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I'm shortly looking at a 2001 Forester Turbo auto with a genuine 35k which has a professionally fitted Prins multi-point lpg system fitted. Now I'm not interested in the pros and cons of lpg in general, I've made my own mind up on that, but I've not had or known anyone with a turbo engine that's been converted. Are there any potential problems over a n/a car? Subaru will do a similar conversion from new (or did until recently) so I'm assuming there are no problems but does anyone know any better?
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The engine in the Forester Turbo was always a light presure turbo, compared to the more powerful motor in the Imprezza turbo. Thus the block and head was designed for far higher pressures that it experienced in day to day life, so it should cope with the LPG conversion easily.
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I think Subaru only sanctioned LPG conversions on the 2.0 Forester (N/A) and 2.5 Legacy variants (also N/A).
That doesn't mean it can't be done on a turbo, of course.
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Quite a few stories of LPG conversions on Legacy Twin Turbos over on the UKLegacy forum. Some no problem at all, some tales of premature valve wear.
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I know of Focus 2.5T conversions and haven't heard horror stories so would say that it may be worth a punt, if valve problems are a known issue then a Flashlube should help enormously.
Actually you've just reminded me that I haven't filled mine up for several thousand miles, I bet it's running dry!
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Yes you could convert the Subaru turbo to run on lpg but take care, the conversion must be right given the danger of carrying around a large can of lpg a couple of feet from your back. You need to be happy with the certificate of conversion and have the vehicle checked before you pay over your hard earned cash.
Prins is popular on mainland europe but I doubt if there are more than a handful of Subaru turbos in the Uk running with lpg.
The strongest engine bulit by Subaru is the 2.5 litre petrol turbo as seen in the old shape forester and impreza, just wait for the whoosh approaching 7krpm.
Check out Motorpoint for both types of impreza turbos all much reduced as they are UK spec but imports.
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Just resurrecting this thread... I'm looking to book in a 3.0l Legacy for LPG this weekend... Alas, non-turbo, but if the original poster has any questions / new information, I for one would love to get in contact.
I do fancy getting more than 25mpg! (or the cost of)
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I consistently get 26-27mpg from a Forester 2.5XT (+PPP = 260hp) with a mix of non-mimsing driving. I'm only covering 8-9k miles/year so not interested in LPG, but have seen a couple of mentions of it on subaruforester.org so it is possible. I seems the best conversions have 2 maps for the ECU and the driver can switch between them depending upon the fuel - sounds like a hassle!
I've seen the N/A 3.0 in the Tribeca with LPG for sale at Subaru dealers so it can be a successful conversion.
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I ended up getting a non-lpg turbo as it was the right car at the right price. Good luck with your conversion, I doubt you'll have any problems if it's done well. As mentioned, Subaru offered a conversion on that engine so it must be suited to it. A gorgeous engine btw, I loved the one in the Spec B saloon I had.
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Yes you could convert the Subaru turbo to run on lpg
Yes you could fit the LPG system youself and save a lot of money.
www.tinleytech.co.uk/
but take care theconversion must be right given the danger of carrying around a large can of lpg a couple of feet from your back.
Not as scarry as 10 gallons of petrol.
You need to be happy with the certificateof conversion and have the vehicle checked before you pay over your hard earned cash.
The certificate. Your insurance company are fairly uninterested in them. Also if you fit the system yourself you know that it is right and you will have an understanding of how it works and how to service it, change filters etc..
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The main problem is with boot space. If the LPG tank is in the sparewheel-well then what to do with spare wheel. If the tank is fitted behind the rear seats, then even with the seats folded down you still have a small boot. If boot space is important then do not bother going for LPG.
The other problem is finding somewhere to fill up with LPG when you need it. You find that with a 10 gallon tank (with LPG you can only approx fill to 80%) you will be planning your jouneys around LPG stations, which is not always easy.
Edited by macavity on 21/10/2009 at 11:33
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Your in luck the 3.0 flat 6 engine is a favourite to convert your best info is found on the Legacy owners site its here:
uklegacy.com/forums/index.php
join the forum
then go
www.uklegacy.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=95853&...=
remember the conversion is only as good as the garage carrying out the work - choose spec model etc with care
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remember the conversion is only as good as the garage carrying out the work - choose spec model etc with care
Good reason to do it youself.
Is the Prins system better than any of the other systems or just dearer?
www.nicholsonmclaren.com/history.htm
Mclaren have got a good reputation.
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