454 to B5.9 motorhome engine swap?

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My folks are retired and have a 27' Southwind motorhome. It's built on a Chevy P-30 chassis with a 454 and a Turbo-400 transmission. They're on their 2nd engine, and that engine is on it's 2nd crankshaft. The engine is straining too hard to be moving that much weight + a tow car. The motorhome itself is almost like new (interior, appliances, etc. ), but they don't trust it on long trips anymore. My idea is that instead of spending 80+ grand on a new motorhome, they should see if they can have a Cummins 5. 9 liter and an Allison installed. I've asked a few people about this, and all I've been told was, "It's been done," and "it's expensive," but that's all I know. Even then, I think it would be worth it. It would be like getting a brand new motorhome, and they'd double their fuel mileage, and it would be much more powerful and reliable. My folks don't like the newer motorhomes because they're all too big, too expensive, and too loaded with unnecessary luxury items.
Anybody out there know of anyone who has had this done? Are there any shops that specialize in diesel swaps? I'd appreciate any info.
Thanks, Andy

 

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I have done my share of ODD engine/ transmission swaps and here are my thoughts, for what it's worth.

Call the motorhome manufacture and see if they offer the Cummins engine in their newer models. If they do, pick their mind to see if the parts, engime mount, exhaust, wireing, etc.
After doing all the information gathering, do the math. How much will it cost in time and money.

Next, go find a new motorhome with the Cummins/Allison combination and BUY IT.

You will be WAY WAY ahead of the game. No down time. No trying to find someone that will work on the odd ball home made abortion.

Find some sucke... . er, lucky person and make them the proud owner of the old motorhome.

jmho

Ben

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2000 BLACK 3500, CTD, 4x2, Quad, SLT+, Tow Package, Camper Package, Sports Package, Sure Grip, Sliding Rear Window, 3. 55, Auto

 

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I agree with BMANN. You are most likely better able to find a used diesel pusher for the same price as the conversion. As far as finding motorhome with a diesel in the front, they are few and far between, especially one with a Cummins. The ones with diesels are built on Frieghtliner chassis, while the ones with the gas engines are most likely built on Ferd or GM (Granny's Miscarriage) chassis, so you will not find too many with a front engine diesel. I think maybe the closest you will get is one of the class c motorhomes on the Ferd chassis offer a front engine powersmoke as an option, but with the Ferd transmission. But then again, would you really want a diesel up front with all the fumes making thier way through the living quarters?

If they are really interested in a diesel, Winnebago has an excellent product. My nieghbor just bought a pusher and he loves it. He says the fit and finish is the best he has ever experienced and he has owned quite a few. He got a good price too, they are very reasonably priced, and his came with the Allison, Cummins 4 valve 275 HP, and the exhaust brake.

Dave

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94 3500 Dually.

 

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There is/was a company building class "C" type motorhomes on Dodge dually 4x4 chassis cabs. I saw a article a few years ago in one of the 4wd magazines. I also saw a couple of them at a dealer in Sonora, CA. a couple years ago. They had a "Scotty" type dog as an emblem. That may have been the name of the company also. The mag had nothing but good things to say about the unit and liked the 16 mpg they were getting.

 

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Tri Star in Mesa, Arizona specializes in installing Cummins 5. 9 engines into just about any vehicle.

Call them at 480-641-4911.

I talked to them about a year ago about installing a Cummins 5. 9 in a Ford pickup and a rebuilt option cost about $10K and a new motor cost about $13K.

Tim

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94' 2500 4x4, std cab, 12v, 5spd, gauges, TST 230/605, 110k mi.
96' 2500 4x4, ext cab, 12v, 5spd, Cummins Exaust brake, 50k mi, (wifes).
Phx, AZ