This is a copy of an email I received in reponse to a question on the 8.3L Cummins that we see on a few Breakaways.

Dave,

The Cummins C8.3L has been a very good engine for Cummins. However, the 1988 & 1989 C8.3L engine blocks were forged in Brazil and at the time of overhaul the cylinder block liner counter bore areas are almost always cracked. If a customer came to our shop here in St. Paul and had a 1988 or 1989 C8.3 and the engine was in need of a overhaul I would recommend to the customer to buy a Recon engine. Keeping this in mind I still would buy a motorhome that was in that year range if the RV was in good shape and the price was right, know that when the engine needed to be overhauled I would replace it instead of overhauling the engine.

Regards,
Rich Asmus
Cummins NPower, LLC
651-286-2066

none of the break a ways came with the 8.3engine

So, what's the ballpark price differential between the two potential options: overhaul vs. recon swap?

And, can a "normal" check of the engine by a qualified technician/mechanic uncover the lurking possibility of faulty integrity as posted?

I realize this may be an involved subject but would appreciate any insight. Thanks.