jpancini
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I need some information on a reputable company that has replacement engines for a class a motorhome. The coach is on a 1994 P30 chassis with a big block 454. I have been told that the engine should have an RV cam for the lower torque. The motorhome is paid for and I plan on using it for the next 7 to 8 years. It is still in good shape except for the engine which has over 100,000 miles on it.
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West Coast FT
California
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Wish we could give for more info on this but without knowing were you are Its kinda hard to recommend anyone. Also who lead you to believe 100K was an indication of a bad engine? Big block motors have a long service life if properly maintain over the life span. My 1996 ford rolled over 84,000 mile a few months back. I've needed a valve job and major tune-up, plus water pump. but the motor still got the torque to handle the hills around me just find. Unless you really need a new engine due to mechanical failure. Get some test done like a compression test, cylinder leak down test, maybe even a coolant system pressure test, at a local NAPA service center. Replace the soft parts like belts hoses, etc. and keep-on rolling. Tranny should be a T4L80E-B or T4L80E-BH in that year P30 chassis but I suspect its got more wear than the engine. Any good Auto mechanic can tell you if its slipping with a test drive.
* This post was
edited 11/02/09 02:27pm by West Coast FT *
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Happy Jim
Owensboro KY
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Have your mechanic get the referance number off the block and order the same one from your local chevy dealer.
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Peg Leg
Anderson, IN
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My 97 has 180,000 and still going strong. Starting for FL soon.
You should have some local shops that could overhaul your's, if the block's sound. Jasper does a lot of rebuilds. Don't you have to watch which computer they have?
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supra24valve
Jackson, Ohio
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Someone on here has the 502 put in his. That would be a nice drop in. Im with the other guy. Why replace? 100k should be a problem.
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lbrandt
Springfield, MO
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My son has a 1988 Holiday Rambiler 33 with over 130,000 miles on it. It's still going strong. Uses a little less than a quart of oil every 3000 miles. Oddley enough the tranny is still working good.
100K no big deal just run it and take care of it.
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jpancini
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West Coast FT,
I live in the Indianapolis, Indiana area. I don't mind purchasing an engine from the internet if there is a reputable re-manufacture out there. I did have a mechanic do a compression check and #5 piston had no compression and #7 had some compression. The remainder of the pistons were ok. I plan on keeping this motorhome and I don't want more problems down the road. I'm not sure rebuilding the old engine will last 6 or 7 more years? Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks
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dezertcamper
San Diego
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If you want the closest you can get to a new 454, then call your GM dealer and ask about a new/reman 454 crate engine. Explain that this will go in a Motorhome, and see if this will have the correct heads and cam for your specifications. A GM crate engine will come with a 36 month /100K mile warranty.
http://www.goodwrench.com/PartsAccessories/Engines.jsp
If the GM Crate engine is to much money or does not fit the MH spec then call around town and find a reputable engine shop that will rebuild your engine. Indy should have several good machine shops around. The reason you might want to consider rebuiling your own engine is, there are many versions for the 454 and I believe the mid 90's was called the Gen VI which was right before they changed the name to Vortec 7400. If yours is EFI it could be a Vortec 7400 also. Anyways these motors were built for the GM truck line and the heads and cam configurations were a bit different to help gain torque over the car version of the 454. If you buy a rebuilt you might not know or might get a 1970's big block 454 engine that was originally designed and installed in GM's car line. Yes the blocks will be the same but the heads and cam might be different. If you chose to buy a rebuilt make sure you tell them it is for a Truck/Motorhome. It might still be a guessing game if you get a engine that was originally out of a truck chassis or car chassis.
Also I'm guessing you have had your MH for a while. If this is the case then you know how it has been driven and I personally would rather have a engine block and heads that I know how it has been run. Also rebuilding you engine is the same as buying a rebuilt from someone else. There both going to be rebuilt engines.
* This post was
edited 11/02/09 03:48pm by dezertcamper *
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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dezertcamper wrote:If you want the closest you can get to a new 454, then call your GM dealer and ask about a new/reman 454 crate engine. Explain that this will go in a Motorhome, and see if this will have the correct heads and cam for your specifications. A GM crate engine will come with a 36 month /100K mile warranty.
http://www.goodwrench.com/PartsAccessories/Engines.jsp
If the GM Crate engine is to much money or does not fit the MH spec then call around town and find a reputable engine shop that will rebuild your engine. Indy should have several good machine shops around. The reason you might want to consider rebuiling your own engine is, there are many versions for the 454 and I believe the mid 90's was called the Gen VI which was right before they changed the name to Vortec 7400. If yours is EFI it could be a Vortec 7400 also. Anyways these motors were built for the GM truck line and the heads and cam configurations were a bit different to help gain torque over the car version of the 454. If you buy a rebuilt you might not know or might get a 1970's big block 454 engine that was originally designed and installed in GM's car line. Yes the blocks will be the same but the heads and cam might be different. If you chose to buy a rebuilt make sure you tell them it is for a Truck/Motorhome. It might still be a guessing game if you get a engine that was originally out of a truck chassis or car chassis.
Also I'm guessing you have had your MH for a while. If this is the case then you know how it has been driven and I personally would rather have a engine block and heads that I know how it has been run. Also rebuilding you engine is the same as buying a rebuilt from someone else. There both going to be rebuilt engines. '94 is TBI. I would upgrade to full EFI instead of TBI if I were the OP, and if I wanted gas. Better fuel mileage.
But I might consider going with a small used Cummins diesel, considering I know where I can fine one that will drop right in.
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nelson
Clio,Mi USA
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I would go with a brand new GM crate motor. You can get the same motor with a three year warranty. Check prices at dealers, Not all the same
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