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4/1/2016 10:33:33 PM EDT
I have a 1985 Chevy SWB, has a slightly smoking weak 305 currently. Been looking for a crate 350 and ran across a friend with a 1984 Chevy based Coachman RV. It has a strong good running 350 with 37k miles and no issues. I am finding conflicting info as to what the RV version of the 350 actually was and if it will be a fairly straight across swap. Help a brother out, he wants $1000
4/1/2016 10:37:31 PM EDT
[#1]
serial # off the block will give all the specs.





Roy
4/1/2016 10:37:34 PM EDT
[#2]
No
is the coachman an RV?
then no
4/1/2016 10:38:56 PM EDT
[#3]
1984 SB with only 37k on it may bring up its own issues in a short time!
4/1/2016 10:40:47 PM EDT
[#4]
Go to a junk yard and get a 5.3l. Slap a MSD Atomic efi on it and hit the road.
4/1/2016 10:41:31 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
I have a 1985 Chevy SWB, has a slightly smoking weak 305 currently. Been looking for a crate 350 and ran across a friend with a 1984 Chevy based Coachman RV. It has a strong good running 350 with 37k miles and no issues. I am finding conflicting info as to what the RV version of the 350 actually was and if it will be a fairly straight across swap. Help a brother out, he wants $1000
View Quote



VERY likely to be an LT9.
4/1/2016 10:42:21 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
No
is the coachman an RV?
then no
View Quote



Coachman RV automatic transmission, 4 barrel carb. So, no it's not a direct swap or no not worth the trouble?
4/1/2016 10:43:12 PM EDT
[#7]
Yes it will bolt in..might need to change all the externals(oilpan, intake, valve covers, manifolds) to keep it stock looking but the motor is a bolt in..use the 350 harmonic balancer...
4/1/2016 10:47:37 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:
1984 SB with only 37k on it may bring up its own issues in a short time!
View Quote


I'd just do a standard rebuild on it, and drop it in. Block will fit. I am of no help with the FI though. I'm a carb only guy.
4/1/2016 10:48:57 PM EDT
[#9]
You can get a 5.3 L out with tranny and computer for $1500. Easy swap and waaaaay more reliable.  I have a 5.3 from a 2001 tahoe in my 91 silverado.  Get something modern in there.
4/1/2016 10:51:15 PM EDT
[#10]
GM crate engine bro. GM crate engine.
4/1/2016 10:51:24 PM EDT
[#11]
Most state emissions wont allow you to put an engine of older manufacture in a newer vehicle.
Even if you have no emissions testing it may still be verboten.
4/1/2016 10:54:53 PM EDT
[#12]
LS1, T56, Cobra IRS.
4/1/2016 10:56:36 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:
GM crate engine bro. GM crate engine.
View Quote

12 month/12,000 mile warranty for a price. Worth looking into.
You walk into your local Chevy dealers parts department and ask for a "performance parts catalog".
4/1/2016 10:59:23 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Quoted:
GM crate engine bro. GM crate engine.
View Quote



Jegs usually has them on sale on ebay about $200 cheaper than anyone else.
4/1/2016 11:00:34 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:

12 month/12,000 mile warranty for a price. Worth looking into.
You walk into your local Chevy dealers parts department and ask for a "performance parts catalog".
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
GM crate engine bro. GM crate engine.

12 month/12,000 mile warranty for a price. Worth looking into.
You walk into your local Chevy dealers parts department and ask for a "performance parts catalog".


For an 84,  lol

Just buy a newer used Silverado
4/2/2016 12:17:20 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Quoted:



Coachman RV automatic transmission, 4 barrel carb. So, no it's not a direct swap or no not worth the trouble?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
No
is the coachman an RV?
then no



Coachman RV automatic transmission, 4 barrel carb. So, no it's not a direct swap or no not worth the trouble?

If you buy it for 1k, and rebuild it, it doesn't sound like a very good deal
4/2/2016 12:23:48 AM EDT
[#17]
Why put yourself through that?
What is with you old timers.
4/2/2016 12:45:51 AM EDT
[#18]

Quote History
Quoted:


Go to a junk yard and get a 5.3l. Slap a MSD Atomic efi on it and hit the road.
View Quote




 
4/2/2016 12:50:31 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Quoted:
GM crate engine bro. GM crate engine.
View Quote

This.  With all the labor going into this, spend the $$ and get an engine you can count on.
4/2/2016 12:59:32 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Quoted:
GM crate engine bro. GM crate engine.
View Quote


This.
You can get a short block with heads shipped for less than $1500.

Here's a low horsepower one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-Goodwrench-350ci-195-HP-Chevy-Crate-Engine-Chevrolet-Performance-10067353/400764245043?rmvSB=true
4/2/2016 1:26:04 AM EDT
[#21]
Drop right in, hardest part will be pulling the motor out of the rv.

Probably has a th400 trans. You might be able to use it too, but you may have to get a driveshaft made. If not, your trans will bolt right up.
Th350, th400, 4r70w all have the same bolt pattern.

I think $1000 is too much though. I would offer less and try to make some back on selling parts and scrap.
4/2/2016 1:43:21 AM EDT
[#22]
So you want a used motor than has has a fat old RV on its back? Pass.
4/2/2016 1:48:35 AM EDT
[#23]
Only thing worse than high milage is low milage and high years. Skip the junk motor and buy the GM crate motor.
4/2/2016 2:17:07 AM EDT
[#24]
HT 383 from GMparts.
425 ft lbs, 340 HP
4/2/2016 9:09:33 AM EDT
[#25]
The RV engine will bolt right in, maybe a few peripherals to swap. Nothing special about the engines in RV's. Not sure about prices in your AO but around here $500 would be a fair price, even with the low miles. Should be no need to rebuild it. Check it out running in the RV, should be good to go.
4/2/2016 9:18:55 AM EDT
[#26]
$1000 is way too much for a used engine.  Sometimes you can get crate motors on sale for around $1200-1300.  Check eBay, the big speed shops usually have their best deals there.
4/2/2016 9:21:02 AM EDT
[#27]
That's way too much for an old RV motor. The easiest, best bang for your buck swap is gonna be a '96-02 350. Put a carbureted intake on it and you are good to go.
4/2/2016 9:53:24 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Quoted:
So you want a used motor than has has a fat old RV on its back? Pass.
View Quote


This. 37k miles on a truck, not a big deal. 37k miles on a RV, getting to the end of its life.

I would probably crate motor or junkyard LS motor. The power and durability of the LS alone would be worth it.