8.1 vortec and Allison Swap into 1984 Airstream 310
02-10-2017, 10:45 AM
#42
TECH Resident
Yeah, I don't think a gas engine swap is in the cards.
I'd love a Detroit 60-series with electronically controlled trans, an extra gear, etc.
That could be a 450 to 550 horse and 1600 ft lbs easy, I believe.
But, probably not in the cards.
I added a few pictures of the interior remodel I did (I did the bamboo floors, but farmed out the upholstery) and from a trip where we were caught in a late Spring snow storm near the Grand Canyon.
Have fun! Love your project.
Doug
I'd love a Detroit 60-series with electronically controlled trans, an extra gear, etc.
That could be a 450 to 550 horse and 1600 ft lbs easy, I believe.
But, probably not in the cards.
I added a few pictures of the interior remodel I did (I did the bamboo floors, but farmed out the upholstery) and from a trip where we were caught in a late Spring snow storm near the Grand Canyon.
Have fun! Love your project.
Doug
02-10-2017, 12:45 PM
#44
TECH Resident
Thanks! I've owned it about 7 years and bought it for $23k and spent about $5k or $6k updating it... It pulls my late model landcruiser (6500 lbs - ish) like it isn't there. Still, going up very steep hills, I'll slow to 30 mph or so, of which there are many in California.
It was born in 1983, but updated to the 1988 fiberglass end caps and custom painted, so it looks newer if you look closely. I don't know why it was upgraded, then again, it is old school and definitely attracts interest wherever we go.
Around 1995 they went from the 8V92TA (8 cylinder turbo and supercharged Detroit Diesel 2 strokes with 92 cubic inches per slug) to the more modern 60-series, which is a 4 stroke.
The 92 - series two strokes have 4 exhaust valves in the head. Just like 2 stroke gas engines, air fuel mixture enters through the cylinder walls. They were strong engines, just didn't meet emissions EPA compliance, so they were phased out of over-the-road applications.
The old timers say drive 'em like you stole it or pissed off... more than once ... LOL... I've been told to slam my hand in the door a few times before getting behind the wheel to make sure I'm properly pissed to give the 2-stroke hell with the throttle pedal.
Apparently, the two strokes are very hot-rod-able by just changing injectors, but at the expense of longevity. If I used it more than a few trips / year, I might try to squeeze out some more power or even swap in an 8V92. Then cooling becomes an issue, maybe transmission life... etc.
Sorry for the thread deviation!
Have fun with your beast! Awesome project!
Thanks,
Doug
It was born in 1983, but updated to the 1988 fiberglass end caps and custom painted, so it looks newer if you look closely. I don't know why it was upgraded, then again, it is old school and definitely attracts interest wherever we go.
Around 1995 they went from the 8V92TA (8 cylinder turbo and supercharged Detroit Diesel 2 strokes with 92 cubic inches per slug) to the more modern 60-series, which is a 4 stroke.
The 92 - series two strokes have 4 exhaust valves in the head. Just like 2 stroke gas engines, air fuel mixture enters through the cylinder walls. They were strong engines, just didn't meet emissions EPA compliance, so they were phased out of over-the-road applications.
The old timers say drive 'em like you stole it or pissed off... more than once ... LOL... I've been told to slam my hand in the door a few times before getting behind the wheel to make sure I'm properly pissed to give the 2-stroke hell with the throttle pedal.
Apparently, the two strokes are very hot-rod-able by just changing injectors, but at the expense of longevity. If I used it more than a few trips / year, I might try to squeeze out some more power or even swap in an 8V92. Then cooling becomes an issue, maybe transmission life... etc.
Sorry for the thread deviation!
Have fun with your beast! Awesome project!
Thanks,
Doug
02-10-2017, 12:54 PM
#45
02-10-2017, 01:06 PM
#46
TECH Resident
Thanks a bunch! I have those bamboo floors in part of my house, too. I love them.
I looked for photos of 80s forest green carpets and green plaid upholstery I ripped out of there when we bought it! (a prior owner was a Michigan State Football, I was told)
It was a serious cave inside before. and I really like Green!
As part of our make-over we also reconfigured the back bedroom with a king bed vs. quaker - style his and hers twins - no offense to Quakers out there
That required moving the water tanks around to fit under the King mattress.
I recently added solar panels and charge controller so we don't need to run the generator to keep the batteries topped off. (If you want to discuss that for the Airstream, let me know - I did a lot of research and price optimization.)
Like hotrodding, these things can offer never-ending ways to spend your time and money.
Doug
02-10-2017, 07:19 PM
#48
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No, wrapped it dry. I had no idea it was easier wet. I'll try that next time!
Anyway, big night. Cranked the motor for the first time. Fired on about a half a round. Also fitted the new radiator and electric fans. We are getting close!
Anyway, big night. Cranked the motor for the first time. Fired on about a half a round. Also fitted the new radiator and electric fans. We are getting close!
Last edited by Moodified13; 02-10-2017 at 08:00 PM.
02-10-2017, 07:52 PM
#49
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I remember back in 2003-2004 when I did my first RX7 LS swap. I was at a point where I thought I could start the engine. So I turn the key, expecting several rounds of cranking it over. The thing fired up in what seemed like half a revolution and scared the **** out of me...good times.
Andrew
Andrew
02-11-2017, 04:41 PM
#50
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Got the shifter lengthened and hooked up. 3 speed shifter column actually shifts the Allison through all of its gears and it is fairly obvious what gear your in from the indicator. Mounted fans off a 5.3 Tahoe on a much bigger than stock rock auto radiator. AC hoses are made and ready to be hooked up. Used a Abbott Cable-X to run the stock speedometer.
Last edited by Moodified13; 02-16-2017 at 07:03 AM.
02-16-2017, 06:55 AM
#51
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I've never had an engine that wanted to live in another vehicle as bad as this one has. It's been roughly 6 weeks and we are literally within a few hours of being done. The motor mounts bolted up, exhaust bolted up, driveshaft bolted up after moving the intermediate shaft forward one inch. Yes, there has been a challenge or two but in general it has just worked out! Example, my buddy Walter and I spent 2 hours one night searching for a radiator that would easily mount up to the fans we had off the 5.3 motor. It needed a 34" by 18" by 2" core. We searched every vehicle we could think of and came up with nothing close. We begrudgingly decided to put the original style back in even though the fans would not mount well. I ordered one from rockauto and even though the picture was exactly like the Airstream radiator, it was completely wrong. However, it was almost exactly what we were looking for and couldn't find. Core measured 34 x 20" by 2.25" and worked perfectly.
02-16-2017, 07:56 AM
#52
That trans cooler looks a bit small for an RV. You might consider a swap that's popular with the Ford truck, RV V10 owners (they also used a small trans cooler). The Ford 6.0 cooler is huge, and considering the price of an Allison, cheap insurance, if you've got room for it.
http://www.dormanproducts.com/itemde...SEName=918-216
http://www.dormanproducts.com/itemde...SEName=918-216
02-16-2017, 08:13 AM
#53
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You may be right! That cooler is twice as big as the Auxillary I've got. That is the stock cooler out of the truck, but it is also cooled through the radiator. Do you know if the V10 is also cooled through the radiator?
02-16-2017, 08:37 AM
#54
Yes they do run through the radiator. But for whatever reason, Ford used a very small cooler on the RVs. The Dorman I listed was used in super duty V10s and turbo diesels made for towing.
Not sure if an Allison would require more cooling than a TH400, but like I said, cheap insurance for a rig that heavy.
It also looks to be very easy to install now with the front off.
Actually, the Ford looks to be about 4 times the size of yours. And the one on my Winnebago (460/E4OD) looks about twice the size of yours.
Not sure if an Allison would require more cooling than a TH400, but like I said, cheap insurance for a rig that heavy.
It also looks to be very easy to install now with the front off.
Actually, the Ford looks to be about 4 times the size of yours. And the one on my Winnebago (460/E4OD) looks about twice the size of yours.
Last edited by garys 68; 02-16-2017 at 08:47 AM.
02-18-2017, 06:02 PM
#56
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Finished the install today. I've got a few things left to wrap up non motor related but for the most part I'm calling it done. Finished plumbing all the coolers and radiator, got the ac charged and idled it for 30 minutes or so. It runs cool and barely makes the first fan cycle on and off. It was 75 degrees here today. We will see how it behaves when it is 105 out.
02-18-2017, 08:55 PM
#58
I really like this project. Don't know squat about 8.1's other than people say that they arent worth modding. But it's a big, healthy, modern fuel injected motor and seems absolutely perfect for you swap.
I don't know much about the motorhomes Airstream made, I believe that they are fairly rare. But my family has been big in to the trailers for decades and have gone to official meets all over the country for many years. I must have been in 25 states with my grand parents with a 34 footer in tow when I was young. Gotta love an Airstream.
I don't know much about the motorhomes Airstream made, I believe that they are fairly rare. But my family has been big in to the trailers for decades and have gone to official meets all over the country for many years. I must have been in 25 states with my grand parents with a 34 footer in tow when I was young. Gotta love an Airstream.
02-18-2017, 09:22 PM
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While I've got it jacked up I decided to add some sound deadening material in the wheel wells. I'm finished with the passenger side and I plan to knock out the driver side tomorrow. Monday, we will begin the arduous task of taking it down off the blocks and hopefully get the first road test in. It has been 7 weeks since we started pulling the motor out of the Silverado.