CNG fuel

Hey Andre, do you have any experience setting up and tuning CNG powered cars?

If so, can you give some info on the similarities and major differences to gasoline with regards to tuning and any specific components (injectors etc.) required for operation?

A very long time ago we did a partial fleet conversion, and while it's very fuzzy, and things will be much more refined, some discussion comments that might help.

CNG burns quite hot and unlike liquid fuels it is hotter with rich mixtures - several of the other senior mechanics didn't grasp that and the result was a lot of cracked exhaust manifolds.

It can be harder to ignite the mixture, so make sure the electrical system is up to the mark.

It has a very high octane rating (just checked and it's around 125 - don't know if that's RON or the US (RON+MON)/2 rating, though) - so very high compression ratios can be used, even with forced induction.

Make sure you have GOOD ventilation, most countries require the tank to be sealed and externally vented, so make sure you know the requirements in advance. On that, the tanks are heavy and bulky, so bear that in mind, too.

In cold weather icing can occur if using a gas mixer, and it can be hard to ignite - it'd unlikely to be a problem for you but a water heated unit may be wise if going that route.

This was before electronics made CNG injection practical, and I can't comment on that aspect of it.

Hey Gord, thanks for the info. It's greatly appreciated.