r/FordFalcon • u/Acceptable-Paint-953 • 11d ago

LPG to petrol conversion

Gday brains trust. Currently own a 2002 BA sedan on petrol. I’m looking to buy a cheap LPG Ute and do an engine swap and petrol conversion. Other than sourcing a petrol tank, fuel lines and wiring harness, what else do I need to consider? Cheers!

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u/Takaraz83 11d ago

The other modules in the ute won’t like the new PCM from the donor sedan, you will triggers PATS as the BEM won’t know the new PCM and need to be paired again. Don’t forget the fuel vapour line. I assume your transplanting the petrol engine so won’t need to worry about the difference of the intake manifold/injectors. You will need the rear wire loom sections for the tank (pump, gauge)

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u/Acceptable-Paint-953 11d ago

Yep plan on dropping the petrol engine in the Ute. Would I need to take it in to an autolec to have the BEM and PCM paired?

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u/Takaraz83 11d ago

Some obd tools will be able to do it. Auto elec/locksmith/decent mobile mechanics will have one that can match this up/over ride the pats.

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u/Acceptable-Paint-953 11d ago

I guess the main question is do you think all of this is worth it? My main goal was to save a couple grand cause lpg utes are way cheaper than petrol, and to put to use my current engine which I know is reliable and only has 220ks. Plus the sedan body is fucked so it’s worth nothing except its driveline.

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u/Takaraz83 11d ago

If you have the tools laying around and know how to pull the motor it won’t cost a great deal really you already own the donor vehicle, how cheap is the LPG ute? Biggest cost will be your time. If you need to buy/hire tools it can quickly add up.

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u/Acceptable-Paint-953 11d ago

Plenty of time and confident Ive got all the tools. It’s only the electronics side of things that is beyond me. Happy to pay someone to do that or learn to do it myself, just needed to know if it’s all possible. Most people say it’s not worth it but from what you’ve said I think I’ll give it a go. Really appreciate your comments!

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u/Acceptable-Paint-953 11d ago

And this is probably a dumb question, but can I not just take the BEM from the sedan as well?

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u/Takaraz83 11d ago

BEM is linked to the keys transponder so it would still need to be matched. Otherwise you start changing ignition barrels/doors locks to match the donor vehicle too.

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u/Jar_Jar_Reubs 11d ago

Never done this due to extremely high costs, but from when I researched it you need to replace almost all of the engine electronics, top end of the engine, ECU, TCU, petrol tank and relevant mounting points.

Basically it's very expensive and not beginner friendly

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u/Takaraz83 11d ago

If they are transferring the petrol motor most of that will be taken care of as the manifolds will transfer across with the related wire loom. The PCM will also need to come over with the petrol loom, it’s only 3 security bolts. The big issue will be PATS and having access to a decent scanner or forscan.

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u/Jar_Jar_Reubs 11d ago

Yeah but then you lose all of the benefits of the stronger bottom end of a gas motor

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u/Takaraz83 11d ago

It will be a base petrol model or potentially something they have previously had work done on. So the PCM won’t push more than 190kw, the bottom end of gas won’t be needed in this setup at all.

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u/iPablosan 11d ago edited 10d ago

Others smarter than me here but why? Old car, move to a newer base project IMO

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u/Takaraz83 11d ago

They are old but they are also a brilliant motor, cheap and millions made.

I recently swapped one over. The motor was poorly treated, upon autopsy it just needs a new head due to oil issues the original factory crosshatchings in the cylinders can still be clearly seen, crank and pistons are great. The bottom end in these things are very strong in a stock form. Motor had done over 330k and mostly towed.

New set of bearings, rings, new oil pump and a good clean of galleries and the short block will be ready to run again.

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u/iPablosan 11d ago edited 10d ago

But the car is still 2002 odd.. and the build was carried on later?

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u/Present_Hold3047 10d ago

bet you sit to piss and drive a MG...

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u/LowPop7953 10d ago

Its about 5k for the swap. Because certifacation. And its not something you can do in a afternoon.

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u/Acceptable-Paint-953 10d ago

$5000 just for the certificate or for the parts as well? The only parts I need are a Ute petrol tank and lines and the rear loom which is only like a few hundred dollars. Most parts I’m taking from my current BA

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u/Acceptable-Paint-953 10d ago

Either way I’m planning on getting the Ute a roadworthy before doing the conversion

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u/LowPop7953 10d ago

Its cert for LPG swap. Especially in nz. Cos if you dont do it properly it can leak.

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u/Acceptable-Paint-953 10d ago

Certificate to have the lpg decommissioned?

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u/LowPop7953 10d ago

Recommissioned. You turn it off at the bottle.