Repower Question

nosticks · #1 02-05-2008

Has anyone repowered an SP or FC for that matter, with something other than a 3208. They (3208's) are getting old, the coach will outlast most of our lives, and I just wondered if anyone had engineered a refit with a different Cat or Cummins. I really like the SP's, but the age of the engine and reman replacements bother me. This fear I bring from the boating world with experience, where the old 354 Perkins, although a great engine in it's time, just gives in to father time, no matter how well you care for it. Remans weren't worth the effort to r & r the beast. Eventually, you spend more time working on it than going places.

gcyeaw · #2 02-05-2008

Dave,
I don't know any specifics but I have read about a couple somewhere along the way. One of the problems is that more recent engines are computer controlled and tightly matched to specific transmissions. The combination is set up for a specific vehicle making it tough to match up with the bird.

It would be interesting if someone were to find a good combination and then produce a 'kit' to upgrade a bird. These kinds of kits proliferate the hot rod industry, why not the RV industry? You are correct that the coach will probably outlast all of us. How many times have we seen someone on the forum who needed to have a rebuilt installed in the middle of nowhere. They get taken to the cleaners and wind up with little more than they started with. It would be interesting if there was a market for an upgrade to a newer and comonly available engine/transmission combination.

iamflagman · #3 02-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by nosticks

Has anyone repowered an SP or FC for that matter, with something other than a 3208. They (3208's) are getting old, the coach will outlast most of our lives, and I just wondered if anyone had engineered a refit with a different Cat or Cummins. I really like the SP's, but the age of the engine and reman replacements bother me. This fear I bring from the boating world with experience, where the old 354 Perkins, although a great engine in it's time, just gives in to father time, no matter how well you care for it. Remans weren't worth the effort to r & r the beast. Eventually, you spend more time working on it than going places.

Dave,

Re-powering has been done on a FC that we featured on the old forum, with a Detroit.

You can view the complete 13 page feature by going to http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/70736639, just click on "NEXT" at the right of each page to see the next one.

mynavion · #4 02-06-2008

I think that one thing that has probably discouraged engine swaps is the cost versus value. If one plans to keep an FC for several years then the cost may be worth it to them. However due to the age of these old birds its hard to justify potentially $20k or so (my wag) on a $25-$35k bird if there is a remote chance that it will be sold or traded in the near future.
On the other hand I have often wondered how a 5.9 Cummins (turned up a bit of course) with a later Allison would work out......

Randy Dupree · #5 02-06-2008

the one in johns pics is better than factory!
the fit and finish is incredible.
Mike H has seen an FC with a 5.9 cummins in it,and on craigs list in Ca theres an FC with an L10 cummins in it.
theres one somewhere with a newer 7.2 3126 cat in-line 6 in it,with a 6 speed allison.
it can be done,but it will be a labor of love for sure!
Randy

Bill Pape · #6 02-06-2008

I met the ower of the 81 FC with the ISL 400 Allison six speed.
Over $20K and a huge number of hours, He did not feel the job could be hired out because of the labor factor, The front had a bumper & nose extention, need lots of room for longer block & radiator cooling.
A limiting factor is always the front axle weight.

Second one of course would be quicker.

Bruce · #7 02-06-2008

There are a bunch of SOB gas MH's that have been repowered with the Cummins 5.9. They normally buy a donor vehicle and utilize the tranny as well. Most have been done with the early non computerized version. I really dont think that would be a good option for an FC. The 5.9 is a great engine but our coaches are extremely heavy and the Cummins would not be up to the job. I really dont see why the 3208 cannot be rebuilt. A quick google will reveal lots for sale. The last FC's were produced almost 20 years ago. If the original 3208 went 20 years then the replacement should last the same. How much more life would you need? Heck, many of us will not last another 20 years!!!

nosticks · #8 02-06-2008

Thanks for the replies. In the boating world, I repowered a 20 year old Mainship Trawler with a new Yanmar diesel, transmission and running gear. It cost me over 22k and I did quite a bit of the work. In the end, after a few years of use, I sold it, for a good price. The reason the buyer wanted the older boat was that it was solid to begin with, then it had a new < 300 hour engine in it. As crazy as it sounded at the time, it did come back to me when I sold it. I think a good Bird would do the same, but like everything else, you have to find the right person.

I look at the Birds much like the old Mainship Trawlers, its an ownership bordering on a cult. Those that have them, would have nothing else. A strong user group with in depth knowledge is a great advantage, but they are not for the person that needs to read a manual to know the difference between a flat and a phillips.. I see most newer SOB's as having owners with a well featured cell phone as the only tool in their box they can operate.

This group is a great source and I hope to become a Bird owner. Gotta love it.

1derer · #9 03-09-2009

http://www.wanderlodgeownersgroup.co...ead.php?t=2063

And if you can find anybody to do for you, let me know. I'd like to do one also, but Randy's not making a habit of it.