1996 Propane Vehicle Challenge

The University of Windsor and Chrysler Canada Limited hosted this competition. It took place at the University of Windsor/Chrysler Canada Automotive Research and Development Centre in Windsor from May 30 to June 4, 1996. The competition required the students to convert a gasoline vehicle to operate on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The vehicle was a Chrysler minivan that was donated by Chrysler. As one of the hosts, the University of Windsor was not eligible to compete for prizes but was provided with a donated vehicle to convert. St. Clair College and University of Windsor students worked together to make this conversion using the facilities at St. Clair College. The result was a vapour port-injected engine that utilized engine coolant in a heat exchanger to vaporizer the liquid propane that was pumped from the fuel tank. Although no award could be given, the team received their scores, given below, in each of the events. Windsor attained undeteriorated emissions test results in the ultra-low tailpipe emissions category and would have placed 4^th overall. For more information see the copy of the University of Windsor Ambassador article of May 27, 1996 given below.

During the drive-by noise test During inspection

Driver switch during competition. Schematic showing fuel tanks and supply lines

1996 Propane Vehicle Challenge Results