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Old 06-01-2018, 12:53 PM   #1
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Motorhome engine conversion

Been looking to buy 345/325. Came across a 1984 unit whereby owner suggests it was originally diesel then converted to 454 before he purchased. Was used by Dometic as a marketing tool for their products. I was then told by an airstream pro that a direct conversion from diesel to gas 454 is not possible- to avoid this unit? HELP... is this correct - do I need more info. Please and thank you!

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Old 06-01-2018, 01:43 PM   #2
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That's pretty difficult to believe on many different levels. Not to say it didn't happen, people do some crazy things. But that one is pretty hard to swallow. A factory diesel is significantly more desirable I would venture. Did they mention any reasons why.
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Old 06-01-2018, 01:56 PM   #3
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Old 06-01-2018, 02:26 PM   #4
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He said the gas tank had some markings regarding diesel and the previous owner told him. Clearly who would replace diesel with gas... makes no sense.
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Old 06-01-2018, 04:07 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tubbydog View Post
He said the gas tank had some markings regarding diesel and the previous owner told him. Clearly who would replace diesel with gas... makes no sense.
Several years ago I dismantled a 454 powered 1986 345 and the tank was marked diesel. My personal opinion is the one you're looking at came from the factory with a 454. I'm 99% certain the tank was original to the coach and I know the engine was as well.

I would also sank bunk to the Airstream Pro about the swap. The P30 chassis will accept a 454 or diesel with no issues.
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Old 06-01-2018, 05:13 PM   #6
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Thanks. It had occurred to me that the owner is wrong and for some reason the tank had diesel markings. I was going to get the VIN and call Airstream to look it up. The unit is nice enough, 100k miles, new fridge, heat, tires, upholstery, carpet- dash compressor,, wine cooler- under $20k. One softball sized dent left of window left of door- And it’s painted white, black and maroon.. after reading this forum it appears the dent can be addressed with a special technique. I’m seriously considering if correct that it was always a 454.
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Old 06-01-2018, 08:38 PM   #7
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My understanding is during that vintage all Airstream chassis were delivered with a 454 Chevy and people at Airstream removed the 454 and adapted an Isuzu diesel to the Chevy transmission and chassis. The conversion is pretty obvious on my 280 diesel built in 1982.
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