hello everybody,

I have a 2002 1990cc Honda CRV (petrol engine) which I am considering getting converted to gas.

From what I have read it seems that LPG is a better option than NGV (because NGV tanks are heavy and have small capacity). Can you advise me:

1. Am I indeed correct that converting to LPG is a better option than NGV?
2. How widely available is LPG fuel outside Bangkok nowadays (having been driving on petrol for the last few years I have never taken much notice of what other fuels are available)?
3. Are there any downsides to converting the engine (eg damage to the engine, reduced re-sale value of the car?)
4. Is my local Honda dealer likley to be able to do the conversion, or would I be better off going to somebody like Hongtong Gas http://hongtonggas.co.th/?
5. what's the likely cost of the conversion, and the cost per km on a converted gas engine? At the moment I'm paying the best part of 4 baht per km for petrol.

Really grateful for any thoughts on these questions, or other points that I should consider.

Best wishes,

N

I had converted my 2002 CRV to LPG 7 years ago.

And I am happy with it.

If the installation by a company dealing in these conversions is done right, you will find no differences in the character of the car.

But, you will use around 8-12% more LPG as petrol.

Your questions?

- LPG is a better idea as NGV, the size and weight of the LPG- installation is less.

- LPG is ready available, now, in the whole of Thailand, tanking time of LPG is much shorter as NGV

- The resale value of your car will be better\.

- LPG gets you a cleaner engine, the oil stays much cleaner

- For the conversion go to a company specialized in the conversion, try to get a tank that will fit inside the well for the reserve wheel.

The conversion will try to sell you the standard 68 liter tank which will reduce your luggage compartment very much.

- The conversion can be as cheap as 25000 baht and as expensive as 50000 baht for a high quality Italian unit.

Like I said, you will use btween 8 and 12% more liters of gas, but the price of LPG is nearly a third of the price of petrol nowadays.

I will always convert petrol cars to LPG.

The turnover point is around 17500 km for the CRV, a car noted for it's thirst.

Take care that after the installation someone from the Land Transport Office will be there to test the installation.

And change the book to the use of petrol AND LPG.

Many thanks hansnl - your experience is very interesting,

N