After 2 years of building, I’ve slowly started to realize the 454 gas motor in my bus is on it’s way out. I should have known, based on the 15-40 motor oil recommendation someone put on the oil fill, that the motor was a bit worked. There is at least one collapsed lifter and it smokes quite a bit… Sure, I could easily rebuild it. Probably for cheap. Crate motors are around $1,500. But the 454 gets around 6-8mpg and with the build out inside I feel like it could be more in the range of 5-7mpg.
My thought was if I could increase the mpg to 10-15 that i would save quite a lot of money on fuel. I am a drifter so I do travel quite a bit on my own, however as a photographer, sometimes my work involves traveling cross country. With the amount I drive, I figure I could save around $3,000 a year on fuel with an efficient diesel swap.
My question, what do people think is an ideal candidate for an engine swap? I have heard the 6.5l diesel is a good fit and could mate up to my trans which could make the process easier and cheaper. I feel confident I can do all the work myself. But would like help with brainstorming power plant options.
My budget would be the cost of rebuilding the 454 and around 4 years of fuel savings, which would be in the range of $12,000-14,000.
Thanks you for any insight you can share!!
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