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Old 11-15-2018, 01:24 PM   #1
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Join Date: May 2018
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1989 Chevy P30 (Sally)

Hey Fam, just thought I would say hello, I might be coming here often for the great tips and tricks. I bought this bus already gutted, with solar panels, CB radio and already registered as an RV in San Diego. The woman before me used it for music festivals and camping trips.

I'm a Mechanic, but not much of a carpenter so looking forward to learning and getting into and building up Sally. It has a 350 gas engine and a th475(3l80HD) transmission. Not having overdrive is really bad, so with the interior build, a new transmission or overdrive addition is at the top of the list.

Is there anyone here that has experience with these particular models? do you think a 4l80e transmission will be enough? the GVWR is 13,500lbs and I want to pull a small jeep behind it. Not sure on gear ratio yet, but it doesnt go above 55 mph comfortably. 70MPH seems top speed that I didn't hit

Anyway, here she is, you'll see me around.....




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Old 11-15-2018, 01:42 PM   #2
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Location: Eustis FLORIDA
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I pull a huge, heavy trailer with a chevy truck that has a 4l80e.
Trav and Michelle pull an XJ Jeep with a chevy short bus that has a 350/th400. That bus has been across the country pulling a Jeep.
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Old 11-15-2018, 08:22 PM   #3
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I was/am thinking of getting a P30-based skoolie.
(The jury is still out - for the size, I could get a full-size shorty, but the looks are unique.)

Here's everything I could find on P30s on Skoolie.net
http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f27/p3...one-22569.html
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Old 11-16-2018, 05:31 PM   #4
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IIRC, the 4L80 is what was used on newer model P-30's uses in buses and moho's.

It should be more than enough transmission behind a small block V-8 considering the relatively low weights you anticipate for GCW.
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Old 01-31-2020, 07:32 PM   #5
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Wooohhhh 1.5 years update.

I pulled a 4l80e out of junkyard and made a custom transmission crossmember to move the trans back. At 55mph it’s running around 2200 rpm.

I bought a cheapo trans computer and it just never worked right. Eventually went with the TCI product. Had to tap into the factory TPS signal for the ECU among other things.

I discovered the gear ratio was 5.13:1 but with overdrive it’s way better now.

Thanks for the input all.
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