MSD's new Digital Propane system...

[Hohn]

Well, it seems like propane is an anethema to most TDR regulars, but let's talk about how MSD does propane.



http://www.msdignition.com/2005/2005_13.htm



Now, I've never used propane on ANY diesel. I've read enough to be scared of the stuff.



But MSD has a pretty much immaculate reputation, and my experience with their (mostly gasser) ignition products has been nothing less than sterling. I would say they have inspired in me quite a bit of brand loyalty, as I LOVE their stuff!



So, if you're overfueled, would the MSD propane system Increase or Decrease EGT? We hear how propane is a catalyst for diesel. Does that mean EGTs go down?



The obvious complications aside (propane cost, large clumsy tank, etc), what are the merits of the MSD system?



Is anyone running it?



Since I can't get any more fuel out of my little HO VP, I'm thinking I may have to run Propane/Nitrous/Water-Meth (maybe all three) to get more power once I run out of fuel.



It's also pretty pricey compared to some other propane systems! MSD's got this thing at $700+!





Justin

 

[DHayden]

Nice looking system. I wonder how much mileage benefit you would actually see, taking propane cost and the extra miles per tank into consideration.

 

[BPonci]

I would think that your egts will go up due to the fact that the buy product of propane is btu's. Aka heat.

 

[Mark Craig]

Hohn,



The MSD is the best, so many safety features and it's on PCM to control everything etc. The cold propane will actully lower EGT's to a point, based on fueling level and propane amounts it can increase them if you're on the edge. So far we have had great customer response from the MSD systems.



Mark @ DPPI

 

[BPonci]

Cold propane? What about cylinder pressure spikes and heat spikes? Hard on valves and top rings.

 

[RacinDuallie]

I'm very leery of the stuff (LPG)

Great for BBQing though... ... ... ... ... ... .

Still- I'd like to hear more about this system, ALL my ignition products on my gasser muscle cars and hot rods are M. S. D. Systems. They are top notch in a lot of people's book..... And they also have great customer service... ... ... .

And that's a BIG plus going for them actually that's 2 plus's
Great products
Great customer service

So let's hear some in depth views on this system... ... .....

 

[Fishin Guide]

I have always been afraid of adding additional fuels with this amount of compression. I would think an oxidizer would be a better investment.



Dave

 

[Hohn]

RD, you expressed my thoughts on MSD. I LOVE the gasser stuff so much that I'd ALMOST be willing to lay aside my LPG fears and give it a shot.



And with diesel getting pricier, maybe it would make some sense to burn a little MPG at light duty steady cruise stuff to pad the MPG a bit. Is LPG getting expensive too??





An oxidizer is a no-brainer to me, at least on a diesel. All the "risks" of running it on a gasser mostly go away on a diesel. A diesel and dry nitrous is a very palatable combo.



Add in the cost of nitrous relative to the MSD lpg setup, and nitrous starts to look a little more attractive.



So-- who sells a Nitrous Express setup for diesels??



justin

 

[radar doctor]

Wanted to put my 2 cents worth in here. Back in the 1970's We had a Diesel Engine converted to Propane. . It was installed when i came on duty. As a Electrionic Tech It was my job to maintain it along with the Radar and other Electronic Equipment on the Station. . The Engine was used to provide AC Power to the Building where all the Equipment was located. . I don't know how many hours of operation was on the Engine when i arrived but the OIL was as Clear as if it had just been installed. . I never changed it out cause i thought it was new. . The unit came on automatically once a week and ran 2 hours... It held frequency and voltage real well. . Indicating that the Engine was well regulated to RPM. One day the unit didn't start. I went out into the Room where the unit was and found OIL all over the Floor. . After investigating i found a hole about the size of a penny in the Crank Case . . It seems that ACID had formed in the crankcase because the Oil wasn't changed at Regular intervals... What i can say for propane is the engines of those days Cranked a lot longer before they started. I understand Propane doesn't have the BTU's that Diesel Fuel does so if thats true, then propane doesn't have as much power and i would think less fuel mileage..... I'd like to know how much the cost difference would be over say 10,000 miles of running two Engines side by side on a plat form. What we need here is a Fuel Engineer to help us out... If Propane was Cost effective, i'd be interested in a Change... A plus here is that Propane runs cleaner,. i would think you could extend your oil Changes for sure... Let's hear some other idea's thanks Doc...

 

[nickleinonen]

If Propane was Cost effective, i'd be interested in a Change... A plus here is that Propane runs cleaner

the amount of lpg added is on top of the regular diesel fuel shot... it isn't a real dual fuel setup... all you really do is feed a stream of vapour propane into the air intake before the turbocharger... some guys running the BBQ tanks as their source can get 2-4 diesel fuel tanks out of one bbq tank under moderation... hard throttle, you would go through that tank in 1 or less tanks of diesel...

 

[nps]

... it isn't a real dual fuel setup... all you really do is feed a stream of vapour propane into the air intake before the turbocharger...

Before the turbo??? I would think you'd want to put the vapors into the intake after the turbo. Perhaps I'm wrong.

 

[Mundgyver]

I have a friend that runs propane on a 2001 5 speed. He designed and installed the system himself. (Electrical/Mechanical Engineer) He uses it when towing. His truck is stock except for this mod. Boost moves up, EGT's dropped, mpg went up when using it by 2 mpg. He uses a standard BBQ propane bottle in the bed for supply. The system is set up to turn on with a pre-determined amount of boost pressure when he is towing. Generally he allows it to engage when he is in the mountians. He tows a 22 ft boat. Big into fishing. He has this system set up to provide an added moderate performance level as needed when he is towing. He uses it regularly (weekly) and has had this system in place for about 3 years now with no problems.

 

[banshee]

So-- who sells a Nitrous Express setup for diesels??



justin

NX sells a diesel specific system, but it really isn't set up the best for making big power. It has the smallest solenoid (. 063), so you're limited to around a 80 hp max gain depending on your setup. Combined with a 15 lb bottle it makes for a less than desireable setup. You can put a complete system together (heater, gauge... everything) with parts large enough to make 150 hp for less than the MSD system will cost you.



John

 

[Hohn]

Thanks, John. I want to go NX because I'm convinced that their nitrous setups are truly the best on the market.



So I will have to piecemeal a setup? Or has DD or someone else already put together a kit that can do 100+hp?



jlh

 

[banshee]

When I looked into mine both DD and Bullydog had kits setup with everything you would need. I put mine together myself and saved some cash over what they were asking, though. When used with some sanity (i. e. avoid those huge jets) nitrous is perfectly safe on the motor.



John

 

[Deadbus]

<p>Just out of curiosity, how much does Nitrous go for? Here, in San Diego, I pay $1. 75/gal to fill up my BBQ tanks and $2. 49/gal diesel. I asked the distributor if they fill vehicles and the response was that they didn't care what it went into, as long as it was DOT approved. </P>

<p>On another note, the Sept edition of 4 Wheel & Off-Road had an article on the MSD kit on page 46. </p>

Cheers!



Vinnie

 

[Hohn]

Good to know.



Last I heard, It ran about $30 to fill a 10# nitrous bottle.



jlh