LPG Transit turbo
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TURBOCHARGING specialist PAO Preparations of Aldbourne, Wiltshire, has produced a turbocharged version of the naturally-aspirated two-litre Ford Transit engine which runs on liquid petroleum gas. The conversion is designed to give operators performance equal to the soon-to-be-phased-out threelitre Transit V6 engine, but with better fuel economy.
The modified engine has a Landi Hartog/Solex LPG fuel system and a KKK turbine with an integral wastegate. An oil cooler and larger radiator have also been added. Turbo boost pressure is set at around 3psi.
The two-litre turbo unit has been developed primarily for ambulance operators who are looking for ways of cutting their fuel costs without suffering the reduction in performance normally associated with LPG conversions. PAO's managing director John Clark is also hoping to attract "technically interested" light commercial vehicle operators such as express delivery firms. Full performance figures have not yet been released, although on a rolling road dynamometer a prototype LPG turbo Transit delivered around 34kW (451m) at 3,600 rpm (measured at the wheels). This compares with the standard vans 31kW (41hp) at 3,300 rpm.
More significantly, the engine's lower range performance has also been raised.
Laden to .3.1 tonnes gross vehicle weight the LPG turbo Transit produced a 0-60mph time of 23.6 seconds compared with the standard van's 0-50mph time of 25.2.
Clark says the turbo engine not only gives high perform ance, but is particularly clean to operate — the fuel has no lead in its additives and will easily meet all projected emission regulations.
The first converted Transit chassis has been fitted with an ambulance body and has be gun a 12-month service trial with Salop Ambulance Ser vice where it is expected to return a fuel consumption of up to 20mpg. Salop already runs a large number of dualfuel .three-litre Transits which currently return around 12mpg.
PAO carries out light CV turbocharging conversions in the UK for Renault, Volkswagen and Talbot.