LPG for the LS1

[Highway]

With the LPG option due to be released next month can you advise on the
following -

Type of system.

Will it be dual fuel of LPG only.

Can it be fitted to VX/VY models.( All models )

Approximate cost.

Any Modifications that need to be made.

Thanks for any info that can be advised.

Mike

[Holden]

The 7 September statement should answer your questions.

GM Holden Launches Dual-Fuel Commodore

The success of Australia ’s most popular car range will be enhanced with the launch of a dual-fuel Commodore, featuring a newly-developed version of GM Holden’s 3.6 litre Alloytec V6. The engine is modified to run on petrol and LPG, using new valves and hardened valve seats designed for harsher LPG operating conditions.

Based on the Executive variant, the LPG-powered Commodore uses a high-tech system called Sequential Vapour Gas Injection (SVGI), which injects gas directly into the air intake runner, eliminating excess gas circulating through the air intake system.

The system gains further efficiencies by mimicking the petrol injection sequence, which allowed engineers to achieve power and torque figures close to theoretical LPG maximum efficiencies. Like the petrol-only Executive, power is 175kW @ 6000 rpm with 320 Nm of torque @ 2800 rpm.

Consistent with GM Holden’s efficient Alloytec engines, the dual-fuel Executive meets Euro 2 emission standards. LPG fuel economy is 14.4 litres/100km (sedan) and 14.8 litres/100km (wagon). Petrol fuel economy figures remain unchanged at 11.1 litres/100km (sedan) and 11.3 litres/100km (wagon).

Significant development work was undertaken to ensure a seamless transition from petrol to LPG while driving, with no discernable power difference. The LPG system uses petrol on start up, then automatically transfers to LPG, if selected, once the engine has warmed up.

Another advantage of the gas-powered Commodore is one fuel filling point – the gas outlet is located above the petrol cap behind the fuel filler door.

The system is also easy to service and maintain. In addition to GM Holden’s standard maintenance schedule, the dual-fuel system requires an LPG-system service only every 15,000kms, which involves changing two filters and a leak check.

GM Holden National Fleet Manager Simon Carr said the appeal of LPG-powered vehicles is increasing due to LPG’s compliance with all current and future emissions regulations, and the comparatively low cost of LPG.

“There’s more and more interest in LPG vehicles due to the increased cost of petrol.” he said.

“GM Holden’s sophisticated SVGI system produces the same driving characteristics as the petrol-only Commodore and it also has the cost advantage of the cheaper fuel source.”

The dual-fuel VZ Commodore Executive is priced at $37,550 for the sedan and $40,660 for the wagon.

Production of the LPG-powered Commodore begins in October, with GM Holden dealers taking orders from today (7 September).

[Highway]

Pity the V8 misses out.

Mike

[Jphdg]

Lately I have thought about a straight gas system for the LS1, but heard the LS1 stock head valve seats and probably the valves as well will be stuffed after around 60,000km on gas no matter what type of gas injector system is used.

Is this true?

This would then mean heads would need to be fitted with gas valve seat inserts and some good high performance stainless valves to hold up to the task on an LS1.

The goods here would be a nice mill of the heads and a mild porting job while valves and new seats are being fitted :D oh :bash: , hmm lots of $$$$.

[White Rider]

Valve seat reccession and corrosion are real issues to consider with LPG. Even if your valves are stainless steel, it doesnt mean the seats are up to the task. The solution, especially on an LPG only car, is to fit a valve lubrication system like "valvesaver", that automatically delivers a predetermined amount of valve lubricant into your intake. The system is under 100$

Ive heard that the bigger issue with the ls1 is the plastic intake, and a backfire could cause damage to it.

Adam

[muzza]

The general consensus from my own enquiries and experience with LPG fuelled post 1986 (unleaded) vehicles is that the induction hardened valve seats seem to be able to handle LPG fine in normal engine lifetime km.

My own experience with a VN V8 on LPG was of well over 180 000 km with no appreciable wear to valves or seats when the engine was pulled down (owing to a little water drinking it did in flood water!).

I can understand Holden and other OE manufacturers wanting to ensure 100% reliability and servicability with their new engines as they undergo much more stringent durability testing than what an average consumer would do to their engine (though you have to wonder why the LS 1 had such slap/oil issues - yanks asleep on the job?).