GMC Netters,
I've been lurking for a few weeks now, and enjoying every post!
Although I'm a GMC Wannabe, I do have to chime in about the longevity of
the 455.
While in college I bought a used '72 Vista Cruiser. It was loaded.
Power everything, stereo, even an 8 track! The fellow I bought the car
from was the second owner, however he bought it with 12,000 miles, and
only one year old. By the time I got it it had nearly 180,000. The
motor had never been openned. Regular maintenance, but no other work.
I had always intended to replace the timing chain, but never got around
to it. I drove that car for 6 or 7 years and then finally gave it to my
brother-in-law. It had over 300,000 miles when one day I noticed that
one of the motor mounts had given up the ghost. While replacing the
mount, I dented the oil pan. As long as I was there, I finally changed
the chain and installed a hi-flow oil pump.
My brother-in-law drove the car for another 5 years, or so. It was a
sad site by then, but I suppose I got more than my share out of that
car.
Now I understand that the Toro engines were special. I don't know how
they could be any better than that old Vista Cruiser, but if they are,
GM picked the right motor for the coach!
Larry Davick
Wannabe for now, in sunny Fremont, California
I've been lurking for a few weeks now, and enjoying every post!
Although I'm a GMC Wannabe, I do have to chime in about the longevity of
the 455.
While in college I bought a used '72 Vista Cruiser. It was loaded.
Power everything, stereo, even an 8 track! The fellow I bought the car
from was the second owner, however he bought it with 12,000 miles, and
only one year old. By the time I got it it had nearly 180,000. The
motor had never been openned. Regular maintenance, but no other work.
I had always intended to replace the timing chain, but never got around
to it. I drove that car for 6 or 7 years and then finally gave it to my
brother-in-law. It had over 300,000 miles when one day I noticed that
one of the motor mounts had given up the ghost. While replacing the
mount, I dented the oil pan. As long as I was there, I finally changed
the chain and installed a hi-flow oil pump.
My brother-in-law drove the car for another 5 years, or so. It was a
sad site by then, but I suppose I got more than my share out of that
car.
Now I understand that the Toro engines were special. I don't know how
they could be any better than that old Vista Cruiser, but if they are,
GM picked the right motor for the coach!
Larry Davick
Wannabe for now, in sunny Fremont, California
