Turn on the Screw

[DonTX]

I am selling my motorhome, listed in my signature. Prospective buyers want to know how much you can increase power and how much it costs.

Can anybody give me a quick and dirty analysis, starting with turning up the screw (or for want of better description, free stuff)

The pump was rebuilt by a Bosch rebuilder, and is supposed to be at 180 hp setting.

 

[KOG]

The limit on your MH is the transmission. Allison rates those at 200HP. When the 6 speed came out in '93 the 5. 9 with it went to 230. And the 6 speed will hold 300+ with no trouble, but that four speed is marginal above 200.

 

[Jgolden]

Don, Here is a link to the 545 specs. (says 235hp)



http://www.industrialautomatic.com/html/at545.htm



Mine has the same trans and I have the same concerns KOG mentioned. (When I see a Diesel Dodge going up hill with 2 bulldozers, track hoe and the family boat, hooked behind I have to believe the Allison has room to play with, but... . )

I have read that the early 6speed Allison's were simply a 545 with an overdrive.

Dr. Greenleaf should be able to speak to the trans since it was common on kid haulers.



On mine I have had the screw in and out( 160 stock to start). Main expense was some turbo mods made to help digest the additional fuel. , and lower top end egt's I would advise a new owner to check fuel supply and replace hoses. Maybe a pusher pump. Gauges for sure.

Water meth is looking good to me also.

I think for a motorhome the problem is getting some balance between momentum and EGT's. Not sure how the "Gear-vendor" affects the formula.

How does it do up hills? If hills are not a problem then they don't need much more power.

Less than a thousand $ would take care of the basics, but you know it can go on and on.



Include a membership in TDR and wish them well.

Good Luck

 

[DonTX]

Thanks a lot guys. For me the darned thing has PLENTY of power set at 180. The differential is pretty tall numbers, so it appears pretty snappy, but for me and my personal use the high rpm at cruise should be lower.

I am not going to RECOMMEND that anybody screw with it. Problem is, people that never drove one are hyped up over the 3-4 hundred hp currently available from my competitors.

I had been told by the previous owner that 210 is all the transmission would take, nice to know there is more than that available. With the gear vendor you can shift up or down under full throttle, so it acts like a 7 speed. I don't trust the gearvendor for ANY turn up on the power.

I am going to take a real bath on the thing, I repainted it with high quality paint job, newly overhauled IP, and now a rebuilt Allison 545. I doubt I will get my money back for the paint and repairs. Somebody will get one sweet motorhome for bargain price. I have already bought a double slide fifth wheel to pull with the 97 one ton, so it is in the way surplus bigtime.

 

[Jgolden]

Don,

Visit the Motorhome Magazine web site and check the bullitin boards. There seem to be lots of folks who have older rigs. The reality of economics has kept the used diesel market pretty strong.

I sent you a PM

 

[KOG]

http://www.rv.net/forum/Index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/22.cfm