switch to CNG?

[qstarweb]

Anyone watching much TV lately knows there is a big push, in regard to energy policy, to start using compressed natural gas (CNG) to fuel cars and trucks.

Anyone know how the switch to CNG would affect performance and gas mileage of our Maximas?

Dean

2009 Maxima SV with sport package

[Tried]

The only baseline I can draw is the Honda Civic GX vs the standard gasoline version.

They both use a 1.8liter engine, but the GX version has 80% of the hp versus the gasoline version. GGE Economy is 24/36, which is pretty much the same as the gasoline version. However, it's harder to keep a lot of "fuel" onboard, so the range is only about 225-250 miles.

Info pulled from Wiki and Honda's website.

Relating this to Maxima, hp would go down to about 234, and range would be reduced (which is based on the size of the tank you can fit into the trunk).

Oh, and your trunk would go away too to make space for the CNG Cylinders.

And it might cost a lot to do the conversion and get a filling station in your house.

Although CNG IS a lot cheaper than normal gasoline, so if you drive a lot it might be worth it in the long run.

[RHMax]

Performance goes out the window with CNG, as Tried said. We had a cargo van that went CNG to reduce fuel cost. It's working out pretty well other than the less power factor; merging, passing, etc.

[ZYAL8R808]

Anyone watching much TV lately knows there is a big push, in regard to energy policy, to start using compressed natural gas (CNG) to fuel cars and trucks.

Anyone know how the switch to CNG would affect performance and gas mileage of our Maximas?

Dean

2009 Maxima SV with sport package

In 1999, Dodge released a Dodge Charger Concept that was powered by CNG. I thought that was a great idea back then and it still is. I don't know why the technology hasn't been developed for full production and consumer use. BTW, the concept was said to produce 325 HP and meet ULEV standards with a 4.7L V8.

Go here to see more http://www.71superbee.com/1999DODGECHARGERCONCEPT/

http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2007/06/04-chrysler-new-design-executives/1999-Dodge-Charger-Concept-lg.jpg