Purchasing a CNG kit! HELP

[kiqq]

Hi, I've been disgusted with the gas prices out there, and have started to thinking about converting my car to CNG. I've looked around the internet and have found PLENTY of CNG convertion kits. I do have some oops I mean TONS of questions, but here are some if someone can guide me, through my start up project.

Vehicle is 1998 Toyota Camry Automatic 4Cly
1. Can someone recommend a CNG kit for this vehicle and where would I purchase one.
2. Is converting a vehicle legal?
3. Do I need any special permits to drive my vehicle?
4. My wife thinks I'm crazy. Should I get a new wife?
5. Just kidding on the top one. She's looking...... ;o)
6. How much do you think I'll need for this convertion? I found one conversion kit for $1700.00 Includes tank.

I'm in Plano, TX

[TOMTGT]

If some one is selling you a kit for $1700 for that car Run as fast as you can. First of all I do not know any one that builds a EPA kit for that car.

Sell wife and get a new Honda.

Tom

[John Mitton]

Keep the wife, ditch the crappy conversion kit, and stay out of jail :D:D
http://www.cngchat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3567&postcount=8

I'm going to move this thread over to the Conversions Forum.

[cngaz]

Someone wants to easily relieve you of some of your money.
I would trade into a Honda GX like Tom says. A sure thing.
Unless its EPA approved, you are stuck in the USA.

[MrComment]

Maybe I'm wrong but EPA certification is not necessary in some states, correct? I think you'll have to answer this question for yourself, but I know nothing about TX, does your car need annual emission testing? Btw, Toyota did make a CNG Camry as well, not that it really matters. Regardless, who gives a crap what the EPA thinks.. Let me put it this way, you know all those go fast goodies you can stick on your car that say "for off road use only" (i.e. No EPA or CARB rating) does anyone actually pay attention to these stickers? Hell no, heres what you do. Jack your Camry up 4ft and 4X4 it, (dont forget to get yourself some good mudders too) then do your CNG conversion while your at it, of course you'll promise to only use CNG while your "off roading", or racing right!?. So unless you need to go in for routine emission testing, I doubt anyone will ever ask you were your EPA certification is. (Disclaimer: This is just my own opinion.)

[baden]

Where would I find info about a toyota camry kit? Thanks

[luedtkec]

Ask the seller of the conversion kit if it is Federally Certified by the EPA. If it is, then you can install it and you will be fine and 100% legal. There is a list of federally certified conversion kits on this site, but none include any Toyota Camary engines. Other than that, It is against federal law to tamper with the OBDII system on the vehicle. Your conversion kit will modify sensor values into that OBDII unit so not to get a MIL (check engine light) while running CNG. This OBDII system is EPA certified by Toyota.
OKAY! now that I've got the "by the book" answer out of the way. Here is the good stuff. Go and do the conversion, making sure that the company you buy components from is reputable. ($1700 seems kind of cheap with a tank to me) If your state requires smog testing, bypass your kit and hook your ECU up normally for the day, pass the test as a normal petroleum burning vehicle and be on your merry way for a year Running CNG! Make sure the tank is DOT approved and hasn't passed expiration and the tank must be rated to hold 250bar (3600psi) of pressure. Don't get rid of your wife. Alimony will be more than the 1700 you pay for the conversion.

~Newbie (but educated)