Z18XER and LPG conversion?

[strela]

I think about converting Z18XER engine to LPG (BRC sequential system).

Are there any experiences about it / advices?

Thanks in advance.

Best regards.

[rich r]

Z18XE came with LPG as an option from the factory (eg Vectra and Astra 'Dual Fuel' models), and as such the engine was designed from the beginning to be able to run on LPG as well as it does on petrol. It has hardened valve seats, stronger ignition system and cam profiles that suit LPG well. In terms of servicing, Vauxhall specify a filter change and leak test every 80,000 miles but nothing else.

As Z18XER is basically the same engine but with variable valve timing, it too should work very well with LPG.

I had the BRC system on my previous car (a 1996 Subaru Legacy 2.2) and it was superb. I can't see any issues with that on your Vectra.

The factory installed (well, technically not actually installed in the factory, but the conversion is done before it gets to the dealers, and uses parts that are indistinguishable from the original petrol only ones) system is very good - it even uses the same fuel gauge (just switches to show the LPG tank or the petrol tank depending on which fuel you're currently running on).

I can get about 350 miles to a 45 litre tank (£30 of LPG), and I'd expect you to get the same or better on your VVT engine.

[strela]

@rich
Is your tank capacity 45 liters total (available would be 80% = 36 liters), or 45 liters is 80% of total capacity (total = 57 liters; 80% available = 45 liters)?

In the first case, consumption is about 6.4 liters (seems too small).
The other case, consumption is about 8 liters (sounds ok)

Do you use Flash Lube?

Thanks for answers.

Best regards.

[rich r]

No need for Flashlube or similar on the Z18XE as it was designed for LPG (hardened valve seats and valve guides).

45 litres is the fill capacity, so yes, the tank itself is about 55 litres in total. Fills the spare wheel well right up to the floor level.

It's the standard Vauxhall system. Though oddly their brochure implies it'll only do 260 miles (418km) to a full tank. I can get 350 miles (560km) from mine!

[strela]

BRC has list of compatible cars. There is listed under Vauxhall also Z18XE.

http://www.brc-lpg.gr/compatible.html

Best regards.

[sterie]

Hi,
I was thinking of getting an lpg conversion on my 2003 Vectra sri 1.8, the link above states this:
(cut and paste)
Vauxhall X16SEP, Z18XE, Z18XER & Z20ZE engines require Flashlube. Others including direct injection are OK.

So my question is does the engine require flashlube?
I assume my engine is the non vvti 1.8 which means it is the z18xe is that correct?

[rich r]

Interesting. Unless Vauxhall replace the valve seats on their own engines for their own LPG Dual Fuel conversions, the Z18XE does not require Flashlube.

Definitely no Flashlube on any of the thousands of Dual Fuel 1.8 Vectras, Astras and Zafiras out there. The Vauxhall brochures go on at great length as to how the Z18 engine was designed for LPG from the start (no doubt one of the reasons why they didn't use the existing X18 series in the Vectra C)

Yes, you have the same engine as I do in my early 2004 1.8 Dual Fuel Elegance - except mine was converted by Vauxhall (well, Millbrook on behalf of Vauxhall) to run on LPG. The only difference in servicing from the non-LPG version is a pressure check and new filter every 60,000 miles.

[Wacky77]

I have a vectra dual fuel I've been having problems with, I recently spoke to an independent LPG specialist who was an approved vauxhall dual fuel agent and he assured me the 1.8 doesn't have hardened valve seats? do they or don't they?

[m8internet]

Though oddly their brochure implies it'll only do 260 miles (418km) to a full tank. I can get 350 miles (560km) from mine!

That is because you are not supposed to run a LPG tank down to less than 10% volume

We have the same issue with LPG fuel tanks at petrol stations, the alarm comes on at 20% and when they reach 10% the emergency valve cuts in
Equally, they cannot be filled up to above 90%
It also takes three times as long to fill them up, plus the volume added is not precise

I am quite sure you have noticed a similar issue when refilling from a pump
We've had complaints in the past where people fill up with small volumes of fuel and complete refills and advise the fuel tank reading does not match
We have a leaflet for this which has to be issued to customers

[tonci26]

Hi i have a vec 1.8 z18xe and i have LPG and no problem a all the ca run well also at high speed (200km/h)