The Technical Details

The Engine

The engine fitted to the new solution is a 2.0L Turbo Ecotec Opel engine, and replaces all three engines used in the TX1, TX2 and TX4.

The engine starts out as a Direct Injection Petrol engine tuned to supply 280HP and is currently used in the Vauxhall Astra VXR. The engine is then modified by KPS. The direct injection is discarded to be replaced by a port-injection petrol system and custom ECU, by KMS, Kronenburg Management Systems, including CAN communication and CAM control. The KMS ECU is optimized to work with the Vogels LPG system to achieve the best power and emission results.

The engine is mapped according to the engine it’s replaces. It follows the same torque curve within 5% and Power output. For the TX1 and TX2, the power output is mapped to 80HP (@ 3600 RPM), 220 Nm (available from 2300RPM). For the TX4 the engine is tuned to 100HP (@ 3600 RPM), 240Nm (available from 2300RPM).

The Fuel Tank

The existing diesel tank is discarded and a 100L LPG tank (with 80L useable volume) is placed inside the boot. A 12L Petrol tank is fitted to aid in cold starts and reserve.

The Process

When the driver applies for the conversion, the vehicle will be subject to a technical inspection (similar to an MOT). The technical inspection will also look closely to:

• Corrosion, especially in the boot
  
• Coolant radiators inside (front and rear)
  

After it’s ready for conversion, the car is shipped or driven to the conversion centre.
The Diesel engine, gearbox and diesel tank will be removed including the fuel lines, driveshaft and exhaust.

The electrics are modified and the new engine is fitted to the original gearbox. The new engine and ECU are positioned and mounted in the engine bay. The driveshaft is modified and a new exhaust is fitted. The LPG tank and petrol tank are fitted together with the 2 sets of fuel lines. A new radiator and vaporizer are installed to supply the cooling and the LPG to the engine.

Lastly a fuel switch is fitted in the dashboard, this will show which fuel you’re driving on and how much LPG is left in the tank. The original tank gauge on the dashboard is connected to the new 12L petrol tank.

The Cost

The installation and new engine will cost about £9,800 (Plus VAT) to fit. Due to the fuel savings of about 30%, most cab drivers will make a return on investment after 3 - 3.5 years (at 30k miles a year).

Interested? For more information or to book a testdrive please visit the manufacturers website at GasCab.co.uk.

Or do you wish to learn more about this project as it’s being enrolled throughout the UK?

Email: [email protected] 

or call us on:  01570 895 160

For more information check out these twitter feeds: @AutogasLPG @gascabtaxi @harborne_garage