I was surprised to see nobody has written about CNG conversion in this forum so far!
I converted my esteem MPFI vehicle to CNG about 6 months back, against the advice of my longtime trusted mechanic.There are times when you have to depend on your wisdom.I collected lots of information about CNG from the internet which made me realise that our good old mechanics and those who anchor tv motorshows are not well informed.
Then I gathered the personal experiences of five of my colleagues who have been using CNG for the last 2-5 years. I found the objections against CNG, like engine damage, powerloss, lack of safety etc are largely misconceived.The information available on CNG websites describe it as a safer fuel when compared to petrol, and it increases the engine life as there are no harmful deposits in the engine.But the real reason why we are opting for CNG is the unparalelled economy . I think it is advisable for anybody who has a daily run of 60 km and above.
what are the things to take care of when you go for conversion?*
First and formost get the conversion done by an authorised workshop .Ask for his authorisation papers.The igl website also gives you a list of authorised workshops.
what is the cost of conversion?
The cost range from35000 to45000 Rs.depending on the cylinder size.You will get back the investment within the first year, if you have a daily run of 70 km. If you are a habitual ’overtaker’ or a Narain Karthikayan Jr. CNG is not for you.There is a power difference of say ten percent compared to petrol.If you are a cool and patient driver, a gentleman on the road, who drives at a normal speed **of 60, to 70 go for it.
What about the cars under warranty?
*The warranty will lapse when you get the conversion done.
*HOW MUCH economy does it give?
You will have a song on your lips whenever you drive on CNG.It costs you less than one rupee per KM!
What about **safety and insurance?
The Motor Vehicles act prohibits you to make any kind of alteration without the permission of the RTO.So you have to get the cng kit endorsed in the RC.But the negative side is that when you sell the car the buyer will istantly come to know of the cng and the price will go to half the normal market price.Lets accept the fact that nobody want to buy a car
run on gas for five years at a good cost.So most people dont go for the paper work and the hassle of dealing with the RTO .
I** have got the installation done by an authorised workshop. I went to the RTO with the papers and got it endorsed in my RC without paying any bribe!Then I asked my insurance company to cover the CNG kit, which they gladly did on payment of additional 4000 RS.
Now you know why I call it the wise man’s fuel!