Buying 07 Aurion Prodigy... Gas conversion???

[Ohwhatafeelin]

So....ive been looking at getting an Aurion for the past few weeks since my car was written off in the hail storm here in Melbourne. I decided on the Aurion for power / options / economy and couldnt find a car in its price range that competes. Im looking particularly at the 2007 Prodigy and the ones within my price range generally have 50k - 80k kms. What are peoples opinions on putting this baby on gas? Ive spoken to ezygas and they claim to have done a few conversions on Aurions and have been successful. Cost will be around $2200 out of my pocket after the rebate. Thanks in advance....

[VF-X]

Hey.. Welcome

This should help you out to start with your queries.

http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/inde...=14355&st=0

http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/lofi...php/t10437.html

[Ohwhatafeelin]

Hey.. Welcome

This should help you out to start with your queries.

http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/inde...=14355&st=0

http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/lofi...php/t10437.html

Cheers for the response. I did try a search but couldnt find anything originally. I'd still be interested to hear if any Aurion drivers here have contemplated the conversion...

[Silver-Aurion]

Have you been looking for a Prodigy yet? Around what prices are they selling at the ones you are looking at?

[Ohwhatafeelin]

Have you been looking for a Prodigy yet? Around what prices are they selling at the ones you are looking at?

Yeah i have looked at a bunch of Prodigies, ZR6ers and even some Presaras. But i came to the conclusion i will go for something on the cheaper side of things so i can option / mod the car to my liking instead. So im after a Silver 07 Prodigy under 80k kms for no more than $24k. The Aurions seem to sell quite well here (in Melb) and im positive the effects of the hail storm have contributed to cars selling. About 5 Prodigies under $24k that i was watching have sold quite quickly.

[mikka]

Try Pickles Auctions - I got my 2007 Prodigy with 63k on the clock and tint and bluetooth car kit included for $19,500. Car is flawless, was previously a Blue Care Nurses car, they're the guys that drive the elderly around to help with their shopping etc.

[Ohwhatafeelin]

Try Pickles Auctions - I got my 2007 Prodigy with 63k on the clock and tint and bluetooth car kit included for $19,500. Car is flawless, was previously a Blue Care Nurses car, they're the guys that drive the elderly around to help with their shopping etc.

damn...that sounds like an awesome buy. my thoughts on the auctions were that the good cars would be snapped up by the dealers first. i did originally look into the auctions though.

[Silver-Aurion]

Try Pickles Auctions - I got my 2007 Prodigy with 63k on the clock and tint and bluetooth car kit included for $19,500. Car is flawless, was previously a Blue Care Nurses car, they're the guys that drive the elderly around to help with their shopping etc.

You lucky *****!! I got mine with 59,000K and $24,000. The only extras mine came with was Tinted windows, rear Toyota spoiler, Toyota Aurion floor mats and metallic paint.

Your price sounds much much better!

[mikka]

I knew I got a good deal when I went to insure it online and the market value on the insurance company website showed $31,500 :-).

BTW I didn't actually bid at the auction, mine was a fixed price car. I had a look yesterday and the fixed price ones were a bit more expensive but keep an eye on the website and you might find one come up under $20k.

[Newcastle]

I had my ZR6 converted to gas injection in Oct All going well with the conversion, my only issue's are that the gas filler is crammed into the petrol fill point( I did not want an external gas fill point, have to just live with it 'maybe a little re-engineering' ). I have an issue with the VSC lights coming on whilst using gas, I am hoping the manufacturer will fix this soon as it is a programming issue. The VSC lights go out when I switch back to unleaded.

The all important usage figures: NB These figures are not from driving with economy in mind, I enjoy the 200Kw of Toyota power and sports mode

393km using 41.22ltrs = 10.49lt/100km around town running

414km using 38.81ltrs = 9.37lt/100km Sydney/Newcastle trip with around town running

So for around $25 (Gas @ 0.59) I am doing 400km (Based on 10.50lt/100km)

Where as I believe petrol at 9.5lt/100 (petrol @ 1.2) would cost around $45 for 400km

Conversion will pay for itself in two years ($4000 Conversion less $1750 Rebate)

Cheers Hope this helps

[prometheus]

I had my ZR6 converted to gas injection in Oct All going well with the conversion, my only issue's are that the gas filler is crammed into the petrol fill point( I did not want an external gas fill point, have to just live with it 'maybe a little re-engineering' ). I have an issue with the VSC lights coming on whilst using gas, I am hoping the manufacturer will fix this soon as it is a programming issue. The VSC lights go out when I switch back to unleaded.

The all important usage figures: NB These figures are not from driving with economy in mind, I enjoy the 200Kw of Toyota power and sports mode

393km using 41.22ltrs = 10.49lt/100km around town running

414km using 38.81ltrs = 9.37lt/100km Sydney/Newcastle trip with around town running

So for around $25 (Gas @ 0.59) I am doing 400km (Based on 10.50lt/100km)

Where as I believe petrol at 9.5lt/100 (petrol @ 1.2) would cost around $45 for 400km

Conversion will pay for itself in two years ($4000 Conversion less $1750 Rebate)

Cheers Hope this helps

Have you had any loss in power ?

[Rocketeer1]

Keep in mind those who are running gas, that it has differing properties to petrol. Most importantly, its a very clean, hot burning fuel. Clean- you wont get sludges in a gas engine. Hot- cylinder temps are far hotter than petrol. Please dont stick with thin (10w30 and the like) oils. Any vehicles we see running on gas go straight to 25w60, typically with fuel economy benefits in the region of 17% (taxi's love the stuff) because 'typical' thinner oils cannot stand the increased temps.

[dave262]

I had my ZR6 converted to gas injection in Oct All going well with the conversion, my only issue's are that the gas filler is crammed into the petrol fill point( I did not want an external gas fill point, have to just live with it 'maybe a little re-engineering' ). I have an issue with the VSC lights coming on whilst using gas, I am hoping the manufacturer will fix this soon as it is a programming issue. The VSC lights go out when I switch back to unleaded.

The all important usage figures: NB These figures are not from driving with economy in mind, I enjoy the 200Kw of Toyota power and sports mode

393km using 41.22ltrs = 10.49lt/100km around town running

414km using 38.81ltrs = 9.37lt/100km Sydney/Newcastle trip with around town running

So for around $25 (Gas @ 0.59) I am doing 400km (Based on 10.50lt/100km)

Where as I believe petrol at 9.5lt/100 (petrol @ 1.2) would cost around $45 for 400km

Conversion will pay for itself in two years ($4000 Conversion less $1750 Rebate)

Cheers Hope this helps

Have you had any loss in power ?

The gas injection systems are far more advanced than the previous mixer gas setups, but are also significantly newer and more expensive. Going with the injection system is the best solution for modern day cars, as it doesn't cause a significant performance or efficiency loss, and is generally more reliable. Essentially, the old-style system mixes gas with air through the air intake and basically "tricks" the ECU into thinking it is still injecting and running the engine normally off petrol. The gas injection system basically replicates the existing petrol injection system and uses its own ECU and sensor hook-ups, thus the reason for the significantly higher cost. You will also probably void your warranty (if you have one).

As was mentioned by Rocketeer1 however, do remember that the properties of gas make it quite harsh on engines that are not specifically designed for it. In addition to using thicker oil, keep in mind that gas also has very little lubrication properties and can therefore cause some damage to valve seats and other internal engine components. Generally there are additives that are supposed to keep this at bay, but you would have to check this with a qualified installer.

This is just some general information I found when considering a conversion myself, but I personally decided against it due to the increased wear-and-tear factors and high costs. Also not a major fan of having a compressed tank of gas behind me or losing boot space or my spare tyre. The best places to go and find the advantages and disadvantages would be a reputable gas installer and a good mechanic.

[Newcastle]

I had my ZR6 converted to gas injection in Oct All going well with the conversion, my only issue's are that the gas filler is crammed into the petrol fill point( I did not want an external gas fill point, have to just live with it 'maybe a little re-engineering' ). I have an issue with the VSC lights coming on whilst using gas, I am hoping the manufacturer will fix this soon as it is a programming issue. The VSC lights go out when I switch back to unleaded.

The all important usage figures: NB These figures are not from driving with economy in mind, I enjoy the 200Kw of Toyota power and sports mode

393km using 41.22ltrs = 10.49lt/100km around town running

414km using 38.81ltrs = 9.37lt/100km Sydney/Newcastle trip with around town running

So for around $25 (Gas @ 0.59) I am doing 400km (Based on 10.50lt/100km)

Where as I believe petrol at 9.5lt/100 (petrol @ 1.2) would cost around $45 for 400km

Conversion will pay for itself in two years ($4000 Conversion less $1750 Rebate)

Cheers Hope this helps

Have you had any loss in power ?

No noticeable power loss, dyno would give true figures.

[Newcastle]

Keep in mind those who are running gas, that it has differing properties to petrol. Most importantly, its a very clean, hot burning fuel. Clean- you wont get sludges in a gas engine. Hot- cylinder temps are far hotter than petrol. Please dont stick with thin (10w30 and the like) oils. Any vehicles we see running on gas go straight to 25w60, typically with fuel economy benefits in the region of 17% (taxi's love the stuff) because 'typical' thinner oils cannot stand the increased temps.

My coolant gauge sits half way either on gas or petrol, I had a falcon on gas for 10 years and ran 15w-50 semi-synthetic did 340000kms it still runs perfect for the new owner with no oil consumption at all.

[Newcastle]

I had my ZR6 converted to gas injection in Oct All going well with the conversion, my only issue's are that the gas filler is crammed into the petrol fill point( I did not want an external gas fill point, have to just live with it 'maybe a little re-engineering' ). I have an issue with the VSC lights coming on whilst using gas, I am hoping the manufacturer will fix this soon as it is a programming issue. The VSC lights go out when I switch back to unleaded.

The all important usage figures: NB These figures are not from driving with economy in mind, I enjoy the 200Kw of Toyota power and sports mode

393km using 41.22ltrs = 10.49lt/100km around town running

414km using 38.81ltrs = 9.37lt/100km Sydney/Newcastle trip with around town running

So for around $25 (Gas @ 0.59) I am doing 400km (Based on 10.50lt/100km)

Where as I believe petrol at 9.5lt/100 (petrol @ 1.2) would cost around $45 for 400km

Conversion will pay for itself in two years ($4000 Conversion less $1750 Rebate)

Cheers Hope this helps

Have you had any loss in power ?

The gas injection systems are far more advanced than the previous mixer gas setups, but are also significantly newer and more expensive. Going with the injection system is the best solution for modern day cars, as it doesn't cause a significant performance or efficiency loss, and is generally more reliable. Essentially, the old-style system mixes gas with air through the air intake and basically "tricks" the ECU into thinking it is still injecting and running the engine normally off petrol. The gas injection system basically replicates the existing petrol injection system and uses its own ECU and sensor hook-ups, thus the reason for the significantly higher cost. You will also probably void your warranty (if you have one).

As was mentioned by Rocketeer1 however, do remember that the properties of gas make it quite harsh on engines that are not specifically designed for it. In addition to using thicker oil, keep in mind that gas also has very little lubrication properties and can therefore cause some damage to valve seats and other internal engine components. Generally there are additives that are supposed to keep this at bay, but you would have to check this with a qualified installer.

This is just some general information I found when considering a conversion myself, but I personally decided against it due to the increased wear-and-tear factors and high costs. Also not a major fan of having a compressed tank of gas behind me or losing boot space or my spare tyre. The best places to go and find the advantages and disadvantages would be a reputable gas installer and a good mechanic.

The system I have has its own injectors and the 'gas' ECU piggybacks off the main ECU, as for harshness I disagree, gas does not create carbon deposits, carbon creates wear and dilutes oil, the aurion engine is all alloy thereby has stainless inserts fitted to the head this negates the need for an upper cylinder lube kit.

Yes i have lost boot space but only at the back of the seat, my spare tyre is still in the same position, as for a tank it has built in safety valves.

There is a newer system liquid injection that is around $1500 more, has better economy and claimed increase in horsepower due to the fact of liquid gas is injected into the combustion cylinder creating colder denser air for combustion.

Edited March 24, 2010 by Newcastle

[lukedoggin]

hi

newcastle i was hoping you might be able to tell me if Toyota managed to sort out ur issue. i got my zr6 converted yesterday and i'm suffering the same problem with the VSC light on and check VSC system warning. hope it worked out. pls let me know

thx

[Newcastle]

hi

newcastle i was hoping you might be able to tell me if Toyota managed to sort out ur issue. i got my zr6 converted yesterday and i'm suffering the same problem with the VSC light on and check VSC system warning. hope it worked out. pls let me know

thx

Congrats on the conversion, I have not had time as yet. I have found that when I do run it on petrol every couple of weeks the tank has to be over half full and the VSC disappears, below half a tank of petrol it seems to stay on.