Hi all,

I've had my RX300 for about 9 months now, 2000 "X" reg, 34000 miles when I bought it, 45,000 miles now. I'm thinking about going for a LPG conversion as the last time time that I filled it up it cost me £69 !

If you've had a LPG conversion, please advise of the pro's cons and what to look out for.

Thanks in advance,

regards,

Fraser Smith
Edinburgh

I'm considering it myself - found this conversion which looks pretty good.

Going to wait to see if idiot brown sticks any duty on LPG before committing to it as its around 2.2K

Hi

We had my wife's 2001 RX300 converted about 6 months ago. I've run LPG cars before. On Series 1, LPG install is pretty good. There is an excellent space where the spare wheel is - our installer managed to fit a 90 litre toroidal tank in there (fills with around 68l of LPG, range around 300 miles). He used an e-gas multipoint injection system, and the install came to £2k. Reckon I save approx £100 per 1000 miles, so money back in 20000 miles, which is around 2 years driving for her. Plus it's convenient for us - we actually have an LPG station at our village farm shop - nearest petrol station is 8 miles away. LPG at farm shop is 43p/litre at the moment. LPG tanks is completely invisible - no change in boot floor. Filler a few inches below and behind the petrol flap.

Car runs very smoothly with no noticable loss of power.

Andrew
PS: My brother has just bought a 2004 Series 2 RX300, although I don't think he's planning on converting that. I did notice the difference in spare-wheel location - I don't think it would be so easy to fit a tank under the boot floor if you were converting a Series 2.

Had my 2003 MkII RX300 converted to LPG a few months ago - the tank goes in place of the spare wheel under the car.

So far it is excellent - you cannot tell it is running on LPG!!!

Instead of costing £50 to top up it now costs around £25 - absolutely fantastic, wish i had had it done earlier.

Jon

Don't forget that you also get a saving on Roadtax.

My tax is now £195 instead of £210.

I will be looking to upgrade to a series 2 Rx shortly so its good to see that conversion is possible. I certainly would not own a car without lpg at the moment.

No regrets here!

SJT

Been looking seriously into this having only just bought my RX300 Mk1 2003......the way I figure it, its better to get it done sooner than later if you want to reap the benifits!.....seems around £2K is the going price....which means it pays for itself in 2 years, if the tax regime stays as is.......

A question for the vehicles already converted.....what the hell does it do to the fuel computer read out? Surely it must bugger up the reading completely?

Best regards David

When i flick between lpg & petrol the readout drops by about 10% (ish!). I dont know how it all works but i assume its a genuine readout of the lpg mpg!!??

Its so cheap to run that it doesnt really matter!

SJT

Wow! really? thats impressive....I really thought the lpg would not be registered on the computer.....but great news....may I ask who and what system they installed? I ask becuase there seems to be so many manufacturers of lpg kits these installers use, it would be nice to specify one that tetains the computer system intact....

Thanks for the info

Best regards David

I have sent the contact details via PM.

SJT

I looked at buying a '04 RX300 but when I asked about converting to LPG was advised that Lexus do not recommend it and it would void any warranty claim? The fact it couldn't be converted made me opt for the IS220D instead.

Hmm odd......as the installers I have looked at list as using a system approved/recommended by Lexus!

oops...I will correct that atatement as it appears they only list the manufacturer on thier site.....not specifically that it is an "approved" conversion.....ha ha...big difference...

Best regards David

MAKE SURE U HAVE A FLASHLUBE SYSTEM FITTED OR U WILL END UP WITH AN EXPENSIVE BILL!!!!!

Indeed, it appears every system I have seen so far includes "flashlube" for this particular vehicle.....which is a good sign I guess?

Try to get the hang of this forum larky so here goes!

Drove my 2003 lexus rx300 for just over a month and so far enjoyed every minute.
I have spent almost 6 months finding out about this car(a bit sad realy drove my partner mad) the good the bad and the ugly but so far I havent found any of this as a 4x4 type vehicle it is very comfi etc even getting 23 to the gallon just trolleying around not bad at all.
Any way talking about the fuel my ultimate intention before buying this car was to convert it to lpg. phase 1 locating the spare from under the car. this I have done by manufacturing a bracket fixed at one side in the boot so it is now stud up on it's side thus still giveing enough room to fit the dog carrier and suit cases ready for the cornwall and scotland tour etc
Phase 2 the convertion now then I have had 3 quotes with all saying theres is the the best umm now Normally I would go for the mid price. But before this Im gona ask in here for any feed back on any convertions already done.

Regards Steve

ps If any one's interested in the spare wheel bracket for the boot let me no and I will post some pici's on here (my rx is with spare origanaly underneath).

Has anyone done this LPG conversion on an Rx400h? If so is it successful?

Hi Hows the convertion going
I'm just about jump feet first into this lpg larki with my rx300 se 2003 model have now spent more time than thought deliberating on which system to go for they all say theres is the best prices from EGAS£1650 to PRINs £2300 ?

Me too......been hawking around the sites and chatted to a few installers in my area, seems "prins" and "BRS"....(not sure about that last one) are the most favoured....hopefully not because they are the most profitable for the installer....yes I know, call me a cynic!

I would like an install that leaves the engine bay looking tidy.....a couple of piccies I have seen leave the gas manifold laying across the top of the engine cover, not what I would call attractive .

Although I was reading Januarys Jag owners magazine yesterday and some chap had his Jag converted down in Exeter I think it was, and they managed to fit it all under the engine cover....looked neat, bloomin' cannot remeber the name of the company now though (the mag was in the dentist waiting room......oh yes, my dentist has up to date magazines )

Its getting to the stage now for me to wittle down the contenders......

Best regards David

The first installer I went to informed me the cover on the engine could not be refit after gas convertion so yep it looks like it's gona be little less prity under the bonnet. Almost 2 months down the line and still cannot make a decission on which system to go for. Now had a fitter saying omvl systems does the same as prins system all be it almost 400 cheaper umm this weekend I realy do have to make a decision ( Whatch this space) O also decided to have a towbar fitted before the convertion gone for a westfali detachable 450.00 not bad all the lpg guys say to have it fitted first thats another thing they all have in common as well as saying there system is the best.

steve

Hi Andrew
Hows the Egas system going??
Steve

Hi Jon could you tell me what sytem you used and I f you have had any problems with the convertion.

Hi Steve,

I'm thinking of getting a RX300 and converting to LPG, can you post your pics of your wheel bracket in the boot?


Cheers

Does having the LPG system fitted put the RX in a lower emissions band ?

Alan

Thinking of going down the LPG route myself- any updates on which system is best?

You get a whole £10 discount for alternative fuels - I have read LPG is supposed to reduce the 'carbons' by 20% so you would think there would be a better discount.....

My mates currently getting his X5 converted to LPG at somewhere in heanor so I'm going to see if they are anygood then possibly have it done to mine.

bump

Hi

I used to work for an approved LPGA installer a couple of years ago when "between jobs"

Just converted my own LS430 to LPG see this thread

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/ind...showtopic=49175

I would not consider any other system available at the moment other than the PRINS VSI it is beautifully made, very easy to set up, stays set up and in tune and comes with a 24mth warrantee. The OMVL is the next best but they don't stay in tune and the quality of the parts is much cheaper.

The 300 engine will suffer from valve seat recession if you do not fit a Flash Lube kit. You can also get insurance against valve recession to ease your mind.

I have not put this on to advertise conversions and I will not do one for someone else but if you have any questions I will answer if I can.

Mine has just done over 1000miles since conversion and is running well

There are no kits currently available that will make your fuel computer work and show LPG MPG, the computers work by measuring fuel used via petrol injector opening times, these are in milliseconds. It then does a simple calculation against distance travelled. When on LPG it is still measuring opening times on petrol, the ecu still thinks the car is on petrol so the display shows petrol MPG. The signal to the injectors leaves the ecu after “speaking” to the fuel computer, it is then “robbed” by the LPG emulators and transferred to the LPG injectors via the LPG ECU, after upping the opening time by about 20%. So as you can see it cannot give you LPG MPG (that is a very basic description)

LPG MPG is about 20% less than petrol MPG due to its lower calorific value, I get 23mpg on petrol and 19mpg on LPG.

Go for the conversion you will not be sorry

Pete

Hmm, some very useful snippets there. I am still "on the cusp" of having a conversion......locally here in Essex it is very hard to get discounts from installers.......most are hovering around £2000-2200......using anything from Prins/BRC/Egas/Micromise

The best deal so far I have found uses BRC.....I understood this manufacturer to be pretty much on a par with Prins and very well respected......what say you Pete?

Its good to have some "inside" knowledge that can trusted.

Best regards David

David

I really don't like to be specific about other systems, all I will say is that I would not fit anything other than Prins to a top end car such as Lexus, the quality of the kit and the peace of mind is worth the extra, when I worked for the installer we had about three "repairs" a week comming in and maybe two services, I worked for about 18mths and only ever had to service Prins, all the repairs were on other makes.

Pete

Hi,

I thought I would share my experience of the LPG system, I have a II 2003 RX300 which I converted to LPG 2 years ago, and have covered some 30,000 miles since. I installed what is deemed the top of the range PRINS VSI system and in my opinion I would not fit anything else, the system is universally accepted to be the best of the best and I do not think anything else is good enough for a top of the range car.

I have had no problems at all, Lexus will not cover on warranty and issue that is due to the LPG conversion so basically engine problems that they have to prove has been caused by the LPG system. I did get this in writing from Lexus as I too was jumpy to start with.

Certain Lexus dealers get a bit jumpy come service time, but that is the exception and normally down to a level of ignorance.

The tank replaces the spare wheel so does not alter the interior of the car at all. I have had the system fitted and the engine cover is still in place, there is a sligh modification for the gas injectors but nothing else, the engine bay is still nice and tidy.

I had the filler cap fitted in the plastic trim by the rear wheels, as it is exactly the same colour and is therefore is not at all noticable.

As always a personal decision, but no regrets from me, exspecially when filling up at 55p a litre.

On the tax question, the chancellor has declared that any change in fuel duty for LPG will have a 3 year warning, therefore you have at lest 3 years of worry free LPG motoring which will more than cover the cost for most users.

For me it is a no brainer, and when I buy a car I always have one eye on the coversion capabillity as I hate diesel cars "Sorry just my personal opinion"

Any questions let me know and I will help if I can.

Regards,

Greg.

Where did you get it done and any idea how much it would cost today?

Hi everyone,some very useful info on this thread.Iam thinking of converting my 04 RX300 to LPG.
Would recommend that you get this done somewhere local for any support required afterwards.
My local approved garage is recommending a system that injects petrol into the tank for lubrication.
Therefore no need for flash lube.But would probably add this for extra protection.
The system is called Maclaren xcelerate,and has been on the market for few months.
All the components on this system are prins ie injectors etc.
Any chance someone can pm me with some info on this system and advice.

thanks

Hi Greg, thanks for taking the time to share you experiance with LPG. Hope is still all well. I'm seriously considering converting my 04 rx300. Where did you get your conversion done?

Rgds
K

Firstly I'd like to say hi to all members, as I'm new in here.
Having just bought an RX300 SE MK1 2003, I reckon I'll be in and out of here quite a bit, gleaning all types of info I can, and hopefully adding a few bits and bobs of knowledge if I'm able to also!
Bought the car Friday, absolutely smashing to drive, much better than my last car, a 2000 Omega 2.5td auto Elite estate, which somebody nicely wrote off for me 2 weeks ago.
After trolling through many reviews and forums concerning the RX300, being spoilt previously with the economics of the previous car being a diesel, I've come to the conclusion, that I'll be much better off converting to LPG.
I was warned tho by Lexus main dealer at Exeter, that if I went for the RX300 MK2 I wouldn't be able to convert to LPG, after numerous enquiries with LPG convertion garages, the feedback I got back was that it was totally o.k to convert mk2's, but it was a ball-ache converting because of the spare wheel being underneath the car, as opposed to the mk1 where the spare wheel is located inside, at the back where spare wheels are usually stored.
So next month I'm booked into OZON LPG INSTALLATIONS in Plymouth, who'll do the conversion for £1400 all in, very reputable too as they were featured on the local news, concerning the recent increase in LPG conversions.
The only grey area with the LPG convertion, is whether or not to go for the Flashlube or not? as some say go for it, and some say not to bother, I'd like to hear of any feedback on that before I go ahead and add it on.

hi, i own a rx300 series 2, and interested in having it converted to lpg, what size tank have some of yourselves have had fitted to the underside of the wheel well and dimensions if you no???

thanks

[quote name='az786' date='Aug 13 2008, 02:00 PM' post='571388']
hi, i own a rx300 series 2, and interested in having it converted to lpg, what size tank have some of yourselves have had fitted to the underside of the wheel well and dimensions if you no???

thanks
[/quot hi am just fitting a conversion to my 05 mk2 model i have just managed to fit a 73ltr stako toroidal tank where underslung spare wheel was with 20mm clearance front to rear diff and 20mm clear to rear to the witter detachable towbar which i have fitted. hope this helps i dont think you will get a larger tank in. have finished all tank area pipe work and vent. ihave just started the front end kit fitting will post how i am getting on cheers dave :

Hi Fraser,
Had the wifes rx converted about a year ago at a cost of £2300.The car ran great with no difference in performance/then approx 3 months ago the engine
managment light came on.Bank 1 and 2 running to lean and after getting the gas system checked took the car to Lexus in Edinburgh to check the fault only
to be told it was the gas system at fault and relieved me of £160 in the procces.As i write this the engine is in pieces with the cause being a cracked exhaust
valve on number 6.Have to add that the car does 40 thou miles a year.do not know if running gas caused this or not but a mechanic friend says he has never
seen anything like it in 30 years of being a mechanic.When the gas conversion was done thought it was great and was told the engine runs hotter therfore
more efficient and cleaner.maybe if the car was run on super unleaded for a tank then switched onto gas and vice versa the story might be different.
Dont mean to be negative but until i find out the cause i would say be very wary of the conversion.Also was not impressed with lexus edinburgh who kept me
waiting for 3 hours just to tell me what else was wrong with the car but the fault that i wanted to find.
regards,
malky

.As i write this the engine is in pieces with the cause being a cracked exhaust
valve on number 6.

Just out of interest Malky, were you running the Flashlube system with your LPG conversion?

Exactly what I was wondering....having done a lot of research while contemplating having mine converted I was told by some it was a good idea but my choice to have flashlube!, some that it was not needed at all and a couple that it was ESSENTIAL on that particular engine!

Best regards David