Building a Propane Powered Engine that lasts!
Franz Hofmann, the author of this paper, is deeply involved with LPG powered vehicles and gaseous fuel engine combustion and technology.  I maintain the ASE certified Master Automotive Technician, with more than 35 years in automotive repair, fleet management, alternative fuel fleet conversion management, engine combustion research, and education.  I hold national certification in all areas of alternative fuel repair and service.  I also hold certification in vehicle conversions, service, and management from the Railroad Commission of Texas in several categories.

I have traveled internationally conducting research and conversions with alternative fuels, and a significant amount of research on supercharging and turbocharging.  I am currently researching and developing new products for the alternative fuel industry.  I belong to SAE, ASE, NATEF, iATN and ASAFT.  I completed my Doctor of Motors certification from Dana University in 1999.

This information is provided "as is" without any warranty, condition, or representation of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to, any warranty respecting non-infringement, and the implied warranties of conditions of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Franz Hofmann, or any directors, trustees, associates, or employees thereof be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential or other damages howsoever caused whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the information contained on this web site.  Access to and the use of this guide indicates the acceptance of these conditions.

Tip Jar.  If you have found any of this information helpful, I would appreciate anything you feel my assistance was worth.

I gladly accept PayPal. use my e-mail address as the log on name.

NOTE:  I have been receiving a lot of comments about Natural Gas (CNG) powered engines.  As I periodically review this paper, I realize that many of the recommendations for propane engines apply to CNG engines too.  As I give this more thought, I will make additions specifically for natural gas fuel.

During this discussion we will break down the optimum Gaseous Fuel engine into these areas:
Fuel Properties
Valves
Combustion characteristics
Oils, filters, and lubricants
Ignition systems and ignition timing
Induction
Pistons and rings
Compression ratios
Production engines
Carburetion
Camshaft Selection
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Some helpful links:

Edelbrock engine systems Almost everything needed up top.  The heads, camshafts, and intake manifolds are top rate.
Weiand Intake Manifolds  Equal in quality to the best I have seen or used.
Crane Cams
Comp Cams
Holley Carburetion Some argue that Holley is the best, maybe they are!  I have had good luck with Holley, but also with some of the others too!
MSD Ignition, (my personal favorite ignition system)
Denso Plugs, (my favorite spark plug)
Flowmaster Muffler
Borla Exhaust
Dynomax Exhaust
K & N Air Filters
Total Seal Piston Rings Quite possibly the best ring on the market
AirFlow Research Cylinder Heads), possibly the best there is.
World Power Engine blocks, an excellent start on a fresh engine.
www.eng-tips.com (The internets best engineering forum, visit the engine and fuels section.  I post and reply frequently.  Note that this is NOT a fix-it-for me site!)
http://www.bgfuel.com/ Barry Grant's line of what may be some of the best gasoline carburetors on the market.
http://www.redlineoil.com Exceptional motor oil
http://www.royalpurple.com Also an exceptional motor oil, just get used to the weird color!

Please note that his list is by no means an exhaustive and exclusive list, only products I am familiar with and have complete confidence in their performance and capability.  The final judgment in usage and fit and performance rests with the reader and/or manufacturer.

Franz Hofmann