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Thread: 1979 Airstream Motorhome Conversion to 6.6

  1. #1

    Default 1979 Airstream Motorhome Conversion to 6.6

    We are embarking on changing our gas big block Airstream 1979 motorhome to 6.6 Duramax Allison. I am sure I will have a lot of ignorant questions as I go thru this process. We are fabricators and metal workers so that part is within our skill sets. I have a running engine and transmission being delivered to me in a week or so. It is suppose to be ready to plug in with necessary wiring changes to run alone on pallet which I receive it. A few questions that I already know I have to solve are as follows:
    1. How so I hook up the cable shift linkage to a steering column from a turbo 400 existing to new Allison. Do I have install the donor steering column also or what.
    2. Power steering, will the pump off the Duramax be compatible with older GM system have not checked the pressures yet.
    3. I am suppose to get all the radiators, coolers and intercoolers. Any hints here would be helpful.
    4. Will the motor mounts on the Big block fit the Duramax or do I need a kit for conversion of motor mounts?
    5. The weight seems to be close so I see little issues that side of it.

    6. The most difficult part is I have to smog this unit when I get it done. I have talked to the California Smog Referee. Actually called me the person who will be doing the inspection. The only issue he sees is I need a letter from GM Dealer that the engine I am putting in would be an engine they would put in a similar vehicle today. Crazy idea but the MoHo I have is a light truck chassis (P30) and this may work just need a dealer who would write a letter saying this. Open for ideas here.

    7. I was going to put an aftermarket air kit since the engine compartment is tight and I will have to fabricate a new engine cover for sure. I am sure this will work out, maybe similar to the KN units or recommendations.

    I will post photos of our progress and hope to get started next week with disassembly and getting a plan in process

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
    Location
    South Central Pennsylvania, USA
    Posts
    2,697

    Default

    The Airstream will certainly require some specific changes compared to other vehicles that you'll have to figure out on your own, but the Duramax conversion book offered HERE would be a good starting point for the general questions and details of doing a 6.5TD to Duramax conversion.
    '94 GMC 6.5TD K1500 4L80E 2-Door Yukon SLE 221K
    '93 Chevrolet 6.5TD K2500HD NV4500 Std. Cab Longbed 187K
    '85 Toyota 22R RN60 4x4 Std. Cab Shortbed 178K (Currently retired for rebuild)
    Diesel Page Member #2423

  3. #3

    Thumbs up

    I ordered the reference material and look forward to digesting the data and information. I hope log the progress with photos and narrative. Thank you

  4. #4

    Default LBZ in 1979 Airstream

    We are in the final work of installing a LBZ in our 79 Airstream Motorhome with 6 speed Allison. We omitted the body control module. We have decided to use the stock column, shifter and want to use the stock gauges. Any idea how I can make the stock voltmeter work?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2000
    Location
    Montana
    Posts
    11,382

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