Hey, folks.

My 2000 F150 gave up the ghost after dropping a valve at 115k :/. The engine was damaged and the body so rusted that it wasn't worth fixing.

We're hoping to buy a replacement this year.

I see that the 2016s have a CNG/LPG prep option that includes hardened valves and seats. Some sources even cite better pistons and rings. Given my previous experience, I'd like to hear more about it.

Cost aside, are there any long term negatives associated with getting this prep kit but *not* running propane? For instance...harder rings = premature cylinder wear, etc. etc.

I'm willing to pay the $300 for the beefed up internals so long as there's no downside.

 

Only downside is having to pay more upfront and finding a place to tank up on the alternative fuel. Pretty sure you will also lose some HP and fuel economy.

Example is my 14kw whole home gen, it's rated for 14kw on propane but only 13kw on natural gas. Another possible down side is finding someone that knows how to work on the alt fuel system when an issue arises.
.

 

I don't think the OP was asking about the benefits of using propane as a fuel, rather were there any consequences of *not* using propane if he still ordered a truck built with that option.

Based on the info provided, he's looking at the hardened valve train for long term durability or to prevent another dropped valve.

 

Ahh gotcha, hmm, we had a cng equipped truck in our service fleet that we gave up to another department when we got our new service trucks, it had 80000 miles or so about 7 years ago and never once used the system, it's still on the road today.
.