Birchy [In Progress]
- Thread starter pdxbirchy
- Start date
Tim,
If you feel that the engine is being run too fast, let the transmission shift it up a gear.
If the engine won't pull the load in that gear, downshift the transmission and climb the grade more slowly.
I have heard no other complaints about the 3.70.
Personally, I would like a 3.55 in my 9460# 23 and we don't even tow.
Matt
If you feel that the engine is being run too fast, let the transmission shift it up a gear.
If the engine won't pull the load in that gear, downshift the transmission and climb the grade more slowly.
I have heard no other complaints about the 3.70.
Personally, I would like a 3.55 in my 9460# 23 and we don't even tow.
Matt
Hi Matt,
Now that I read read what I wrote i can see how it is confusing. I meant that I feel with 3.70 in the lighter 23 footer the revs are uncomfortably high at a highway cruising speed of 65-70. I think something in the 3.42 - 3.55 would strike a better balance --- still lets you get up the mountain towing something reasonable, but a mellower churn down the flats.
Now that I read read what I wrote i can see how it is confusing. I meant that I feel with 3.70 in the lighter 23 footer the revs are uncomfortably high at a highway cruising speed of 65-70. I think something in the 3.42 - 3.55 would strike a better balance --- still lets you get up the mountain towing something reasonable, but a mellower churn down the flats.
Tim,
Most likely the fact that you are uncomfortable with the 3.70 is simply because you listened to the 3.07 too long. The 3.70 at 70mph puts you just about on the power peak of a stock 455. That is great for a Royale, but for us with coaches that are a ton (literally) lighter, that may be no gain.
Just do not get stuck in the antique thinking that everything comes down to piston/miles. That has been proven false. Running engine at a lower BMEP (sort of like torque) has proven advantages.
Matt
Most likely the fact that you are uncomfortable with the 3.70 is simply because you listened to the 3.07 too long. The 3.70 at 70mph puts you just about on the power peak of a stock 455. That is great for a Royale, but for us with coaches that are a ton (literally) lighter, that may be no gain.
Just do not get stuck in the antique thinking that everything comes down to piston/miles. That has been proven false. Running engine at a lower BMEP (sort of like torque) has proven advantages.
Matt
With 225/75r16 tires at 70mph:
3.70FD: 2970rpm
3.55FD: 2850rpm
Only 120 rpm difference. If you don't like the higher rpm you could get that 120rpm reduction by going 67 mph instead of 70 mph also.
JMO but they're about the same really considering the original 3.07 would have you spinning 2470 rpm at 70mph, just starting to get up into its sweet spot, JMO again.
3.70FD: 2970rpm
3.55FD: 2850rpm
Only 120 rpm difference. If you don't like the higher rpm you could get that 120rpm reduction by going 67 mph instead of 70 mph also.
JMO but they're about the same really considering the original 3.07 would have you spinning 2470 rpm at 70mph, just starting to get up into its sweet spot, JMO again.
The maiden voyage was fun, as we boondocked using Harvest Hosts. What a cool program.
There were gremlins that we hope to address. Mostly some unwanted gas fumes that may be tied to gassing-up, and/or the generator not having been run in a while and trying that out. Our new furnace also had a bit of a propane fume as it cycled on and off, but I am trying to dial in where exactly that scent is coming from as I think it might actually be coming in through the not so great sealed door next to the furnace exhaust. Soapy water was used to check connections and nothing was detected.
Lastly, we just haven't had our alignment really dialed in yet. We have a good shop working with us on getting it there, but that plus wheels are in our immediate future before a long trip to Cali.
All that said, this thing brings smiles to everyone that sees her.
There were gremlins that we hope to address. Mostly some unwanted gas fumes that may be tied to gassing-up, and/or the generator not having been run in a while and trying that out. Our new furnace also had a bit of a propane fume as it cycled on and off, but I am trying to dial in where exactly that scent is coming from as I think it might actually be coming in through the not so great sealed door next to the furnace exhaust. Soapy water was used to check connections and nothing was detected.
Lastly, we just haven't had our alignment really dialed in yet. We have a good shop working with us on getting it there, but that plus wheels are in our immediate future before a long trip to Cali.
All that said, this thing brings smiles to everyone that sees her.
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Heck, I expect those hiccups on a first run out of winter storage. On a maiden voyage? Even made it home? Sounds like pretty clear sailing. Congrats!
I’m sure it does bring smiles. She’s a looker. Your paint job? Really like taking the white a bit above the belt line, it pops. Nice touch.
I’m sure it does bring smiles. She’s a looker. Your paint job? Really like taking the white a bit above the belt line, it pops. Nice touch.
That is amazing work. You live in such a great state to own one of these. (I lived in silverton for a decade- family still lives in oregon)
Please let us know about shops you use out that way. I have talked to a few in oregon and many do not have luck finding qualified mechanic to work on these old things properly.
i am not sure what matt sees. I see aluminum cones on the airbags(stock).
did not realize you had a 23’ with the 3.7 gearing. You are way better setup to go down i-5 to california then 90%
of the coaches on the road. You start out a few thousand pounds less to pull around.
Please let us know about shops you use out that way. I have talked to a few in oregon and many do not have luck finding qualified mechanic to work on these old things properly.
i am not sure what matt sees. I see aluminum cones on the airbags(stock).
did not realize you had a 23’ with the 3.7 gearing. You are way better setup to go down i-5 to california then 90%
of the coaches on the road. You start out a few thousand pounds less to pull around.
I'm digging the shot in front of Reser, my wife would be jealous! I'll have to do that with my International Loadstar someday (it's orange and black).
The coach is looking good!
The coach is looking good!
We have had some amazing support. Here's our list, so far:
At Your Door RV: Tuck is a great guy and really understands these coaches, now.
Carl's Alignment [Vancouver, WA]: Carl is the real deal. Working with him and his team is top notch.
Mark's Quality Repair [Portland, OR]: Mark and team work on big rig trucks mostly. Mark is a straight shooter and they installed/replaced the trans, fuel lines, and other engine items.
Ultimate Paint and Collision Repair [Portland, OR]: They loved this project and normally only paint semis and tractors. They did a wonderful job and it was reasonable. You are looking at $10k+ depending on the amount of work.
Discount Tires: New tires just on today and they did a great job.
Regarding total cost, I may never add it up, for my personal sanity. Let's just say we are well above a $30k renovation. Remember we gutted it to the studs, fixed the body, all new suspension, new steering is going in next week as is quad bags [yes I know they aren't everyone's favorite, but I'll report back how I feel later], new tires, new Mac dash, all new appliances, 3.7 FD, new trans, new fuel lines. Just added a Thule Combi case on the back yesterday. New upholstery throughout as well as cushions. I know I am missing something....
Awesome! It has been a while, but I remember a couple people in portland with blown motors could not find a shop willing to even look at the coach.
This was a custom color that I selected! I will have more pictures in 2-3 weeks with a full walkthrough. We may be close to 'done' with all of the modifications that I think people will find very interesting.
