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| | | Joined: Jan 2018 Posts: 25 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2018 Posts: 25 | I'v read some old posts about converting the gas engines to LP, but my question is in reverse , I have access to an old LP engine (250) and was wondering about using it with the 292 head I have on hand with maybe a 4 barrel? anyone try this? your input is welcome... | | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,034 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,034 | Nothing different about the lower end of an LP engine versus gasoline engine, so I think what you're planning is entirely doable. I have not tried it, though.
Last edited by klhansen; 05/11/2018 3:56 AM.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | Commonly an LP engine has higher compression ratio than same engine on gasoline, if it was built with LP in mind.
Even so, likely OK on gasoline with a higher octane if necessary. | | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,034 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,034 | A higher compression ratio would likely be the result of a different head as opposed to differences in the lower end, and Beaver Bob is planning on changing the head. I've seen small block Chevy V8's used to power generators running on natural gas and I doubt they're stroked to get higher compression. One difference in the lower end may be a different cam, but that's not that likely either.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | pistons can change compression ratio too. | | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,034 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,034 | pistons can change compression ratio too. True
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 | The little that I know about some engines could switch back and forth. Had both fuels on board.
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am.1954 3100 Chevy truckIn the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 | LP gas is about 110 Octane, and can handle compression ratios of 11:1 or above. Most LP engines are dual fuel, gasoline/LP, so they aren't built to compression ratios that high. LP is a "dry" fuel, meaning there's no lubrication by the fuel at all. That can cause recession of valve seats unless Stellite hard seats are installed. LP engines tend to run a long time with little or no cylinder wall wear for some reason. Changing to a "292" head is sort of pointless, since the 230 and 250 uses the same head as the 292. The higher compression 194 head will bolt on, but the valves and possibly the ports are smaller, so high speed breathing would suffer. Plan on doing a lot of machine work on the 230/250/292 head to get good high RPM performance out of any of them.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | LP Pistons for many engines were commonly available as an option. Higher CR as mentioned.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 | I've built up a couple of 250's with 307 V8 flat top pistons and a 60 thousandths head mill job. They will still run on regular gas after that, so the original compression ratio must be pretty low.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2018 Posts: 25 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2018 Posts: 25 | I'm getting some good feed back, thank you gentlemen, the reason that I mention the 292 head is that I have one with a new valve job setting on the bench,,, this will be going in a 37 pickup if I can get going on the direction,, good 6's and t5's are near impossible to find here in eastern Oregon...keep the opinions coming , | | |
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