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QuietWater · 06-29-2008, 10:20 PM

If you had to choose between a motorhome with a Ford 460 (yes, it's a SOB) or a Chevy 454, which would be the better motor? Could you give me some issues with each one, such as chronic problems to expect?

GStephens · 06-30-2008, 05:48 AM

I've owned both motors in trucks here at the ranch and have had good service out of each one. Neither gets decent fuel mileage with my experience finding that the 460 motors slightly did better on the fuel mileage issue than the 454 engines, but not by much. Either has all the power I ever needed to pull heavy loads anywhere and both types of engines held up well for 150,000+ miles for us.
GStephens

85MH325 · 06-30-2008, 05:58 AM

Both were solid engines, but both tended to be under-cooled and would heat up under load in motorhome service. Usually nothing severe... they just tended to run hotter in motorhomes than trucks. Just keep an eye on your temp gauge, and a tranny temp gauge is a really good idea as well.

Roger

QuietWater · 06-30-2008, 09:24 AM

Thanks for the replies. That helped a lot. Even though I almost bought a 28ft Argosy MH, my wife just did not like the layout or the fact that there were several things wrong that would be difficult to fix. We are looking at two identical Holiday Ramblers that we really like. One has the Ford and one has the Chevy. Both are comparably priced and have similar mileage. However, the Ford has a relatively new engine and rebuilt tranny. That leans me toward it, but I had heard the Ford tends to overheat and break manifold studs. Thus the reason for a new engine. But you guys seem to think the Ford is as good as the Chevy.
I know it isn't an Airstream, but it's what's available that fits the bill. I'm sure the mileage won't be great, but I don't plan on going far, anyway. Thanks for the help.
Dan

drag'nwagon · 06-30-2008, 10:43 AM

Dan,

Both motors were "work horse" engines. I have seen both with 300+K miles on them. My experience with them has been positive over the years and I have worked on both. Personally I am a chevy guy but it would be hard to pass up a rebuilt 460 with a rebuilt tranny. As stated watch the temp gauge, but beyond that you can beat them both for many years and they love it!

overlander63 · 06-30-2008, 01:48 PM

I am partial to Ford (I worked for them), and would suggest if you get the motor home with the 460 (7.5 liter), you get an electric radiator fan for it. It will help the "running hot" syndrome they have.

KeithC · 06-30-2008, 08:19 PM

Hey QuietWaters,

I am a Ford 460 fan, but I have no experience with that engine in an RV.

I ran a 1977 Ford Police Interceptor with 460, 4 barrel, auto trans, for 300,000 mile.

That intercepter had no top end that I was ever brave enough to find. I got up to 130 mph on the Interstate the I-40 crusing in Western Oklahoma after some bad guys, and the XLT body rose up and started floating.

I never got out run because of the engine, there was still plenty of pedel left, but several times I backed off because I was sane and the other guy was not.

Jim Clark · 06-30-2008, 08:35 PM

I had a 460 in a pickup same gas mileage no matter what, loaded, unloaded, towing, not towing just kept on going.

slowmover · 06-30-2008, 08:39 PM

Since there is no V8-440 Chrysler available, it's a coin toss.

Each has strengths.

The Chev is easiest of all motors to find parts for (which is not the same as being best, the Ford is actually the best design of the Big Three automakers big blocks. It was last to debut and took advantage of the design of the others.), so I'd look to things like accessory parts (fuel/ignition/sensors/etc) to determine "best".

Motors are easy, IMO, compared to the rest of the rig. I'd choose based on the best kept moho (suspension/corrosion/brakes/transmission/hoses/fluids/service history).

dwightdi · 06-30-2008, 08:49 PM

I have owned several. I burnt the valves in my Linchon at about 70,000 and had to do a valve job. Man those heads are heavy. I put another 40,000 on it without any failures. My 460 in my 87 Ford Van blew a rod bearing at 105,000 and a timing gear and chain at 89,000. I had it rebuilt to RV specifications and put another 40,000 miles on it but it overheated frequently especially at over 5,000 feet and had vapor lock problems and fuel pump problems regularly. We did some durability testing for marine applications when I was at OMC and the Chevy truck 454 always lasted over 500 hours at full throttle but the Ford would blow rods or mains at about 250 hours.

cutbrain · 07-13-2008, 09:25 PM

How do you get the electric fan set up?

mustang · 08-21-2008, 02:32 PM

I would use the 460. It is a beast will keep going and never let you down justt like a 302 or a 300 inline 6 all 3 of these motors were tfords mistake for getting rid of

dogpound · 08-21-2008, 03:01 PM

I currently run a 93 Ford with a 460 in it. Mileage is not the best but with a big block in front and 10,000 lbs behind you you kind of have to expect a lower mileage. Had to replace the radiator/head gaskets last year on the way to the Potlatch Salmon Rally but so far that is the major expense. Hated to miss the rally but the seafood was great. With todays technology the engine is just about broke in. I have always been a Ford fan clear back to days in construction working with my dad. Our trucks were always Ford because they were what was available in the 50's and 60's and nobody knew what "job rated" meant for a Dodge.

Bob