My mate in Holland is thinking of running a 400i on LPG. At least it should have a decent boot. But I also don't know of anyone that has done it.
Onno
I guess that'd be me....
Hi Onno, you here too???
The most important problem with LPG is that it burns hotter than petrol. As a result, it is hard on the valves, especially when you let the engine work for its money (as I usually do).
A 400 might be a better car in that respect - large boot for a large LPG tank and more GT than go-kart. Switch to petrol when hanging out with your F-car buddies, run on LPG on long stretches.
LPG comes in many different systems. They divide in three basic principles:
1: something that resembles a carburettor: vaporize liquid LPG, move the vapor to a venturi, where it gets mixed with air and enters the cylinders. This is the traditional setup. Problem with this is that it is rather crude and hard to set up properly. better suited for throttle body systems than trying to sync 12 throats.
2: LPG injection, in liquid form. Main player: Vialle LPi. Problem: the in-tank fuel pump fails very frequently and when it does, you need to buy a new tank. EXPENSIVE. Steer away from this one.
3: LPG injection, in gaseous form. This is your best bet.
Problem is that there will be no ready-made LPG kits for a Ferrari. The generic systems piggyback on the EFI of the host vehicle. Doesn't work with the old style fuel injection of the cars that you are considering (or the 400i). Probably need to get an aftermarket EFI computer (SDSEFI, Motec, Electromotive, etc), build an LPG fuel rail and get the LPG components needed.
Major job, but doable. Potentially lots of fun, just watch for gas leaks
I might still try this at some point in time, on the 400 that will be here at some point in time. For now, I just have fun burning LOTS of petrol in my 308GT4....
Hans