Are summer gas prices gonna hamper your upgrade plans this summer?

[Onefast99gsx]

All these statements are true but lets say that the rise in gas prices costs you an extra $200/ year, then when you buy food it just got higher because transportation got higher, so let's say that cost an extra $150/year, Heat during the winter months, well now that just got higher because crude went up per barrel, so that's maybe an extra $100+/year, don't forget about other utilities like electric, that went up because they need more money to fund fuel for their utility/maintainence trucks.... The list goes on and on.

Now comes the anniversary date at work and it's review time.... you just find out that your raise is only gonna get you an extra $200(example), per year. What's that mean, means were slowly going broke. Price of gas doesn't just affect your drive to work and back.

You're all right though, it's something we can't do shit about. We need gas no matter what their shit price is. When gas goes up high like it is, it doesn't mean we use lesser of it so somebody out there is lining their pockets really nicely.

[LightningGSX]

I think I will convert over to propane, it has a octane value of 104. and its 25% -30% cheaper than gas.

You'd consume 25%-30% more propane to achieve the same level of energy gasoline has, so the price difference would be minimal.And I'd think the price to convert would be pretty hefty as well.

In reality, unless your building a engine/fuel system from scratch, alcohols are the only cost effective alternative to gas.

[Onefast99gsx]

We have a methanol plant about 15 minutes from me. We'd put alot more farmers back into business if we produced more methanol here and figured out a way to use it efficiently.

[LightningGSX]

We have a methanol plant about 15 minutes from me. We'd put alot more farmers back into business if we produced more methanol here and figured out a way to use it efficiently.
Do you mean ethanol? Methanol is made from wood.

[Onefast99gsx]

Oops you're right, ethanol. I think it takes alot of water to produce it though. So it's no freebie. There is still resources to make it.

[unreal808]

The supply of propane to the engine is controlled by a regulator or vapourizer which converts the liquid propane to a gaseous form. The gas is then fed to an air, fuel mixer located close to the intake manifold where it is metered and mixed with filtered air before being drawn into the combustion chambers. As the fuel, air mixture is completely gaseous, the cold start problems associated with liquid fuel are eliminated.

On a per unit of weight basis, liquid propane contains about five percent more energy than gasoline; however, the density is 30% less. The net result is that a litre of propane (lighter) contains about 28% less energy than a litre of gasoline. Propane has an octane rating of 110 and all propane sold in Canada is classified HD 5, (less than 5% other gases, such as butane & methane).

With propane, a greater quantity is required to travel the same distance. But because of its gaseous form, your engine runs more efficiently which helps offset the extra propane consumed. The fact that propane is introduced to the combustion chamber as a vapour, a vehicle may actually run better on propane than on gasoline in low-speed, light-throttle conditions, especially when cold.

The greatest environmental benefit comes from reduced evaporative losses, including those which occur during refueling. This is because the propane fuel system is effectively sealed. As well, the inherent tendency to form ground-level ozone is half that of gasoline and propane does not contain lead or sulfur which contribute to acid rain.

Engines using propane can last two to three times longer than a gasoline engine.

[Alpine TSi]

So then what all is required to convert over to a propane fueled system?

[Jakey]

So what caused vehicles to stray away from propane? Back in the 50's, 60's, and 70's I know a number of tractors and trucks used to be equipped to run on propane.

[JET]

LP has possibilities, but the prices of that have been going up drastically too. I don't think it will be a viable option any time soon.

[520Talon]

With gas going up, hopefully there will be less of the gas monster SUVs on the road. It will also mean you will be able to buy a used one cheaper, you know, to be able to tow your DSM with.