LPG insurance and certification

[Einarrson]

I have been thinking of ways to reduce my fuel costs...

I was thinking of getting a Diesel Omega but a) I can't afford a new car and b) What with the minimal MPG increase I would hardly be saving anything and c) I don't want to stop driving the Carlton

So I am thinking of an LPG conversion. I know a trusted guy off a Beemer forum who has converted his for a few hundred quid. I'm confident he knows what he's doing and a mate of mine is considering having his E30 325 SM converted by this guy. I would like to wait to see how this goes first but if all goes well then the only consideration is: What will this do to my insurance costs? I take it i will need to have it inspected by a certified garage for insurance purposes. Is this correct? Any idea how much that might cost?

[Jimmy]

Also finding a regular local petrol garage that has LPG, there is still only a cople round my area, but saying that, more and more garages are slowly getting it in

[Einarrson]

Well as long as you can still use petrol then you wont get caught short and every Total station or Morrisons sells LPG.

[Whippit]

also if you get it certified as dual fuel on the V5 it can reduce the tax (though this is only an issue on newer cars)
Looking for an LPG or diesel omega myself to replace my vectra

[supercub]

This is something ive been considering... Partly as im in stages of getting my cbt for a moped sorted to keep travel costs down,  But if i was to lpg the carlton it might save me the same money quicker...
Want to know what sorta tank it would need tho. And where to put it as i love the carlton boot space...

http://www.lpgmap.co.uk/map.php

[Whippit]

A toroidal that goes in spare wheel well is best option, not a viable option on most carltons
Yas is the one to advise as she is a certified LPG fitter

[Einarrson]

Hmm how come that's not a viable option on most carltons whippet?

[blippi]

A toroidal that goes in spare wheel well   is best option, not a viable option on most carltons
Yas is the one to advise as she is a certified LPG fitter

 

[Pedro]

Hmm how come that's not a viable option on most carltons whippet?

I think it's cos the spare wheel tanks don't really hold alot of LPG.
Looked it this option for my Omega, but really not worth it in my view, as I'd need a bigger LPG tank, therefore losing alot of bootspace.......which is kinda why I got an estate in the first place.

[Whippit]

Hmm how come that's not a viable option on most carltons whippet?

because you dont have a spare wheel well as such (they are designed to sit flat)

[Einarrson]

Hmm what about a vertical Toroidal? Like here ---> http://www.tinleytech.co.uk/sizes.html

Surely that solves the problem?

[Whippit]

Not seen one of those before, could make changing a bulb difficult LOL

[Einarrson]

Well that's one issue solved! Yes it might make fitting a new bulb difficult but surly not impossible.

So does anyone know about getting the LPG installation certificated for insurance purposes?

[Murph]

Yep  - ask Yasmine Lee.
She's a fully certified fitter and can inspect and certify your installation.

[YasmineLee]

someone call?
as long as the install is done correctly it shouldn't be a problem.

vertical torodial tanks do not come cheap and wont fit well in a estate.

vx fit 37ltr tanks as standard. i fitted a 44ltr tank in mine but meant raising the floor a bit. get on average 180 miles on a tank in my diamond.

there are other option to fit a larfer tank but a bit more work is required.

all depends what u like to have done at the right price.

if nothing here makes since is coz its 330am!!!!

n.b some insurance compainies may charge a higher premium with a lpg install as its somethoing extra that MAY need repair if accidenr damaged.

[Einarrson]

Thanks for the info Yas...

I didn't realise you were a certified fitter, thought you worked for Virgin for some reason?

Yes I notice the vertical tank is the most costly but surely the best option as I really need my boot space. A 35L tank would do me I think as I don't do many long journeys.

So you do the conversions  as well as certify? That's cool! Good to have someone on TC who can do that.

So is there any particular kit you could recommend?

[Murph]

She does work for Virgin... but has many other sidelines!

[YasmineLee]

Thanks for the info Yas...

I didn't realise you were a certified fitter, thought you worked for Virgin for some reason?

Yes I notice the vertical tank is the most costly but surely the best option as I really need my boot space. A 35L tank would do me I think as I don't do many long journeys.

So you do the conversions  as well as certify? That's cool! Good to have someone on TC who can do that.

So is there any particular kit you could recommend?

i have too much time on my hands, so sometimes i go on rediculay expensive courses to keep me busy haha

anyway i fit fully sequential romano auto gas systems, there are others now on market which i am looking into as well. that reminds me must organise a trip to south wales to go look at them.

anyway which car do you want it fitting to so i can look at the options available

[YasmineLee]

btw here are average prices i charge. fully fitted and certified sequential systems

4 cylinder     £1200
5/6 cylinder  £1400
8 cylinder     £1600

these are guide prices for retail. i might be offering club discounts. watch this space.

[Einarrson]

Thanks Yas it's a 4 cylinder 2.0L... C20NE...

Keep me posted and I'll let you know when/if I can stump up the cash.