Why can't turbocharged cars be converted to run on natural gas?
2 Answers
The reason why turbocharged cars cannot be converted to run on natural gas is: the conversion requires compressing the natural gas to a certain extent, necessitating pressure sensors, pressure relief valves, and modifications to the ECU's parameters. Additionally, both the piping and wiring need to be altered, which can adversely affect the engine. High maintenance costs after conversion: After converting to natural gas, components such as the valves, combustion chamber, and fuel injectors are more prone to carbon buildup. This can lead to unstable idling, difficulty starting, and a faster decline in engine lifespan compared to running on gasoline, along with reduced power output. Decreased engine lifespan: Natural gas burns at a higher temperature, causing the engine to overheat and age prematurely. Furthermore, although natural gas undergoes processing, it still contains trace amounts of sulfur, which can significantly corrode the engine.
I've always considered turbocharged cars converted to run on gas as a minefield, primarily because the turbo system generates extremely high pressure at high RPMs. If the gas intake isn't properly adjusted, it can easily lead to combustion imbalance or knocking issues. I know a fellow car enthusiast who tried this modification, and it wasn't long before the turbo developed problems. During repairs, they discovered abnormal intake pressure and burnt-out spark plugs. This isn't just about performance loss—it could also pose safety hazards, like backfiring with visible sparks. If you're really looking to save on fuel costs, it's much safer to switch to a factory-built gas-powered vehicle rather than risking modifications. From a daily driving perspective, such conversions disrupt the factory's balanced design—like forcing an incompatible component into the system—and are bound to cause failures eventually. So I believe it's not worth the risk; safe driving should always come first.
