[nerfherder_81]

I just picked up a 1978 Dodge Class C motor home 23'. It has a modded 318 in it, but the power and economy (7.4 mpg) leave something to desire. What, if any, are my diesel options?

Here are my needs-
- It’s a 23’ class C the GVW is 12,000 lbs(or at least that’s what it said on the door) don’t know CGVW
- I will be towing with it.
- And I live in western WA, so that means climbing mountain passes.
- Automatic
- Prefer mechanical.

Now on to some research I have already done.
- 318 diamensions L32” W23.6” H31”
- 4BT diamensions L30.6” W24.6” H37.7”
- C5.9l 12v diamensions L40” W24.9” H37.9”
From what I’ve heard the 4bt is too tall and not powerful enough, but it hauls those box trucks around
So options, Ford or Chevy V8 diesel, Izuzu?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[jlk5269]

4BT will get you there

 

[lunacy]

I would look into a 6bt if you can package it. Most of the step vans running the 4bt are gvwr of 10,000lbs or under and if you're gonig to be pulling a trailer with a heavier vehicle, two extra cylinders of power will help a lot.

 

[47Ford - 1.5Ton]

The moment you said 'tow with it' I will say 6BTwithout even hesitating.......

Then you said mountains........ towing + mountains = 6BT HANDS DOWN

4BT will struggle with a full loaded camper + boat/vehicle in tow...... let alone up high % grades

 

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

get a 6bt that it will be the most reasonable option for your motorhome

 

[nerfherder_81]

I would like to run a 6bt, basically take the drive train from a '96 era dodge truck auto 2wd. BUT would it even be possible to shoe horn that thing in under the dog house?

 

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

take a measure tape and check the space available in the engine bay... but if you start to think about a v8 check for a powerstroke 7.3, since it fits in those e-series short-nose vans it wouldn't be so hard to fit a class-c...

 

[boostedretard]

Get out the tape. I would stay away from the older IDI stuff. There's alot of cummins trucks being parted out around this area.
What's your budget like?

 

[nerfherder_81]

I did see International T444e they say it's the same as ford powerstroke, on craigslist. anybody got diamensions on some V8 diesels?

 

[nerfherder_81]

Here is a pic of what I'm working on.

 

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

if you were not going to tow the 4bt would be a good alternative... the 6bt can be done, but i still believe a powerstroke would be easy to fit...

 

[boostedretard]

That T444 motor has been on craigslist for years. Not worth $800 considering it has no accessories and mildly laying in parts. Another thing to consider is a inline diesel will be easier to work on than a V8 in a small van engine bay. There is a complete 95 powerstroke 7.3 on craigslist with wiring harness for $1K.

 

[rtstump]

78 Class C Motorhome

Have fun. That's what its all about. I put a 6BT in a 1986 Class A through the side door one piece at a time. It runs great and has tons of power. The only suggestion, is find a donor truck, do not try to piece it together. If you go with a 6BT the computer needs to be matched with the engine.