2005 Forester - Gas conversion?

[PlaneGuy]

A friend just got a new Forester (not the Turbo). Her partner is trying
to convince her that a gas conversion would be worthwhile. I have never
seen a Forster on LPG.

Does anyone have experience with this, and care to share any thoughts.

As some background info, they are both newly retired, and have just
excahnged both their older vehicles for two new vehicles, in the hope
that they can hold on to them for many years to come - thus reliability
and longevity are important factors. Does a conversion harm the engine
life?

They have also told me that they estimate they will use the Subi for
15-25k per year. Given that the Subi should give 9.5-10 l/100km on PULP
depending on driving style, if it is possible what sort of efficiency
hit is likely with LPG. I have heard 30% higher consumption bandied
about on some vehicles. Thus LPG will be 13l/100km.

My rough calcs, mean that assumin Petrol will remain at or around
115c/l, and lpg is about 65c cheaper, that is a saving of $750-1250 per
year on the cost of fuel based on buying LPG (excluding initial outlay).

[hippo]

PlaneGuy wrote:

>A friend just got a new Forester (not the Turbo). Her partner is trying
>to convince her that a gas conversion would be worthwhile. I have never
>seen a Forster on LPG.

>Does anyone have experience with this, and care to share any thoughts.

Owner's manual for my 99 Outback says not recommended for LPG. Local
highly regarded gas guy said he hadn't heard of any done but rang around
and was told it's not advised because the heads are too soft. I'm assuming
that's true because he could have just taken my money and done the job
anyway! Suggest you check manual first and see if that still applies.
Cheers

[kevcat]

A Forester that only gets 9.5l/100?
surely they would get better than that?, unless he's a bloody old hoon


as for the heads being too soft
they are alloy and should have hardened valve seats so should not
present a problem
and LPG being higher octane than even premium, and the vehicle designed
to use premium it should get not much worse consumption than on petrol,
of course if they intend not going too far from town then a full
converesion to LPG would be even better

Kev


PlaneGuy wrote:
>
> A friend just got a new Forester (not the Turbo). Her partner is trying
> to convince her that a gas conversion would be worthwhile. I have never
> seen a Forster on LPG.
>
> Does anyone have experience with this, and care to share any thoughts.
>
> As some background info, they are both newly retired, and have just
> excahnged both their older vehicles for two new vehicles, in the hope
> that they can hold on to them for many years to come - thus reliability
> and longevity are important factors. Does a conversion harm the engine
> life?
>
> They have also told me that they estimate they will use the Subi for
> 15-25k per year. Given that the Subi should give 9.5-10 l/100km on PULP
> depending on driving style, if it is possible what sort of efficiency
> hit is likely with LPG. I have heard 30% higher consumption bandied
> about on some vehicles. Thus LPG will be 13l/100km.
>
> My rough calcs, mean that assumin Petrol will remain at or around
> 115c/l, and lpg is about 65c cheaper, that is a saving of $750-1250 per
> year on the cost of fuel based on buying LPG (excluding initial outlay).

[jb]

> A Forester that only gets 9.5l/100?
> surely they would get better than that?, unless he's a bloody old hoon

Unfortunate but true. I get nearly dead on 10/100, 2.5XS, including traffic
jams to work and motorways on weekends.

Did get it down to 7 point something per 100 en route to Young and back.

-mark

[TJ]

I think the luggage space in the Forester is just enough to fit the gas tank
in :) The luggage will have to be kept in the roof pod or a trailer. Go Gas
go...not!