AFV Tech and WJ Daytech premiered their 1933 Gasser CNG hot
road during the Alternative Fuels & Vehicles National Conference and Expo.
This alternative fuels event occurred from May 9-12, 2010 at the Rio All-Suite
Hotel in Las Vegas. Hundreds of attendees witnessed showcases of hydrogen fuel
cells, CNG drive systems and other automotive power sources on the cutting
edge. This stylish CNG retrofit is based on a body from a 1933 Ford Roadster,
making it a rarity that is easy on the environment.
The 1933 Gasser project contains a 600-horsepower LS-7 GM
Crate engine designed by Bob Santinoli. This retrofitted classic features a
six-speed auto transmission, electric steering and power doors and locks. AFV
Tech and WJ Daytech used their aftermarket experience to keep this CNG hot rod
as eco-friendly as possible. The exhaust system features four catalytic
converters installed in the tail pipes. These converters are connected to
oxygen sensors and diagnostic tools to keep tabs on emissions levels. AFV Tech and
WJ Daytech note that the 1933 Gasser CNG meets EPA greenhouse gas emissions
standards.
Projected performance for the 1933 Gasser makes the retrofit
attractive to traditionalists and green-vehicle advocates. The Gasser can hit
60 miles per hour from a dead stop in 2.5 seconds with a 0-100 MPH time of less
than 5 seconds. These times make this CNG experiment acceptable to hot rod
enthusiasts concerned about vehicle power and speed. AFV Tech projected the
range of the 1933 Gasser at around 200 miles, more than sufficient for casual
drives and demonstrations at auto shows. By mixing a classic body, modern
touches and a clean-running drive system, the 1933 Gasser acts as a nexus for
different groups of auto consumers.
This CNG experiment shows that the future of alternative
fuels and vehicles does not rest exclusively with major automakers. From the
beginning, alternatives to gas-powered vehicles have come from tinkerers and
small manufacturers. The 1933 Ford Roadster may have been the vessel for this
experiment but AFV Tech, WJ Daytech and other experts worked outside the Big
Three to put this vehicle together. As Ford, Toyota and General Motors lumber
toward alternative vehicles, we should also keep an eye on experimentation in
green vehicle power at the ground level.
