Propane option kl5

mschuyler · July 26, 2006

I am seriously interested in converting a 1500 to bi-fuel operation. Many sites, including chevrolet.com and edmunds.com, to name a couple, show a "KL5" mod that looks like a "pre-op" for an after-market propane conversion which costs appx $800 MSRP. It appears to be available on the 1500HD and the 2500HD and shows up when you attempt to 'build' a vehicle interactively on the sites. One of the aftermarket guys http://baftechnologies.com, even claims to have a kit available specifically for the K2500 Silverado 6.0L w/KL5 option and there are various other references to it on any web search. In fact, the KL5 reference has been out there a couple of years now.

However, I'm finding this very elusive. I've never found a KL5 in an inventory listing. The chevy dealers have no idea what I'm talking about (although "if we could fix this for you would you buy the vehicle today?"), and I found a deeply obscure reference on http://www.wheels.com that suggests the KL5 is "on hold until further notice."

So: Does anyone have or has anyone seen a live KL5 package? Or does anyone have additional information on converting to propane, as in some place that actually really does it to specs? Or is all this simply smoke and mirrors? TX.

opsbear7 · July 26, 2006

If it makes you feel any better i have NEVER heard of that in my life from GM and i work at a dealership!

firefighteremt3100 · July 26, 2006

If it makes you feel any better i have NEVER heard of that in my life from GM and i work at a dealership!

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WOW! HE LIVES! Welcome back to reality

I havent seen this option or heard of it either. And another thing to keep in mind...depending on where you do your driving...how plentiful is propane "pumps" if you will? Though I suppose if it is a "dual setup" you can choose one or the other...but then wouldn't it require two seperate tanks? Just some random sputtering from me. Kind of curious myself now....

OnyxMAX · July 27, 2006

the option just sets up the engine to accept the regulator and other propane stuff lines for the tank ect... plus you need a huge honking tank to stick in the bed. you also need a place to get fuel. bbq grill tanks wont get you anywere.

unless you have a place to fill, and don't mind the stink, and don't mind still using forien oil (porpane is refined from oil), and don't mind a tank the size of a tool box in your bed then go for it. otherwise the e-85 engine is prolly better choice.

CNG option is the same.

MS3DALE · July 27, 2006

The option "KL5" does exist,I've seen them,We actually ordered a couple at the dealership were I use to work at up home.

All this option means is that the engine is ready to be converted to CNG,The truck must be converted over to accept CNG.

Like OnyxMAX said,The CNG option is the same,But in this case the truck is "ready to run" on CNG right from the factory,It does not need to be converted.

This is available two ways...

RPO code "KL6" Bi-Fuel Compressed Natural Gas and "KL8" Dedicated Compressed Natural Gas.

The KL5 option is around $800.00,However the KL6 and KL8 options are around $8,000.00 but the truck is "ready-to-run" on CNG.

Hope this wasn't too confusing

mschuyler · July 28, 2006

Thanks for the information. In reply to some of the issues raised: Yup, for bi-fuel you will have two tanks and the only place to put it is in the bed. You could do a 30 gallon tank and it wouldn't be a monster (6x bbq size) but it would take up space. For the dedicated fuel the tank can replace the existing. And yup, it's got to be available. There are a few stations in any major metro area, but it isn't widespread unless you're talking Canada where the propane infrastructure is better developed and there are more conversion sites. But E85 stations aren't exactly plentiful either. There is not one E85 public station in all of western Washington. A couple are on military bases. And if you're talking CNG, the supply is from North America, not Saudi. But all you need is one public station reasonably close and you're home free. If you did a road trip far away, you'd have to map out the stations. You can do that here: http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/infrastructure/locator.html. Besides, on a bi-fuel you just flip a switch.

The EPA has got its nose in all this and dictates that any converted engine must be government certified. But the 6L chevy does have its certification, so we're past that roadblock. ALSO, the Feds passed a law that says you get a tax CREDIT (NOT a deduction) for 50% of the difference between a regular fuel and a dedicated (NOT bi-fuel) alternative up to $XX. So, the way I read this is if the difference between a normal 1500 and a 1500/KL8 is $8,000, you get a $4,000 credit, which, assuming 25% for the sake of argument, means you get a $16,000 worth of income tax free that year. If yer in the 33% bracket, adjust accordingly.

I know lots of people consider this an unviable option at this point. But it's viable for me, and I want to do it if I can. So if I can get the mod and if I can find an aftermarket installer, I'll go anywhere in the country to get it done. (Well, maybe not NYC!)

OnyxMAX · July 28, 2006

some metro areas with cng home service offer a alternative fuel meter, basicly a cng pump in your garage that runs off your home gas meter. but that service would have to be available in your area.

pop used to have a 100 gallon propane in the bed when he worked for a propane company. it was the company service truck. the kodiac bob tail also ran on propane from the big tank in back.

mschuyler · July 28, 2006

and don't mind still using forien oil (porpane is refined from oil),

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Actually most propane is produced domestically. It is also a by-product of natural gas, which is 'plentiful' in N. America,

adz55 · July 8, 2009

Any way I can convert my LQ4 6.0 to bi-fuel after the fact? I've heard you need special heads, but that doesn't make sense.

lilnotts · July 9, 2009

and don't mind still using forien oil (porpane is refined from oil),

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Actually most propane is produced domestically. It is also a by-product of natural gas, which is 'plentiful' in N. America,

Thats correct, I work at a propane and butane facility. Our NGL(natural gas liquids) feed comes from Western Canada.

fraso · September 19, 2009

Any way I can convert my LQ4 6.0 to bi-fuel after the fact? I've heard you need special heads, but that doesn't make sense.

Converting your truck would be fairly straightforward and very similar in many ways to this 2003 Sierra 1500 (4.3L) conversion. As with all modern propane injection conversions, switching back & forth between fuels is very easy. You should be familiar with the requirements of NFPA 58 if you want to do this work yourself.

Normally, if your heads are in good condition, there is no need to install hardened exhaust valve seats.