WANTED: 1977-78 Argosy 20' motorhome

[litup]

I would like to buy a 1977 or 1978 Argosy 20 foot motorhome. I would like one with the 454 c.i. Chevy. I have had two previously. One with a 350 and another with a 454 and I liked the big block unit MUCH better. I would consider all, but I would prefer a nicer rig that has decent miles and is ready to go. I am willing to pay good money for the one that I want. I am in San Diego, but I am happy to travel for the right one. You can reach me at (760) 805-8038. Thanks!

[Fyrzowt]

Hi and welcome to the forums!
I would suggest placing an ad here on the forum in the classified section, you'll increase your exposure. Many of us also found our RVs on Craigslist.com, RVTrader.com, Ebay, etc.
Google Argosy for sale. Good luck!
Dave

[litup]

Will the person that contacted me with a private message please call me at (760) 805-8038? I sent a PM back, but I wasn't sure if you would check your messages so I thought I should post here. Thanks!

[smsterling]

For Sale: 1975 Airstream Argosy Motorhome

on the east coast, but it is very nice.

Good luck,
Scott

[litup]

After waiting it out, I finally got the Argosy that I wanted. I bought a 1977 20' with a 454, just like the first one that I had. 48,000 original miles and will be a great little motorhome with some minor clean up. Thanks for all your help!

[bkahler]

Congratulations on finding the motorhome you were looking for! We own a 1974 20' Argosy that originally came with the 454. The original owners at some point pulled the 454 engine to put in a race car and then sold the motorhome (less engine and transmission) to someone else.

When we got the motorhome it had a newly rebuilt 350 along with a newly rebuilt Turbo 400 transmission installed. The engine and transmission were installed but not hooked up and the front of the motorhome is still dismantled. I have since pulled the 350 and we have a 454 in the shop being rebuilt. Since we want to use the Argosy for towing a trailer we felt the 454 was our best choice.

What did you find different between driving the 350 20' Argosy and the 454 20' Argosy?

Thanks!

Brad

[litup]

The 454 is MUCH nicer to drive, especially if you are towing or going through the hills/mountains. More power, passing ability, etc. No offense to owners of the 350s, but in my opinion they are way underpowered. The 454 does everything better except MPG. But, let's face it, none of them are sipping gas anyhow. I would take a 454 any day of the week. Thanks!

[balrgn]

Originally Posted by litup

The 454 is MUCH nicer to drive, especially if you are towing or going through the hills/mountains. More power, passing ability, etc. No offense to owners of the 350s, but in my opinion they are way underpowered. The 454 does everything better except MPG. But, let's face it, none of them are sipping gas anyhow. I would take a 454 any day of the week. Thanks!

Love my 454, lotsa power. Sounds tough too

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by litup

The 454 is MUCH nicer to drive, especially if you are towing or going through the hills/mountains. More power, passing ability, etc. No offense to owners of the 350s, but in my opinion they are way underpowered. The 454 does everything better except MPG. But, let's face it, none of them are sipping gas anyhow. I would take a 454 any day of the week. Thanks!

Sounds like we made the right decision to pull the 350 and put a 454 back in. We're definitely going to run headers on it. Makes a huge difference in the heat in the cockpit.

Thanks!

Brad

[911rs]

I have a 1976 Argosy 61,000 mile 350 cu in 20 foot. It had great power when I first purchased it two years ago. Since then I have added a Doug Nash overdrive, headers, free flow dual exhaust, complete MSD ignition, E2 spark plugs, synthetic motor,transmission and gear oil. Added transmission cooler, cold air intake.

Installing Weiand performance intake and edelbrock carburetor to finish upgrades.

When I purchased it already had 3 year old Bilstein shocks. I upgraded the original weak rubber sway bar bushings with new polyurethane bushings. Handles great!

Has plenty of power right now cruises with little effort down the highway. If I could find a way to dyno it, I'm sure it would be right there with a 454 and have better mileage. Don't count out the ironhorse 350. It's very capable in a 20 foot chassis. The 454 shines in larger rigs 24ft and up where the 350 would loose.