Steven T Webster
Site Host
Advanced Member
Posts:665
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| 09 Mar 2007 02:20 PM |
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A popular topic in the past has been power plant choices. I personally view the engine in my Classic as a component which will need replacement a few more times over the lifespan of the coach. I was just wondering what people thought might be their "ideal" powerplant.
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Steven Webster
1986 Airstream Classic 345
Host, CampfireClicks.com |
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guy99
New Member
Posts:26
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| 09 Mar 2007 03:00 PM |
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Non-polluting diesel |
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COOPERHAWK
Moderator
Advanced Member
Posts:850
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| 09 Mar 2007 05:19 PM |
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I think my diesel will give me more
that half a million miles so doubt I will ever have to replace
it. I think that's the way to go.
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1985 Airstream 345 Turbo-Diesel
VFW,Legion, NRA
FAA Air Traffic Control Supervisor (Retired)
http://www.cooperhawk.net
mailto:jimcooper@cooperhawk.net
"People are okay in ones and twos. After that number they tend to choose up sides and wear arm bands and berets." |
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bobchevy89
New Member
Posts:48
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| 09 Mar 2007 07:52 PM |
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I'll say modified . carb exhaust ignition |
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allthingsclassic
New Member
Posts:38
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| 09 Mar 2007 08:00 PM |
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Brian Paden
1992 Monaco Crown Royale
1985 Airstream 345 (For Sale) |
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Balrgn
Moderator
Advanced Member
Posts:801
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| 11 Mar 2007 05:38 AM |
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Modified Stock. I like the oldies |
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1977 Argosy 20
454 V8 Gas
Southern NH
Maintenance Analyst
www.balrgn.com |
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Cabanaboy86
New Member
Posts:1
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| 02 Apr 2007 02:33 AM |
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A Dodge 413 with electronic ignition, high perf plugs/wires, port feul injection, 10:1 compression ratio, headers, dual exhaust, 6spd over/under drive 727 transmission, high stall lock up torque converter, nd maybe a supercharger. |
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Steven T Webster
Site Host
Advanced Member
Posts:665
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| 02 Apr 2007 06:48 AM |
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cabanaboy86...welcome to the site. Sounds like a nice powerplant. What's it wrapped in? |
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Steven Webster
1986 Airstream Classic 345
Host, CampfireClicks.com |
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Steve
New Member
Posts:3
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| 06 Aug 2007 02:05 PM |
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Try installing a set of roller rockers with increased ratio to add up to .040" lift at the valve. This does wonders for decreasing heat as well as helping the engine breathe.
Something I just discovered with exhaust systems install an "X" pipe kit from summit racing & increase HP, torque & drivability & really changes the exhaust note to a sweet sound.
I have more for later but must go for now. Have a LOT of trick engine mods & some transmission info also. |
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Gon Mad
New Member
Posts:20
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| 16 Oct 2007 08:18 AM |
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I will go with bored engine Plus the works( ignition ,headers etc. & go with super or turbocharged fuel injection |
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Motelcambodia
New Member
Posts:7
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| 21 Oct 2007 03:35 AM |
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A polluting diesel modified to make lots of power and smoke.
And my first trip with it would be to go to Antarctica to go club baby seals.
Maybe cut a tree down or two on the way. |
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1974 Shasta class A motorhome
soon the travel asia by motorhome |
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Tip
New Member
Posts:63
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| 21 Oct 2007 09:39 AM |
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Diesel. I have a Mitsubishi 670 and like it alot. Would like it better if it had a turbo, but that is in the works. Other choice for a diesel engine would be the 7.3 International with a banks turbo, have this in my pickup and like it alot to. A conversion is alot of work and some exspence but well worth it if you plan on keeping the unit for a long time.  |
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Capt.Dan
Basic Member
Posts:126
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| 13 Nov 2007 03:05 PM |
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I did it my way sorta. had to keep the misses happy! I went with a stock block,domed pistons steel crank, and a rv type cam that I got from a friend,[never used]. He lost his rv before he had a chance to redo the engine! I also Inherited a set of rockers and lifters for that cam. I used Boush plugs and Had the distributer run out and new module,springs and a Access cap, rotor and wireset,[9mm]. I used the stock intake with a Eidlebrock,Carter, Type spread bore 4-bbi and I installed hooker headers, [ceramic], and 2 1/2" pipes with Flowmaster mufflers and that was just the engine. The Trans has all Allison clutch packs and a B&M shift kit and A B&M converter to help out with the cam. Only have about 60 miles so far as it has been in the shop for a new roof and other updates. But I can say it seems to be getting better gas millage and has twice the power it seems. Not loud at all with those 50 series mufflers! I did the motor and trans at the same time. A lot of money so it better last my lifetime!! It looks so far like I'm somewhere in the 10mpg range with my 25 footer but That may get better as the motor breaks in. The old motor had 109,000 miles on it. But from setting, it needed a head gasket and I know it needed a timing chain but I did the whole smash! Also added a new Radiator,[4 Core], New fans on the front to help the cooling and the A/C. another fan for the Oil and Trans coolers. I got a different altinator as I wanted more amps. another thing was the flywheel and clutch for the fan. Heavy duty starter and a blanket for the starter. The list just keeps getting bigger. I switched the old Yorks compressor to a new Sandan that is for R134. The last thing on the list was a snorkle for fresh air to that carberator. It was all hand made but the K&N Air Filter. 4" All the way! Used a intake from a 91 Caddy and a piece of 4" flex to the 4" pipe that goes to the filter elemint. That is Just the engine and Trans. The rest of the coach is another chapter, Dan
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Farmer
New Member
Posts:2
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| 31 Dec 2009 11:29 AM |
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For many, keeping the engine in good running condition and increasing longevity is the only viable option !
I see so many times that engines have been replaced 1 or 2 times with fairly short Miles ! Under 150,000 to 250,000 is what i would call short.
Service, service, service. This is a truck performing exceptional duties and under great stress much of the time !
HOW You Drive and Service your RV will determine the Enjoyment, Usage of said RV
Many mechanics will tell you that Blown ! RV engines, transmissions come in LOW ? or with No Lubrication, Oil and or fluid.
EVERTIME you leave the camp site or Home for a trip
Go over the vehicle, Tires, Oil check, Transmission fluid check, Lube job, Coolant check, flush change regularly !
If you are going to Own, enjoy and Use a Motor home ??? A great deal of service work is required !
A well maintained 454 or big block Ford should run 4 to 6 hundred thousand miles if kept cool and regularly maintained Adequately
REGARDLESS Of Miles driven, every 18 to 24 month's, Drain and flush the coolant, check the freeze plugs, check the Fan clutch, Belts, hoses, radiator cap and re fill with the proper blend of coolant and water for your area and driving conditions.
Drop the transmission oil pan and replace the filter and install a heavy duty gasket. properly tighten the pan screws. Install and watch the transmission temp. very closely at ALL times.
Many recoment an alison filter ? and to put a drain plug in the pan so that you can change some transmission fluid EVERY Time you do a TRIP, or 3,000 ? or timely oil change. When you park the RV for storage, DO an OIL change, if you leave it 6 months or more ? Do an oil and filter change before you leave the storage plus a thorough inspection OF ALL Fluid levels
THIS is a truck !!! Not a car driven each and every day to work !!!
Service, Service, Service ! IF you can not afford the time and or $$$ for service ? You can not afford a TOW and engine, transmission re build on the road !!!!
As many of us do that can not afford to have a full time mechanic as some of my friends do that own a fleet of trucks and bring in the RV before and after every trip.
Or have a fleet of farm trucks with service skills, facilities at hand like some do ! AT times ???
Read, study and learn to tackle the job of doing it yourself or become good friends with a good old school mechanic that worked for a trucking Co or raced in the day ????
I do not have the $$$ to roll over a 500,000 coach every 3 to 5 years and keep it under warranty !!!
Keep that engine and tyranny COOL and CLEAN, Fluids and Service, filters are CHEAP !!!! compared to Rebuilding, Replacing, or the RV sitting unused because of Un Affordable repairs !!!! |
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John
New Member
Posts:4
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| 01 Jan 2010 03:42 PM |
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My VOTE goes to the Power Plant that you have !
and maintain that system if you have a viable unit to start with
Because What you have Now ! Properly Maintained ?
Is the Most economical power plant you will ever have !!!
Personally , I love Diesel Power ! But we run allot of 454 's because that is what we have in several vehicles |
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