>
> GMC Motorhome Digest Tuesday, November 18 1997 Volume 01 : Number 034
>
> In this issue of the GMC Motorhome List Digest:
>
> Re: GMC: Engine replacements
> GMC: Rebuild engine: GMC Motorhome Digest V1 #33
> GMC: buying a GMC "torohome"
>
> To post to the GMC Motorhome List, send
> email to gmcmotorhome
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 16 Nov 1997 22:21:16 -0700
> From: hermann beeck
> Subject: Re: GMC: Engine replacements
>
> Check out Holley's web page for fuel injection. Use stock intake manifold if
> you go ahead with a TBI retrofit. They also have a tech. page for injection.
>
> HP BOOKS publishes a good paperback on TBI retrofit with some good advice.
> hb
>
>
> > Howdy,
> > Have looked at several GMCs and most have high miles on the original 455
> > or 403 engines. What is the best route to take for an engine
> > replacement, look for a good block and build up from there or by new??
> > Also, what engine and what drive train?? And finally, is there a good
> > electronic fuel injection retrofit? HELP.
> > Bob
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 17 Nov 1997 17:59:26 -0800
> From: whatt
> Subject: GMC: Rebuild engine: GMC Motorhome Digest V1 #33
>
> >
> > Howdy,
> > Have looked at several GMCs and most have high miles on the original 455
> > or 403 engines. What is the best route to take for an engine
> > replacement, look for a good block and build up from there or by new??
> > Also, what engine and what drive train?? And finally, is there a good
> > electronic fuel injection retrofit? HELP.
> > Bob
>
> Hi Bob,
> My experience was I rebuilt the 455 which was the original equipment in
> our 1976 Birchaven. The engine had 112K and all spec parameters seemed
> "sanitary" prior to making the decision to rebuild. Once I made the
> decision to rebuild I got a second opinion from the engine shop where
> the machine work would be done. I cannot emphasize strongly enough that
> you must find a competent and honest shop. Since the machine shop I used
> also builds racing engines, they made several recommendations regarding
> cams, rings, valve guides and so on. I have been very pleased with the
> outcome and would do it again.
>
> Tom - Houston
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 17 Nov 1997 23:02:12 -0800
> From: Chuck Noppe
> Subject: GMC: buying a GMC "torohome"
>
> Torohomes as we call them on the toronado newsgroup intrest me but before
> I drop down the kind of cash it would take to purchace one I would like
> to hear from someone who has one, if I could get your opinions of what to
> look for to get a good one as well as what the problem areas are
>
> Thanks
>
> Chuck noppe
> oldsnut
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of GMC Motorhome Digest V1 #34
> **********************************
Greetings!
We have a 1978 Eleganza II that is everything but original. I purchased
the coach in 1989 for 34K. It looked just like it came off the show
room floor. New nearly everything had been done by the previous owner.
He did it as original. Since our experience with motorhome was new both
with the GMC and motorhomes in general. I will be happy to give you
some insight what we have been through.
I survived 4 bi-passes in 1981 and the loss of 1/2 of the right lung in
1989. With those things in my mind my priorities changed. I really
wondered if there would be a retirement so we purchased the GMC, sight
unseen. I had been looking at Southwinds and some others but one day I
saw a GMC driving down the freeway. I chased it down and fell in love
with the GMC's right then and there and knew I wanted one. I, was not
up on things and this is for your benefit. There are lots of things you
can do to get educated. One I have submitted your name to GMCMM thats
the market magizine and you should be getting a copy soon. It addresses
only the GMC, exciting things that others have done plus what is for
sale and their cost. I may have paid too much from what I have seen but
such is life. The following will justify why I think I paid top dollar
and still had aa great deal of expense. 4th of July 1990 we blew up a
transmission. It was rebuilt in Susanville, CA and we were lucky to get
home. The rebuild was done with automotive parts. Not a heavy duty
Torque Converter etc. Upon return to home we had Quintrans re-do the
entire thing. Heavy duty evertything. Including "Caspro's" gears and
the final drive also. I added the Jacobs electronic ignition wires etc.
The water heater heating element was the next replacement. The drain
hose was not connected to the water heater tank so, when I followed the
directions (I thought) six gallons of water went beneath the shower and
into the hallway carpet. What a surprise to say the least! The next
thing was a burned valve. The 455 and I guess other engines have the
exhaust valves next to each other. Number 4/5 burned and so I had all
the proper head work done. About 2k for all the rubber from stem to
stern plus anything that carried a fluid. The heads were redone with
stainless steel manly valves and all the best of everything. No more
trouble here. The Knuckles and hubs were the next thing I learned
about. GMC recommends them to be greased about 25K miles. Some
recommend replacing the bearing instead of repacking. I replace. The
tools cost about $400.00 if I cam remenmber correctly from a man named
Ken Toma. You will see his name in the GMCMM monthly issue. I also
took the time to replace the pitman arm as the rubber greasse cups were
damaged. I could not just buy a grease cover (rubber from anybody so it
was a new pitman arm. The old one is one piece and I feel it was a good
one the new one is three pieces and adjustable. The front end required
one new knuckle and two new hubs to have the correct tollerances for the
bearings. At that time I had to replace one brake rotor as it was
pretty well warped. Machining it would have not been too good of an
idea. Next came the brakes front and rear. For some silly reason the
star adjusters were well worn and the self adjusting brakes adjusted one
wheel too much and the drum was severly damaged along with other parts
so that one was replaced as was all the brakes and related parts. Hoses
bearings etc. Then I had to drain and flush the radiator and keep this
in mind it is a real hard job to fill the radiator back up. I recommend
using the 50-50 mix and just pour it in rather than try to mix it
yourself. Any way a new radiator, water pump and thermostat and sending
units etc., hoses (again) all replaced. Next came a holding tank.
Seems as though the sending unit and gate valve started to leak. Poor
design. Who cars anyway about a sending unit to tell you if it is full
or empty. Three days you need to dump. Anyway the holes were in the
tank so it was replace time. Air Bags were next. and it goes on. One
must remember that while it is automotive it is also a house. So you
have cost for both in one. I must add that if you don't go out for more
than three days it is very costly to use. After the third day, meals
sleeping etc you start to be better off. Personally the comfort and
conveinence is very much worth it. I think. My wife might disagree.
She is a better cook than any restruant and we do like to eat. She is
German. The oil cooler hoses need to be checked regularly. I am
having them done sith the new engine that is going in right as we talk.
Oh! I guess I forgot to tell you my last trip out I spun some rod
bearings at about 30 MPH just out of Salt Lake City. Broke a windshield
and that bill was nearly 6K for new rebuild, windshield, shipping my old
motor home (just got here, yesterday) core charge etc. As we departed
on our return trip. Three weeks later. Low and behold 300 miles down
the road the bearing let go again. I had to rent a car to get home and
the GMC is still awaiting the engine. The engine came from Washington
State, The Motor Works and they have not said what or why the engine
crank and bearing failed this time. You need to keep in mind you need a
heavy duty water pump and oil pump too because while the 455 is a good
engine it does get hot under there and I honestly feel that heat is a
real problem. So much in fact we have air inlets (Stainless Steel like
on a speed boat) on each side of the rig just aft of the wheel well on
each side. I am thinking of putting ceramic headers on to also help
reduce the heat. I have directd more air into the engine compartment by
putting two pieces of sheet metal, one on either side of the grill on
the inside to direct more air flow. Also, we added the air intake for
the carb (would like toi go to Fuel Injection) to the front with some
very large tubing and intake so it provides more air flow to the carb.
In nearly 60K miles I have had two sets of tires. Michellin both times.
This last time was about 150 apiece plus lower ball joints and some new
grease fittings. I was driving down the freeway coming home from Vegas
and somebody either threw something or shot at us. Thats right a big
hole on the right side just below the top and aft of the refrigerator
vents. 1100.00 to repair that. You need to have "missile" insurance
for these things. To date including the initial purchasse we have about
45K into the GMC. It still looks great. I am a dri-wash n'guard
distribuitor and use the chemicals regularlly. That is washing without
water and I do keep the coach covered with a large tyvek cover. Wheel
covers etc. I do know, if you don't use the thing it will deteriorate
probably more rapidly just sitting there than using it.
Camping fees, state and county are getting pretty high so we bought some
land in the forest and thats where we go to camp. Last summer I was
there two months and "God" willing I will be there the entire summer
this next one. It is just really beautiful up there. I hope I have not
detered you one bit. My wife and I are just not sure if we can keep
this up. As much as I like it if things keep up I may just have to give
up this love affair with the GMC. We figuered without the costs of gas,
oil, camping, insurance etc we have regularly spent about 5K a year just
to own it. With my forced retirement, heart attack and nerveous break
down this past year, our income is more fixed. Time will have to tell.
Bye Chuck
> GMC Motorhome Digest Tuesday, November 18 1997 Volume 01 : Number 034
>
> In this issue of the GMC Motorhome List Digest:
>
> Re: GMC: Engine replacements
> GMC: Rebuild engine: GMC Motorhome Digest V1 #33
> GMC: buying a GMC "torohome"
>
> To post to the GMC Motorhome List, send
> email to gmcmotorhome
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 16 Nov 1997 22:21:16 -0700
> From: hermann beeck
> Subject: Re: GMC: Engine replacements
>
> Check out Holley's web page for fuel injection. Use stock intake manifold if
> you go ahead with a TBI retrofit. They also have a tech. page for injection.
>
> HP BOOKS publishes a good paperback on TBI retrofit with some good advice.
> hb
>
>
> > Howdy,
> > Have looked at several GMCs and most have high miles on the original 455
> > or 403 engines. What is the best route to take for an engine
> > replacement, look for a good block and build up from there or by new??
> > Also, what engine and what drive train?? And finally, is there a good
> > electronic fuel injection retrofit? HELP.
> > Bob
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 17 Nov 1997 17:59:26 -0800
> From: whatt
> Subject: GMC: Rebuild engine: GMC Motorhome Digest V1 #33
>
> >
> > Howdy,
> > Have looked at several GMCs and most have high miles on the original 455
> > or 403 engines. What is the best route to take for an engine
> > replacement, look for a good block and build up from there or by new??
> > Also, what engine and what drive train?? And finally, is there a good
> > electronic fuel injection retrofit? HELP.
> > Bob
>
> Hi Bob,
> My experience was I rebuilt the 455 which was the original equipment in
> our 1976 Birchaven. The engine had 112K and all spec parameters seemed
> "sanitary" prior to making the decision to rebuild. Once I made the
> decision to rebuild I got a second opinion from the engine shop where
> the machine work would be done. I cannot emphasize strongly enough that
> you must find a competent and honest shop. Since the machine shop I used
> also builds racing engines, they made several recommendations regarding
> cams, rings, valve guides and so on. I have been very pleased with the
> outcome and would do it again.
>
> Tom - Houston
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 17 Nov 1997 23:02:12 -0800
> From: Chuck Noppe
> Subject: GMC: buying a GMC "torohome"
>
> Torohomes as we call them on the toronado newsgroup intrest me but before
> I drop down the kind of cash it would take to purchace one I would like
> to hear from someone who has one, if I could get your opinions of what to
> look for to get a good one as well as what the problem areas are
>
> Thanks
>
> Chuck noppe
> oldsnut
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of GMC Motorhome Digest V1 #34
> **********************************
Greetings!
We have a 1978 Eleganza II that is everything but original. I purchased
the coach in 1989 for 34K. It looked just like it came off the show
room floor. New nearly everything had been done by the previous owner.
He did it as original. Since our experience with motorhome was new both
with the GMC and motorhomes in general. I will be happy to give you
some insight what we have been through.
I survived 4 bi-passes in 1981 and the loss of 1/2 of the right lung in
1989. With those things in my mind my priorities changed. I really
wondered if there would be a retirement so we purchased the GMC, sight
unseen. I had been looking at Southwinds and some others but one day I
saw a GMC driving down the freeway. I chased it down and fell in love
with the GMC's right then and there and knew I wanted one. I, was not
up on things and this is for your benefit. There are lots of things you
can do to get educated. One I have submitted your name to GMCMM thats
the market magizine and you should be getting a copy soon. It addresses
only the GMC, exciting things that others have done plus what is for
sale and their cost. I may have paid too much from what I have seen but
such is life. The following will justify why I think I paid top dollar
and still had aa great deal of expense. 4th of July 1990 we blew up a
transmission. It was rebuilt in Susanville, CA and we were lucky to get
home. The rebuild was done with automotive parts. Not a heavy duty
Torque Converter etc. Upon return to home we had Quintrans re-do the
entire thing. Heavy duty evertything. Including "Caspro's" gears and
the final drive also. I added the Jacobs electronic ignition wires etc.
The water heater heating element was the next replacement. The drain
hose was not connected to the water heater tank so, when I followed the
directions (I thought) six gallons of water went beneath the shower and
into the hallway carpet. What a surprise to say the least! The next
thing was a burned valve. The 455 and I guess other engines have the
exhaust valves next to each other. Number 4/5 burned and so I had all
the proper head work done. About 2k for all the rubber from stem to
stern plus anything that carried a fluid. The heads were redone with
stainless steel manly valves and all the best of everything. No more
trouble here. The Knuckles and hubs were the next thing I learned
about. GMC recommends them to be greased about 25K miles. Some
recommend replacing the bearing instead of repacking. I replace. The
tools cost about $400.00 if I cam remenmber correctly from a man named
Ken Toma. You will see his name in the GMCMM monthly issue. I also
took the time to replace the pitman arm as the rubber greasse cups were
damaged. I could not just buy a grease cover (rubber from anybody so it
was a new pitman arm. The old one is one piece and I feel it was a good
one the new one is three pieces and adjustable. The front end required
one new knuckle and two new hubs to have the correct tollerances for the
bearings. At that time I had to replace one brake rotor as it was
pretty well warped. Machining it would have not been too good of an
idea. Next came the brakes front and rear. For some silly reason the
star adjusters were well worn and the self adjusting brakes adjusted one
wheel too much and the drum was severly damaged along with other parts
so that one was replaced as was all the brakes and related parts. Hoses
bearings etc. Then I had to drain and flush the radiator and keep this
in mind it is a real hard job to fill the radiator back up. I recommend
using the 50-50 mix and just pour it in rather than try to mix it
yourself. Any way a new radiator, water pump and thermostat and sending
units etc., hoses (again) all replaced. Next came a holding tank.
Seems as though the sending unit and gate valve started to leak. Poor
design. Who cars anyway about a sending unit to tell you if it is full
or empty. Three days you need to dump. Anyway the holes were in the
tank so it was replace time. Air Bags were next. and it goes on. One
must remember that while it is automotive it is also a house. So you
have cost for both in one. I must add that if you don't go out for more
than three days it is very costly to use. After the third day, meals
sleeping etc you start to be better off. Personally the comfort and
conveinence is very much worth it. I think. My wife might disagree.
She is a better cook than any restruant and we do like to eat. She is
German. The oil cooler hoses need to be checked regularly. I am
having them done sith the new engine that is going in right as we talk.
Oh! I guess I forgot to tell you my last trip out I spun some rod
bearings at about 30 MPH just out of Salt Lake City. Broke a windshield
and that bill was nearly 6K for new rebuild, windshield, shipping my old
motor home (just got here, yesterday) core charge etc. As we departed
on our return trip. Three weeks later. Low and behold 300 miles down
the road the bearing let go again. I had to rent a car to get home and
the GMC is still awaiting the engine. The engine came from Washington
State, The Motor Works and they have not said what or why the engine
crank and bearing failed this time. You need to keep in mind you need a
heavy duty water pump and oil pump too because while the 455 is a good
engine it does get hot under there and I honestly feel that heat is a
real problem. So much in fact we have air inlets (Stainless Steel like
on a speed boat) on each side of the rig just aft of the wheel well on
each side. I am thinking of putting ceramic headers on to also help
reduce the heat. I have directd more air into the engine compartment by
putting two pieces of sheet metal, one on either side of the grill on
the inside to direct more air flow. Also, we added the air intake for
the carb (would like toi go to Fuel Injection) to the front with some
very large tubing and intake so it provides more air flow to the carb.
In nearly 60K miles I have had two sets of tires. Michellin both times.
This last time was about 150 apiece plus lower ball joints and some new
grease fittings. I was driving down the freeway coming home from Vegas
and somebody either threw something or shot at us. Thats right a big
hole on the right side just below the top and aft of the refrigerator
vents. 1100.00 to repair that. You need to have "missile" insurance
for these things. To date including the initial purchasse we have about
45K into the GMC. It still looks great. I am a dri-wash n'guard
distribuitor and use the chemicals regularlly. That is washing without
water and I do keep the coach covered with a large tyvek cover. Wheel
covers etc. I do know, if you don't use the thing it will deteriorate
probably more rapidly just sitting there than using it.
Camping fees, state and county are getting pretty high so we bought some
land in the forest and thats where we go to camp. Last summer I was
there two months and "God" willing I will be there the entire summer
this next one. It is just really beautiful up there. I hope I have not
detered you one bit. My wife and I are just not sure if we can keep
this up. As much as I like it if things keep up I may just have to give
up this love affair with the GMC. We figuered without the costs of gas,
oil, camping, insurance etc we have regularly spent about 5K a year just
to own it. With my forced retirement, heart attack and nerveous break
down this past year, our income is more fixed. Time will have to tell.
Bye Chuck
