Ford F-150 EcoBoost LPG - directly converted

What is PFDI?

First, there were port injection engines, where fuel is applied into the intake manifold. Then came direct injection units, with fuel injected straight into combustion chambers. However, for reasons related to harmful exhaust gas emissions, certain manufacturers introduced engines combining port and direct injection – there are two sets of fuel injectors, each used under different load conditions. This is what we call PFDI and Ford's EcoBoost engines featured on the F-150 pick-up truck are among units using it. And so the question is: can it be converted to run on LPG?

P-PFDI is the answer

The answer is obviously "of course it can", but let us explain how. You see, direct injection engines can be converted using two different autogas technologies – direct injection of non-vapourised, liquid state LPG through the engine's original injectors straight into the combustion chambers (with no petrol necessary) or indirect, port injection of vapourised LPG into the intake manifold, with minor petrol interjections to protect the injectors located in the combustion chambers. Blossman Services, a member of Alliance AutoGas, has used the latter technology to convert Ford F-150's two PFDI engines – the 3,3-litre V6 and the 5,0-litre V8. The autogas system is called P-PFDI, short for Propane-PFDI. While autogas is the engine's primary fuel, bringing cost and emissions reductions, small portions of petrol are also used.

Born ready

In a wise move, Blossman Services started developing the system immediately after PFDI engines had been introduced to the market, but before they appeared on pick-up trucks the like of the F-150. This way the P-PFDI solution was ready when the popular Blue Oval workhorse featuring dual injection technology debuted and could be offered for immediate conversion.

We were prepared with a conversion system as soon as Ford introduced the first PFDI commercial truck. We know that PFDI will continue to grow, and we will be ready for the next class of vehicles as they come to market.

Stephen Holland, Director of Engineering for Blossman Services, Inc.

Apparently, a combustion engine can be converted to run on LPG no matter how complicated it is, as long as it's still a combustion engine. Rest assured that until EVs ultimately prevail (which won't be anytime soon), autogas will remain the most viable and reasonable alternative fuel on the planet. Period.