Motorhome based on Chevy Vortec V8

[lyndx]

Just found out that the motorhome we were going to order now is only
available with a Chevy 7.4L SFI Vortec V8 and 4L80-E transmission. We were
set on a Ford V10 and would like your experiences/opinions with the Chevy so
we can rethink the whole thing.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[sbourg]

In article <81oo2k$2lp$1...@mail.nassaulibrary.org>, "lyndx"

The engine choice is of considerably less significance than the chassis
choice, dry/wet weight, and GVWR. Why don't you post this info too,
since either of those engines can haul around a lot of mass, but the
wrong chassis/coach match can make it an unpleasant prospect.

Steve

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[wi...@epix.net]

<ml48...@nassaulibrary.org> writes:

> Just found out that the motorhome we were going to order now is only
> available with a Chevy 7.4L SFI Vortec V8 and 4L80-E transmission.
>We were set on a Ford V10 and would like your experiences/opinions
>with the Chevy so we can rethink the whole thing.

Unless you are brand-conscious to the point that facts don't matter,
you should know that the GM 454 is a strong, reliable, reasonably
efficient engine with far more service miles behind it that the new
Ford V-10. We've had excellent experience with them, as have
countless others. But because there are so many out there you may
also hear from people with bad experiences/opinions. ANY engine that
is neglected and/or abused can/will fail prematurely, whether made by
GM or Ford or Mercedes.

IMO you should not base your decision on this issue - have you
carefully reviewed the RV Consumers Group's RATINGS BOOK? It will
cover issues like handling, weight, payload, etc.

Will KD3XR

[George Miklas]

In article <81oo2k$2lp$1...@mail.nassaulibrary.org>,
"lyndx" <ml48...@nassaulibrary.org> wrote:

> Just found out that the motorhome we were going to order now is only
> available with a Chevy 7.4L SFI Vortec V8 and 4L80-E transmission.
We were
> set on a Ford V10 and would like your experiences/opinions with the
Chevy so
> we can rethink the whole thing.
>

> Thanks in advance for your help.

I owned a 1996 Chevy 3500 Van with the 350 Vortec engine and the same
transmission. At that time, the 350V had 255 HP, but now has 270 HP.
I was very pleased with the van with its engine then, and can only
speculate that you will love the 454 Vortec in your MH.

George

--
George/Jodi Miklas, gospel harmonica player/singer
http://www.angelfire.com/pa/harmonicat/index.html
95 Ford/d'Elegant E-150
GeoMiklas on AIM, 45582054 on ICQ

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.

[Nunya Dadburn Bidness]

Ain't nothing wrong with a Chevy 454. Should have all the balls you
need and be reliable too.

lyndx wrote in message <81oo2k$2lp$1...@mail.nassaulibrary.org>...

[Jim Parks]

Both engines are fine. The V10 is great. The real point is
the chassis. I believe the Ford chassis is wider, therefore
it will handle better. The Ford wiring/electronics/controls
are much better. But focus on the chassis!!!

[lyndx]

Thanks to everyone for your comments. To add to the information about the
chassis, the Chevy chassis is a G3500 with a GVWR of 12,300 lbs and a
wheelbase of 139", disc brakes in front, drums in back, no transmission
cooler and front suspension with coil springs

The Ford chassis is an E350 Super Duty with a GWVR of 10,700 lbs and a
wheelbase of 138". The Ford has disc brakes all around, an auxiliary
transmission cooler and front suspension with coil springs with twin I beam.

The dealer emphasized the higher GWVR of the Chevy as an advantage while
minimizing the brakes, tranny cooler etc on the Ford. Of course, he has to
sell the Chevy now that the Ford isn't available. We drove the Ford and the
only thing we didn't like was the long shift pattern but we understand that
is normal in the V10.

[Gary Glaenzer]

jed <jed...@yahoo.com.net> wrote in message
news:Mv104.15045$n3.2...@news0.telusplanet.net...
> One thing I have heard is a particular lack of durability with the Ford
> Transmission in this unit. The 4L80E has been great in our shop. BTW,
the
> 4L80E has a tranny cooler standard. You cannot buy this transmission
> without a cooler.
>

I assume you're referring to the E4OD (C6 + overdrive).

The earlier versions had problems due to inadequate pressure rise
programming in the computer.

Newer versions are pretty reliable.

[jed]

One thing I have heard is a particular lack of durability with the Ford
Transmission in this unit. The 4L80E has been great in our shop. BTW, the
4L80E has a tranny cooler standard. You cannot buy this transmission
without a cooler.

lyndx <ml48...@nassaulibrary.org> wrote in message
news:81q285$8il$1...@mail.nassaulibrary.org...

[Ron K]

We are, sort'a, in the same situation. Been looking at the Fleetwood Flair.
We have been quoted a great price and an option package from Fleetwood that
applies only to the Motorhome with the "workhorse" chassis For those that
are not aware that is the "old" Chev GM chassis that is now produced by
Workhorse. If you would like to read something about it go to
www.workhorsecc.com
Don't know what your looking at but the Flair is a 30' class A. I've
noticed that Fleetwood does not utilize the Workhorse on anything larger
than 32', if I remember correctly. After all the reading of postings I
could find I feel much better about the chassis and are going to go ahead
with our order. Although it's plunk your money and take your chances.
Hope this helps somewhat.

Ron K.

[i202170]

lyndx wrote: Chev 454

I know nothing except GM got out of the Motor Home chassis business when Ford
introduced their new chassis. I feel that GM will reenter the market when they
have an equal or better chassis than the ford. If it was a money maker and
good, GM would still produce it.

[Bill Kiene]

Hi All,
I met a gentleman that had a transmission shop and he told me that the GM
and Chrysler's overdrive truck transmissions did not hold up well because
they only had one clutch disc in the overdrive unit, but Ford had 4 disc in
it's overdrive unit. I was told that Ford 350/450 was the only chassis being
used in 2000 for Class C and small Class A.

i202170 <w3...@thegrid.net> wrote in message
news:38460BF6...@thegrid.net...

[Dave Souder]

> >GM is out of the RV chassis business but sold their P-chassis line to Work Horse, in elkhart, IN, which is now producing 16,500 GVWR chassis and is beginning to produce chassis in the upper GVW range as well. The Work Horse chassis use the Chevy Vortec engines and are being quite well received. So there is a competitor for Ford.
dutch souder
dso4...@aol.com
> >
> >
> >

[Gary Glaenzer]

Dave Souder <dso...@home.com> wrote in message
news:3852738C...@home.com...

>
>
> Bill Kiene wrote:
> >
> > Hi All,
> > I met a gentleman that had a transmission shop and he told me that the
GM
> > and Chrysler's overdrive truck transmissions did not hold up well
because
> > they only had one clutch disc in the overdrive unit, but Ford had 4 disc
in
> > it's overdrive unit. I was told that Ford 350/450 was the only chassis
being
> > used in 2000 for Class C and small Class A.
> >

While I can't address the types of chassis being used in MH's, I can tell
you that this transmission shop guy is full of it.

GM has 3 clutches in the overdrive, the same as Ford. Chrysler has anywhere
from 2 to 4, depending upon engine size.