ROUSH introduces the first dedicated propane-powered F-150 pickup truck using an advanced liquid propane injection system. The ROUSH F-150 liquid propane injection system is designed and manufactured to operate solely on propane while providing the same horsepower, torque and drivability of an F-150 equipped with a gasoline-powered 5.4-liter, 3-valve TritonTM V-8 engine.

ROUSH has begun taking orders for the propane-powered F-150. The 2008 model year truck can be ordered, delivered and serviced through a nationwide network of select Ford dealers.

The ROUSH F-150 is available in Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew cab styles with XL, XLT, STX, & FX4 trim and all three different bed lengths. The liquid propane injection system option includes dedicated propane fuel lines, fuel rail assembly and fuel tank. Additionally, the vehicle’s computer has been re-calibrated to provide optimum performance and fuel economy.

The base liquid propane injection system option is $10,500 and includes a unique 20 gallon toroidal fuel tank. An optional 50-gallon in-bed tank is also available.

"Aside from its superb engineering, this vehicle is right here, right now. It is an alternative fuel vehicle that has an established refueling infrastructure to support it," says Tom Arnold, director, alternative fuel products for ROUSH. "This vehicle will have a positive impact on reducing emissions and our dependency on foreign oil."

The liquid propane injection system fuel rail assembly is made up of two billet aluminum propane injection fuel rails, an insulated cross-over, a combined pressure/temperature sensor, and a service port that provides data to the engines’ computer allowing for more precise fuel control at the intake port.

The standard in-bed fuel tank includes a special high flow fuel pump, dual filters, and the required control valves needed to run the engine. The tank also contains the fuel sender and electronic auto stop fill system. Fueling is done through the fuel filler door, and an automatic stop fill device prevents overfilling. This will allow the vehicle to be filled without using the "bleeder" system that vents propane vapors during filling. Fuel is also filtered prior to entering the tank.

Vehicle start is controlled by a "one-touch" system, where the engine controls take over from the driver to provide the fastest possible start with the lowest emissions. The OEM engine control is used with unique calibration values to suit the changes in properties from gasoline to propane.

The maintenance schedule for the ROUSH F-150 liquid propane injection system is similar to that of a gasoline engine schedule with no special oils or change intervals required.

The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) awarded the contract to ROUSH in February 2006, and ROUSH designed, manufactured and brought the truck to market in only 24 months. "ROUSH has an unparalleled reputation for technical expertise, quality and value," says Brian Feehan, managing director of engine fuel programs for PERC.

"It is because of this expertise and experience that we chose ROUSH to develop this vehicle."

For more information or to order a ROUSH F-150 propane-powered truck, call 1-800-59-ROUSH or visit http://www.PropaneTruck.us

Source: Roush Performance