I recently purchased a 1977 27'er. Knowing full well the engine would need to be replaced/rebuilt at some point. Has anyone out there replaced one of these with something other then a 454? An example might be a 427; a fuel injected 454/455 or anything that would bolt onto the TH400 transmission. Also I was considering one of the new 6.5L Detroit diesels.

If any one has any views on this I would like some input.

Thanks

Hey Eric,

If I were to do it I would keep in mind that we are talking about a $10K plus expenditure on a $10K vehicle. You can get a remanufactured Goodwrench 454 with a 3 year 50K mile warrenty. Thant's what I did. If I were to do it over I probably would have some Thorley header installed. I talked about going to the 454 Vortec but it wouldn't fit. Would have to build new doghouse etc. The GMC 6.5 diesel is not a greatly respected engine. If fact they made some Barth Regals with this engine.



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I put a factory crate ht502 in mine.
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/performance_parts/store/ca...1116&CATID=1099.html

It has the same torque as the new Duramax diesel, although it is at 2800 instead of 1800 rpm. It cost about $4400 and fits in just like a 454. The heads required that I use 7/16" bolts to mount the accessories, rather than the original 3/8". Just a matter of drilling out the holes on the brackets. I used the original intake, and had to grind a bit. Let me know for further details if you go that route.
I would not recommend a 427, as they were not torque engines. Fine in a hot rod or boat, but not for an RV.
I have the Thorley headers, and they are really good. An H pipe helps too. The 502 has siamese bores, so be sure your cooling system does the job.
A Barth is worth spending money on, as they age well. Most older RVs get rickety and rot as they age. This is my sixth RV, and my last. It is a keeper. There is no other way I could have the quality and lasting durability for the money I spent.