Dennis, That steel exhaust manifold that you have is made by "RING" the slip ring amidships is supposed to releave the heat expansion cracking of the factory exhaust manifolds.
The last mileage test was 9.53 MPG without the genset running.
Headman headers without the "H" crossover yet.
High performance wires on stock distributor ...so far.
New rear tires and very serviceable front tires, inflated and checked often.
I'm adding a free flow air breather box today with a four inch inlet ducted from the grill with a cone filter inlet.
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Glen Coombe AIR #8416
1984 28' Funeral Coach
Golf Professional Sales Rolling Showroom
"I'm not an expert. But I did sleep in an Airstream last night."
Someone said they were interested in the Izusu diesel mileage. I have gotten 16 mpg driving sensibly. I usually get about 12 mpg driving over 60 and towing a full sized car. I don't know what extra maintainence you all are talking about. I believe the diesel requires less maintainence. Mine is later version with increased power.
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AKA THE GUNNER There is no "I" in the word "team," but there are four in "Platitude Quoting Idiot!"
A few years ago my neighbor was doing maintainence on a fleet of Isuzu delivery vans. He quoted a price for a rebuilt engine and it wasn't bad. It is cheaper to buy the complete engine than to buy parts to rebuild one because of tarrifs.
I also could buy a rebuilt Allison 4 speed for around $1100.00 at Catco.
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AKA THE GUNNER There is no "I" in the word "team," but there are four in "Platitude Quoting Idiot!"
We are considering replacing the existing three speed auto transmission with a remanufactured 700R4 overdrive transmission. We anticipate that the mileage will go up by 20%. There will be a separate switch to put the trany in overdrive and out again. We know that the trany bolts to the 454 engine. We need help with an adapter between the end of trany and the parking brake. The parking brake is on a yoke bolted to the frame so it is easy to move and reconfigure the drive shaft. Can anyone among the supperior mechanics who frequent AS forums help us find this part? Has anyone made this modification? Cheers Tom
....Can anyone among the supperior mechanics who frequent AS forums help us find this part? Has anyone made this modification? ...
Tom:
Most any area that cater to "Big Rigs" - East Houston, Memphis, Atlanta - any place where the larger truck terminals are located and a lot of service work on the 18 wheelers goes on - will have machine shops that are able to modify just about any drive shaft (torque tube). I would pay a few extra bucks and get it done at the one with the best reputation.
Having said that - the 3-speed R475 tranny (Heavy Duty version of the R400) is more than adequate behind the 454....I do not think the 454 in my 345 generates enough torque to be happy under 2800 rpm - just my observation - I drive a lot by the vacuum gauge, and I have trouble keeping the vacuum gauge in the "sweet spot" on the Texas Level Four Lanes that I frequent on my trips around Houston.
In my instance (345 weighing in at 16,000 lbs consistently) a Gear Vendor or other type of final ratio splitter would not be a wise investment, since the engine/final ratio seems to be optimum right now - 45 mph at 3,000 rpm in second and about 60 mph at 3,000 rpm in third. I find I have to apply full throttle on even minor grades, and shift to second quite frequently. Since I drive a lot at 55 mph (2700 to 2800 rpm) I notice a definite decline in torque from the 3,000 rpm mentioned above. Granted, the 454 is probably a bit tired at 80,000 miles, but I doubt if ANY 345 (even with a new engine) would be happy with the final drive ratio geared to 2500 rpm at 60 mph.
My thoughts only with out ever having put the chassis on a dyno-test - hope someone chimes in with actual (and honest) results of a regear from the original chassis build specs.
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Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
As far as putting a 700r or a 4L60 ,same transmission . Yea it will bolt up but it is a far cry from a turbo 400. In short it is not up to the challange, A 700 is a light duty transmission with over drive. If you would see inside of one you would change your mind , too many light and small parts. They also have a low presure problem and sprage clutch problems. GM makes a 4L80E which is a basicly a Turbo 400 with overdrive, problem is it is a electric controled unit for computer controled trucks 1992 and up. My two cents, Gear Vendors overdrive the only way to go.
Thank you Slow-canoe for the help. One of the reasons that htis forum is so valuable is the wide and deep knowledge pool. We had already reached the conclusion that the gear vendors trany was the way to go based on other opinions. however your experience and wiilingness to post are appreciated. In Jan. we purchased an '84 MH 27' Classic in wonderful original condition. We got 10 to the gallon on the 1390 mile drive home used one quart of oil. The former owner took care of it but was of the fixit mindset...I am of the restore mindset. Over the next year we we renew every system. The gear vendors transmissiom is at the top of the list. Cheers Tom
Motorhome usually have gas powered stand alone generators so that you can run them to power your 110V appliances (Air conditioner, Microwave, etc) and recharge your batteries without running the motorhome engine. Many people also run the generator while driving so that they can run their roof airconditioners to keep the cabin cool.
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If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion - The Dalai Lama
1984 310 Limited Motorhome
Courtesy Parking (W/S/E/Wi-Fi) on I-5 in Northern California, 70 miles from Oregon border
I love the idea of transplanting a Duramax/Allison set-up into the MoHo. I figure at some point we'll have no alternative than to fit diesel motors and use alternative fuels. Biodiesel or whatever. Once petroleum based products are more expensive than gold, the entire US will figure out how to get around the problem. American's love their cars - no getting around that. At some point you'll just go to the GM dealer and get the Tribium drive motor that needs fuel every 10,000 miles, and it's a $4,000 conversion.
Until then, I made up a little Fuel Log sheet if anyone wants it. I'm putting together a 3 ring binder with all my notes, articles, manuals, etc.
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