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propstrike · 09-29-2016, 08:21 AM

I'm excited for you, that sounds like a great plan! Good luck!

Kevin

Digwitch · 03-30-2019, 09:04 PM

Chief air! I’m looking at a 1983 Excella with a 454 engine. People are telling me I’m nuts. Do I need to switch it out ? Gas guzzler? Has the 502 worked? I have less than 24 hours to refuse or buy? Love to hear from you!! I’m 40 min from Henniker. I seee you did work on your own do you work on others or suggest someone in the area? Thank you.

bkahler · 03-31-2019, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digwitch

Chief air! I’m looking at a 1983 Excella with a 454 engine. People are telling me I’m nuts. Do I need to switch it out ? Gas guzzler? Has the 502 worked? I have less than 24 hours to refuse or buy? Love to hear from you!! I’m 40 min from Henniker. I seee you did work on your own do you work on others or suggest someone in the area? Thank you.

No you're not nuts, a little crazy maybe but not nuts

Contrary to what some people might tell you, there's nothing wrong with a 454 engine. The mileage will be less than a diesel but in general diesel is more expensive than gasoline. Tony will likely chime in soon describing all the benefits of a diesel and for the most part he's right with one exception, the conversion cost.

If the 83 you're looking at has a good 454 then drive it as is. If the 454 is shot then consider a diesel conversion but make sure you buy the coach at a good discounted price to help cover the cost of the diesel conversion.

Good luck with your decision!

Brad

Isuzusweet · 03-31-2019, 08:22 AM

Chiming

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

PS Everything Brad said is right. My 24' Argosy cost me $1,000, (not including parts and pieces I needed to get it running; most I would have had to gotten anyway), and $1,500 each for two running Cummins P-pump's; one with Allison transmission and the other a Dodge RH47, makes the conversion doable.

I just wish I had the know how to do the conversion myself; I know how to swing a wrench, but welding and fabricating metal is not my forte.

chiefair · 03-31-2019, 10:41 AM

I am very happy with the new motor however, the 454 would still be there if it hadn’t self-destructed.
I considered a diesel swap but I was more interested in getting back to camping! The diesel swap is much more involved and more than I wanted to tackle in my driveway.
The fuel economy is horrible. If that is a concern, I would recommend another hobby! The 502 is basically the same as the 454 on gas- maybe slightly better. There is no comparison power-wise.
I’m not looking to work on others but feel free to PM me if you want to come for a look at mine.
Are you looking at the Excella in Concord NH? I have seen that around Concord several times so I know it moves under its own power!

Digwitch · 04-01-2019, 03:05 PM

Thank you Brad, Tony and Chief. yes, Chief. It is the Excella in Concord but I lost the sale to inexperience. I will not fret but assume it was not the one for me. However I did find a gutted 20' Argosy last night but that just sold too. It's going to happen, right? I thought I wanted a MH but I am beginning to lean toward a trailer...still sticking with the vintage. I appreciate all of your words of wisdom and humor!

Isuzusweet · 04-01-2019, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digwitch

Thank you Brad, Tony and Chief. yes, Chief. It is the Excella in Concord but I lost the sale to inexperience. I will not fret but assume it was not the one for me. However I did find a gutted 20' Argosy last night but that just sold too. It's going to happen, right? I thought I wanted a MH but I am beginning to lean toward a trailer...still sticking with the vintage. I appreciate all of your words of wisdom and humor!

The biggest words of wisdom I could ever impart to you, would be this........never buy a gutted Airstream. You'd be surprised at the bits and pieces that you reuse; or use as templates; or at the very least show you how Airstream built these coaches. Always look for one with an unmolested interior.

PS The 310's are the best.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

Digwitch · 04-02-2019, 04:18 AM

Thanks, Tony. They did say they had all the parts they took out but I suppose you never know? Price was pretty high but it went! I will def heed your words about a gutted AS . I have become mildly obsessed (oxymoron) looking on-line but one must work too. Again, thank you!

dadstoy · 10-27-2019, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkahler

Those clocks with the blue dashes are Teleflex clocks.

It's interesting that none of the clocks seem to have survived!

Dean, you could always remount that laptop or tablet to your steering wheel if you need to see the time

Oh my! I'm reading through Chiefair's thread again to learn about his awesome engine swap and here I am laughing my ass off over that post I made on my "new tablet steering wheel mount". Oh my how gullible people are!

bkahler · 10-28-2019, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dadstoy

.... Oh my how gullible people are!

YES we are.....

jbknowso · 11-29-2021, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefair

I am very happy with the new motor however, the 454 would still be there if it hadn’t self-destructed.
I considered a diesel swap but I was more interested in getting back to camping! The diesel swap is much more involved and more than I wanted to tackle in my driveway.
The fuel economy is horrible. If that is a concern, I would recommend another hobby! The 502 is basically the same as the 454 on gas- maybe slightly better. There is no comparison power-wise.
I’m not looking to work on others but feel free to PM me if you want to come for a look at mine.
Are you looking at the Excella in Concord NH? I have seen that around Concord several times so I know it moves under its own power!

Great topic. I’m looking at a 1982 Airstream 310 myself. But guess what, it needs an engine. I need to find someone near Joliet where it’s sitting to replace it. Before you replaced yours did you consider rebuildingThe transmission? I think I better get the checkbook out lol

chiefair · 11-30-2021, 01:33 PM

The transmission in mine had been rebuilt by the previous owner, so that was not an issue for me - It was still pretty fresh.

jdavidmadsen · 09-01-2023, 11:03 AM

Did you have to get a new rear end for your 454 to 502 engine swap?

chiefair · 09-03-2023, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdavidmadsen

Did you have to get a new rear end for your 454 to 502 engine swap?

I did not. More gears would be nice. It will roll along at 70 but the RPMs are up there around 3200. It would be a lot quieter with an overdrive or different rear end ratio.