Originally Posted by
gmctd
Certainly a lot more comfortable, also - what's the configuration, 4L80E output to drive axle.
Is this the one you were agonizing over replacement 6.2, 6.5 upgrade, and we were suggesting IH or Cummins - or was that another member, here?
How's the power vs thermal dissipation with the engine at the rear?
I wasn't agonizing over engine replacement (although I would have been had AMG not bought the 6.5L TD from GM). A Peninsular Diesel engine (done to my specs) has been a worthwhile investment.
Thermal dissipation is excellent, but one should know that the radiator on my diesel pusher has about 3X the capacity of the typical front-engine setup - and the oil cooler and A/C condenser have their own sites. Only the transmission (a 4L80E [HD aftermarket] as you mentioned) has a passage in the radiator. The radiator fan dwarfs those in pickups.
Drive axle is a Dana 80, but I don't know the ratio. It, and the tranny, have Mag Hy-Tech pans/covers.
'94 Barth 28' Breakaway M/H ("StaRV II") diesel pusher: Spartan chassis, aluminum birdcage construction. Peninsular/AMG 6.5L TD (230HP), 18:1, Phazer, non-wastgated turbo, hi-pop injectors, 4L80E (Sun Coast TC & rebuild, M-H Pan), Dana 80 (M-H Cover), Fluidampr, EGT, trans temp, boost gage. Honda EV-4010 gaso genset, furnace, roof air, stove, microwave/convection, 2-dr. 3-way reefer. KVH R5SL Satellite. Cruises 2, sleeps 4, carries 6, and parties 8 (parties 12 - tested).
Stand-ins are an '02 Cadillac Escalade AWD 6.0L and an '06 Toyota Sienna Limited.