Performance, Efficiency, And Emissions Comparison Of A 1996 Chrysler 3.3 Liter V-6 Engine Operating On Gasoline And Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Abstract

Texas A&M University was awarded a 1996 Dodge Caravan for its competition entry into the 1996 Propane Vehicle Challenge. The particular engine design for this vehicle, a 3.3 liter V-6, was utilized to determine the operating differences between a stock engine running on gasoline, a stock engine running on liquefied petroleum gas, and a modified, optimized engine running on liquefied petroleum gas. The resulting experimentation provided comparisons among the performance levels of the engines with each fuel, and efficiency and emissions comparisons were made to promote a well balanced engine package. The results showed that the stock gasoline engine produced the manufacturer's claimed performance. When the same engine was run on LPG, the brake torque and brake power were comparable at low engine speeds, but fell by up to 12 percent at higher speeds. After the engine was modified, the performance returned close to gasoline levels, providing similar or better performance while running on LPG. LPG efficiencies and emissions bettered those of gasoline in many cases.