Just like the title says. I am going propane. I have thought about it alot and for the pros and cons, the pros far out weighs the cons. I was thinking going EFI or throttle body but for the price (about the same) there is alot less to worry about. No fuel pump, no computer to run it and alot less wires. Now would be a good time to do this because I am getting ready to rebuild my motor anyways. 345 with a good cam, headwork, aluminum intake, headders and propane sounds good to me. Now I know I will see alot of these :flipoff2: and these :shaking: but what do u's think?

:shaking::flipoff2:

:shaking::flipoff2:

I've never liked propane, I think charcoal gives a much better flavor.

:shaking::flipoff2:

I've never liked propane, I think charcoal gives a much better flavor.Its a bitch to stoke the fire, drive and shift at the same time :flipoff2:

I'm going with propane soon as well. I don't know why you want to use throttle body :confused:

Be like Chief and run a turbo on it.

Be like Chief and run a turbo on it.

then lose a pushrod:flipoff2:

Chief, whats the update? back together yet?

What compression ratio you going to run? I would think 12 to 1 or so would be good because of the high octane propane gives :confused: What is your plan for tank size?

I think a dual fuel setup would be the best of both worlds.
But you would still need all that really confusing wiring and a computer and a fuel pump.

I prefer coals with wood chips but my carpet melted.

I think a dual fuel setup would be the best of both worlds.
But you would still need all that really confusing wiring and a computer and a fuel pump.

I prefer coals with wood chips but my carpet melted.

Now my feelings are hurt. You convinced me that EFI was the way to go and all this time I could have used woodchips.

Thanks buddy :flipoff2:

I think a dual fuel setup would be the best of both worlds.
But you would still need all that really confusing wiring and a computer and a fuel pump.

I prefer coals with wood chips but my carpet melted.

Ya it's crazy hard :flipoff2: To be honest propane sucks ass, it stinks so bad on the trail :barf:

I think a dual fuel setup would be the best of both worlds.
But you would still need all that really confusing wiring and a computer and a fuel pump.

I thought running propane that you don't need a fuel pump or computer.:confused:


Ya it's crazy hard :flipoff2: To be honest propane sucks ass, it stinks so bad on the trail :barf:

That is the biggest downfall of running that stuff. The smell. :barf:

I thought running propane that you don't need a fuel pump or computer.:confused:
For a dual fuel you do.
Between availability to buy it on the weekends and the less MPG you get, you need to be flexible.
Also running the propane on a closed loop sytem that is computer controlled will make it much more efficient.
Just flip a switch and chanage from running gas to propane(different smelly gas).




That is the biggest downfall of running that stuff. The smell. :barf:

If you really ask that question then you haven't done much research/search button/google.

I think a dual fuel setup would be the best of both worlds.
But you would still need all that really confusing wiring and a computer and a fuel pump.

For a dual fuel you do.
Between availability to buy it on the weekends and the less MPG you get, you need to be flexible.
Also running the propane on a closed loop sytem that is computer controlled will make it much more efficient.
Just flip a switch and chanage from running gas to propane(different smelly gas).:barf:

If you really ask that question then you haven't done much research/search button/google.


I could not find anything about running a computer. Here is the link for the kit I want. http://www.gotpropane.com/p11.html

You can run a gas carb and a 'pane mixer and not need a computer. The only extra wiring is for the lockoff valves and switches needed to switch back and forth between the two.

We flat out sell the old school dual fuel systems. They are purely mechanical with the exception of the 2 fuel cut off solenoids. They are absolutely complete down to each gasket, clamp, crimp terminal, etc.....except a tank. It is designed for the guy who wants the best of both worlds. CARBURETORS ONLY!! I say this because it googles and I get non stop calls about fuel prices. It's the E.F.I. kits that require the computers etc.....

You can run a gas carb and a 'pane mixer and not need a computer. The only extra wiring is for the lockoff valves and switches needed to switch back and forth between the two.


Hopefully he did enough research to know the obvious.

The mechanical setup above is a very good way to still be able to drive to and from the trail on gas with your carb and then switch to propane for offroad.
It will eliminate all those bad traits that carbs are known for on the trail.


If you are not concerned with efficiency (MPG) but want increased offroading ability, it is a good way to go.

But,
You can also bolt basically the exact same setup on top on an EFI throttle body and run TBI to the trail and then ....run TBI on the trail until you run out and then run the propane on the trail.

Since they are both pressurized fuel system they are both superior to the carb on the trail.

But this also comes at a higher price and complexity.


You have to look at what your ultimate goal is and then build to that.

Figure in the cost and then the return on investment.
That's in ability, maintenance and MPG.
Then make up your mind.

Propane is for low horsepower, low emmssions, rare filling stations, low MPG and BBQs :D

Actually they do run well inside large wharehouses on fork lifts too.

What compression ratio you going to run? I would think 12 to 1 or so would be good because of the high octane propane gives :confused: What is your plan for tank size?


I think that I am going to run 9 to 9.5. For the tank size I want to run 2 ten gallon tanks.

I think that I am going to run 9 to 9.5. For the tank size I want to run 2 ten gallon tanks.

Those specs would be for a GAS engine. Do some more research. Propane doesn't have the same BTUs as gasoline.
Better run at least a 30 gallon tank with at least 10 gallon reserve. I'd run at least 11.0 compression. Propane is something like 110 octane.
Dual fuel would be best depending if this a trail or street rig.
Search my name for my propane tread here and at the BB.

Propane is for low horsepower, low emmssions, rare filling stations, low MPG and BBQs :D

Actually they do run well inside large wharehouses on fork lifts too.

I don't think so:shaking: If you use forklift equipment, you'll get forklift results. I have not had anyone lose any power on any of our kits. They are designed for each engine. Unless 500hp. is low power:grinpimp:

Those specs would be for a GAS engine. Do some more research. Propane doesn't have the same BTUs as gasoline.
Better run at least a 30 gallon tank with at least 10 gallon reserve. I'd run at least 11.0 compression. Propane is something like 110 octane.
Dual fuel would be best depending if this a trail or street rig.
Search my name for my propane tread here and at the BB.

Ok. I could bump up the compression alittle but for the tanks it all depends on the kit. My truck will be only used for off road only so MPG does not matter. If I can run a bigger tank then I should. Just in case if I do take it out on the street.

I don't think so:shaking: If you use forklift equipment, you'll get forklift results. I have not had anyone lose any power on any of our kits. They are designed for each engine. Unless 500hp. is low power:grinpimp:

Propane, for your kits what would be the best to run for a mild built 345 IH motor?

^^^ I ask cuz the guys I run with that have propane run around 12 to 1 compression :eek: 20 gal won't last long at all....

^^^ I ask cuz the guy I run with that have propane run around 12 to 1 compression :eek:


Is that for a built up motor or stock?

We use propane fork lifts at work. We run them wide open for 6-8 hours a day and use about 3/4 of a 33# tank (8 liquid gallons) Thats on a 4 cyl. engine.

I figure running two tanks will get me a good 6 hrs worth of wheeling. If not then I get a 3rd tank. My kit is on the way so we will see.

Ask the propane guy what compression to run, etc.... he "should" know his stuff.

Wouldn't hurt to check over at the BB for more info. Might be someone over there that knows (but is afraid to come back here :laughing:)
There is a guy in Oregon that is selling his 345 and entire propane conversion cheap. Might want to buy his stuff. He's in the BB classifieds.

I'm watching and gathering info for my conversion.

You gotta cut the tub off before you can hook up the 'pane! Get chopping! :flipoff2;

I say run what compression you already have if you have a motor that is together, in running condition. We have run them on motors as low as 7.5 to 1 compression with no problems. A stock motor runs the same on 'pane as gas if you adjust the timing accordingly. This would apply on a dedicated propane motor. The dual fuel kits, if the timing is set for optimum power on 'pane, it will spark knock when switched back to gas because of the higher advance #'s. If you have to rebuild a motor and want to run propane, you "can" increase the compression to take advantage of the higher octane rating. If it's done right, there should be no power loss on propane with a stock motor. I know, the btu thing, It's offset by octane and timing.
Oh, if a guy wanted to raise compression, some of that depends on your specific engine and it's charachteristics with high compression. Basically, anything between 9.5 to 10.5 is safe for what we do without sacrificing driveability.

Basically, anything between 9.5 to 10.5 is safe for what we do without sacrificing driveability.
IIRC correctly, IH 304s and 345s are only putting out low to mid 8s stock.

I mean driveability in the other direction. Overheating because of compression mainly.

Is that for a built up motor or stock?



Built :grinpimp:

Ive been running propane for about 6 months now. A lot more preplanning is involved with each trip but the pay offs are great! I buy my propane at a place that gives me bulk discount (2.60/gal). I take a 5 tanks in at once.

Ive been running propane for about 6 months now. A lot more preplanning is involved with each trip but the pay offs are great! I buy my propane at a place that gives me bulk discount (2.60/gal). I take a 5 tanks in at once.
What are you running and how much fuel do you use over "X" amount of time?

My 383 runs strong on propane. Don't really notice any difference when back on gas, "runs better on Pane" The only fuel issue is the price at bullshit stations. I pack extra tanks and usually have plenty left after a trip. I'll take propane any day over a computer...

My 383 runs strong on propane. Don't really notice any difference when back on gas, "runs better on Pane" The only fuel issue is the price at bullshit stations. I pack extra tanks and usually have plenty left after a trip. I'll take propane any day over a computer...


:beer::beer:

I'll take propane any day over a computer...

:shaking:

:shaking:

:laughing: