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Airstream345
Site Host
Classic Master
Posts:1335
Administrators
Louisville, KY
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| 11/17/2007 4:36 AM |
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OK, so I'm just spitballing here but I recently was presented with an opportunity to purchase an Isusu Box truck for not a lot of money which uses the Isuzu 4HE1TC turbocharged engine. The truck is a refer 16' at 14,500 GVW. A check on the Isusu commercial site shows this engine in their N series trucks up to 17,500 GVW.
Specs on the engine at 175 hp @ 2,700 rpm and 358 ft-lbs @ 2,000 rpm.
Maybe I'm crazy but since the 454 is a 240 horse / 355 torque motor....is it feasable to consider a 4 cyl engine as a replacement in my 16,500 lb Airstream? Seems like the torque is there but will the HP be an issue?
This is a complete truck along with the tranny (4 speeds with ODrive) and all of the bits and pieces.
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Steven Webster
1986 Airstream Classic 345
Host, ThisOldRV.com |
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Balrgn
Moderator
Expert
Posts:805
Registered Users
Southern NH
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| 11/17/2007 7:14 AM |
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| What engine did they put in the Airstream 280's? The Diesel will give you more torque! |
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1977 Argosy 20
454 V8 Gas
Southern NH
Maintenance Analyst
www.balrgn.com |
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COOPERHAWK
Moderator
Expert
Posts:843
Administrators
East Central Minnesota
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| 11/17/2007 10:14 AM |
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| I might think that is a little small. My engine is 6 cylanders with a turbo and kicks out around 220 horses and I think the power is just adequate. I guess I would drive the truck and see how it handles. |
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1985 Airstream 345 Turbo-Diesel
VFW,Legion, NRA
FAA Air Traffic Control Supervisor (Retired)
http://www.cooperhawk.net
mailto:jimcooper@cooperhawk.net
"People are okay in ones and twos. After that number they tend to choose up sides and wear arm bands and berets." |
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COOPERHAWK
Moderator
Expert
Posts:843
Administrators
East Central Minnesota
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| 11/17/2007 10:51 AM |
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Steve, in answer to your thoughts here are some facts I uncovered a few years ago.
The early diesels were underpowered. They had a turbo that was after market, (if they had a turbo at all), and less efficient transmissions. Airstream recognized that and in 1984 started to correct the problem. The later models were far more powerful and efficient. My rig is rated at just 220 to 230 HP.
If you want to install a diesel in your rig, just be sure it is large enough. Efficiency is an outcome of proper sizing. Too small or too large produce poor economy, and too small produces hateful words!
In 1984-85 and later they got a whole new engineered engine with a factory turbo, cylinder oiling, heavier crankshaft, stronger connecting rods,and stronger pistons. In addition the cylinder head had improved valves. You can verify this information directly with Isuzu's Industrial Division. The improved engine had 30 more horsepower than earlier models. |
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1985 Airstream 345 Turbo-Diesel
VFW,Legion, NRA
FAA Air Traffic Control Supervisor (Retired)
http://www.cooperhawk.net
mailto:jimcooper@cooperhawk.net
"People are okay in ones and twos. After that number they tend to choose up sides and wear arm bands and berets." |
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Airstream345
Site Host
Classic Master
Posts:1335
Administrators
Louisville, KY
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| 11/17/2007 6:25 PM |
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Coop,
Excellent points. I discounted the Isuzu 4 bangers until this opportunity presented itself. But when researching these engines I was surprised to see them in commercial box trucks up to 17,500 lbs. The truck it's in is a 14,500 refer truck. I'll have an opportunity to drive it from Louisville to Chicago and back soon so I'll know a lot more about it after that trip.
It's a 2000 vehicle with electronic everything, intercoole turbo, etc. Definately not my carb'd rat motor in there. I assume it's under powered when compared to a 6cyl cummins or 8 cyl duramax, but if the numbers line up I dont really feel like I need MORE power to use the motorhome the way we use it now and in the foreseeable future.
I also like the idea of having a complete vehicle as donor for all those little "oh yeah's" that would pop up in a conversion.
Lastly, I think the price would be right and I could part out the refer and other items not used after a conversion. |
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Steven Webster
1986 Airstream Classic 345
Host, ThisOldRV.com |
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