls, sensors, catalytic converter and computer modules must continue to function correctly. The new gas control system may need to be interfaced with the existing engine control electronics.

Vehicles must continue to comply with relevant Australian Design Rules and installation must meet Australian Standards.

Some makers, like Ford, Holden, Toyota and Mitsubishi offer factory fitted or approved LPG systems.

How is LPG normally stored in cars?
An LPG container is manufactured to comply with AS 3509 and installed to meet the stringent safety requirements of AS 1425. It is normally installed in the forward area of the vehicle’s boot. The installer should fully discuss the type and size of container that best suits your vehicle when presenting the quotation.