Propane? how's that work?

[bleu]

Ok, so I understand Nitrous pretty well. Even at the chemical level. But what's the deal with propane? I assume that it is used as a fuel? Does it increase the octane rating? what are the pros and cons of its use?

Thanks

[srsnow]

Yes it is used as a fuel. Its pros are it is high octane, lighter than gas so it will have an easier time with distribution on EFI manifolds and because it is self contained it does not stress the fuel system. The downsides are that it is another bottle you have to deal with as well as another pressure to maintain. Also because it is a gas it can displace a fair amount of air in the manifold which can lead to limitations on how much you can put in.

[bleu]

Ok, so then by adding propane you increase the octane which increases the resistance of the engine against knock which means you can add more nitrous whcih means you can get more O2 and fuel into the cylinder, which increases power. right?

However, this only works if you have the internals to support the pressure so it's probably only used in things like viper engines with the bottom built up/bullet proof. THough I bet there are a few Hot Stangs around too.

and I good so far?:sofa:

[goatnipples2002]

You can run propane on any motor it is the same as using race fuel (octane wise) , but you might want to look into methanol injection is is cheaper and better. You can buy a kit for like $300 and run denatured alcohol (lowes, menards, home depot) mixed with winshield washer fluid. Methanol cools better than propane and it is way cheaper. Just an idea though that way no extra bottles to worry about.

[bleu]

:thumbup:

thanks!

[dalek]

I myself only heard of propane being used in Diesels.

[1forest1]

There was a while this was big with the turbo crowd I am involved with.

Main con: Propane is a highly flamable, pressurized gas (we all know Nitrous is NOT flamable right?)
Of course there is the obvious danger of getting in an accident. Boom!
But there is also the danger of a leak. If Nitrous leaks, you giggle too much and pull over. If your propane leaks, and you light a smoke, or even slide your butt on cloth seats and create static electricity sparks, again its a big Boom!
Go with meth/alcohol/water injection. Its not under pressure, its mounted in your engine bay (not your cockpit), and it drops temps more effectively.

so yes it works... but its the worst way to get to the same place.

[flames4me]

propane alone with reg gasoline will do nothing more then provide the same effect as filling your gas tank with 110octane race gas. it is used with turbo and supercharged cars to cool the intake which provides a denser charge of air and it allows them to run higher boost on pump gas rather then having to fill up at airports every fill up.

why its popular on diesels, Kinna long explanation that I relly don't want to get into right now, somebody else here maybe??