I'm putting this here since it's not about a Barth. We came across a 1999 Dynamax Isata that the owner just wanted to get rid of. The interior and drive train are in excellent shape. The clear coat not so good, but I can fix that. Quality of build reminds one of the Barth. It's on a P32 chassis with a 5.7 engine coupled to a 4L80E transmission. According to the literature, its an L31 engine with sequential fuel injection, rated at 240 HP at 4000 RPM and 325 Lbs of torque at 2800 RPM. The rear end is a 4.10. The thing is great on the flat, running at 1600 RPM @ 55 MPH. But on modest hills it can't get out of it's own way. What can I do to give it some more guts without spending a lot of money. My son-in-law has a 2002 GMC van with the same engine rated at 300 HP. Thanks
Jim
I'm still hoping to get Old Blue back someday but I'm running out of time

Down shift before it gets to 3000 rpm, the auto probably waits a bit longer and has a problem getting back. Might even shift at 3200, you might have the program changed. jmo

Jim,

I had a 1987 Chevy C10 3/4 ton van with a raised roof for our business. It had a 5.7 special built engine from the factory that had extra cap. engine oil and extra cap. radiator.
The tranny was a 700r4 with manual overdrive it also had extra cap. trans. fluid and the pan had about six tubes that ran from front to back through it for cooling plus a tranny cooler.
It was ordered special by a retired Chevy employer to tow his boat.
It also had a dual exhaust system with flow through mufflers.

I average about 15mpg on the highway and it did a spectacular job of towing.

I towed a car from Fl to NC for my daughter and one from Arkansas to Fl. In my wife's business we would put a pallet of magazines in it and take them to NC with no problems.

As I would approach a hill I would just make sure it was not in overdrive and of course give it a little more speed.

I think we put on almost 187,000 when we sold it and it was still running strong.

Jim

former 1985 Barth Regency owner.