Its a fun project that involves the love of the classic / vintage and the desire to bring it mechanically up to more modern standards.

The cosmetics of the restoration are primarily finished but, I still want to improve on a few things that could be done better or add more original or functional.

The mechanics are mostly complete with a rebuilt 454 engine and rebuilt transmission, new 4 wheel disc brakes and more. Now my desire is to build a 4 speed automatic transmission to allow engine rpm’s to drop by 1000 rpm at cruise. This will increase fuel mileage as well as add a great length to the life of the motor by turning it 30% less.

This project is also a desire to improve fuel economy. So far with Cam grind changes and head work as well as the engine rebuild, I am able to get 11.9 mpg. That’s nearly a 50% increase over what most RVs of this size are able to obtain. I learned a lot from my previous Fleetwood project that failed to get improved fuel econ. There is no simple answer or solution. No bolt on gimmicks. Its taking an old engine design and engineering modern technology changes in the rebuild.

The next step in the process is to change the motor from a Quadrajet carburetor to a TBI electronic fuel injection. This will allow some small gains in fuel econ but, the bigger purpose of EBI/TBI is gain gain modern reliability and easy engine starts as well as adding to the engines life by providing idea air fuel mixture. I wont go into the engineering details of why TBI/EFI adds to engine life. Just understand, EFI/TBI helps keep the lubrication system from getting contaminated by over washed cylinder fuel and even engine temps in the combustion chamber.