Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It?
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It? [message #116552 is a reply to message #116550] |
Fri, 25 February 2011 17:59   |
jhb1
Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004
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Rob yes it would be quite a job but nothing cubic dollars could not fix. The engine has a front sump and the drive axles will clear the oil pan I had a friend who was a service mgr. at VW and let me under one in the service bay for a couple of hours one day the engine is only 4 or 5 inches longer and 3 inches taller and the height is probably mostly plastic and plumbing it is substantially wider about 8 inches mostly because of the turbos. As for the weight I would guess it would be comparable.
John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It? [message #116554 is a reply to message #116552] |
Fri, 25 February 2011 18:04 |
jhb1
Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004
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P.S. I forgot one of the most important things isn't there a "ornamental gentlemen" running around somewhere with a twin turbo Cadillac. Maybe he should look at this better mileage and still would be able to smoke the tires....
| jhb1 wrote on Fri, 25 February 2011 18:59 |
Rob yes it would be quite a job but nothing cubic dollars could not fix. The engine has a front sump and the drive axles will clear the oil pan I had a friend who was a service mgr. at VW and let me under one in the service bay for a couple of hours one day the engine is only 4 or 5 inches longer and 3 inches taller and the height is probably mostly plastic and plumbing it is substantially wider about 8 inches mostly because of the turbos. As for the weight I would guess it would be comparable.
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John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It? [message #116557 is a reply to message #116556] |
Fri, 25 February 2011 18:33 |
jhb1
Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004
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Not to confuse you I mean to adapt to the current 425 transmission and the final drive we have now with a 3.70 ratio from JimK
| Robert Mueller wrote on Fri, 25 February 2011 19:19 |
John,
Now I'm REALLY confused!
In the picture the transmission is behind the engine, there's nothing under
the oil pan to connect to the GMC drive axles.
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of jhb1
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2011 10:59 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It?
Rob yes it would be quite a job but nothing cubic dollars could not fix.
The engine has a front sump and the drive axles will clear the oil pan I had
a friend who was a service mgr. at VW and let me under one in the service
bay for a couple of hours one day the engine is only 4 or 5 inches longer
and 3 inches taller and the height is probably mostly plastic and plumbing
it is substantially wider about 8 inches mostly because of the turbos. As
for the weight I would guess it would be comparable.
--
John H. Bell
77 Royale
Montreal Qc.
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John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It? [message #116571 is a reply to message #116566] |
Fri, 25 February 2011 19:44 |
jhb1
Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004
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Rob
This topic has strayed from the original which was when is gas too expensive and we park our GMC as for me when I run out money for gas I enjoy this too much to not use it. As for the V10 TDI I looked at this when I first got my coach in 2003 and spent the winter trying figure out how to get better mileage the best I could find was the V10 TDI mated to the stock ideally with a switch pitch convertor and a JimK 3.70 final drive but the probably 20 to 30 thousand to double the mileage 30,000.00 buys a lot of GAS
John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It? [message #116578 is a reply to message #116566] |
Fri, 25 February 2011 20:38 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Fri, 25 February 2011 17:10 |
...
I laude your efforts in finding this engine but from where I sit adapting it
to the GMC is in the too hard / too costly basket. ...
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I was thinking the same thing. The VW is a "new to the market" vehicle with a base price of $138K. I do not think you find many in the junkyard very soon... if ever. I wonder how much they would charge for a crate engine... if they ever offer one.
This VW v10 twin turbo diesel engine makes my "closest" thought look cheap at $38k.
Banks Twin-Turbo V8
<http://bankspower.com/techarticles/show/4-twin-turbo-v8-facts-of-life->
This is a twin turbo Chevy small block. The price above is a completely new motor made with high performance parts. It can be pushed to well over 1000hp! I do not think "we" would need "all" of the high performance (high dollar) parts, but if someone who knew exactly what to look for, the cost might be made "closer to expectable."
Small block Chevys have been being mated to TH425/325 transmissions for many engine swaps. So this is not a totally new route. It is 29" from bellhousing to the front of the motor, 35" wide at the turbos, much less behind and under them and most important, 22.25' from crank centerline to the top of the motor.
In order to mate to our transmission, you would need to use a oil pan designed for a V8 into S10 Chevy 4x4 conversion, a remote oil filter adapter and a BPO to Chevy transmission adapter plate. (All off the shelf parts.) Engine mounts might have to be fabricated.
With some programing of the engine controls, and variable waste gates (variable boost) the engine should be able to adapt to different fuels and get some good mileage improvements. Even so, I doubt even this swap would ever make sense... dollars and cents wise anyway.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It? [message #116594 is a reply to message #116572] |
Fri, 25 February 2011 22:24 |
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Not quoting anyone here other than making a comment based on the subject of
the email/post.
In 2008, the first full summer of owning our GMC, we took off for the Outer
Banks from Louisville. Gas prices were over $4 per US gallon. We noticed how
few RVs were on the road. We noticed how many houses/rental units were
vacant on the OB in July. We also noticed the nice KOA on the beach had 40%
occupancy. Personally, I enjoyed the lack of people. It made up for the
price of gas.
This summer we're planning to get to a beach again. Fuel will be over $4
unless things in Libya, Egypt and rest of the oil-rich world settle down. I
doubt that they well.
So, we'll head out for the "open" roads because we have chosen to enjoy
traveling in a motorhome. Sure it costs. It also cost to fly/stay in a
hotel/rent a car. At what point will we park? That is an unknown. Probably
we'll reconsider things at $5.
Fuel is still cheaper than bottled water. I don't get far on bottled water.
It all depends on where you place your values.
For sure, I'm not taking anything with me when I exit this world.
Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
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Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It? [message #116596 is a reply to message #116338] |
Fri, 25 February 2011 22:34 |
UziYaH
Messages: 282
Registered: July 2007
Location: 10-O-C
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Hi Phil,
Please don't feel like the Lone Ranger. We used to 'play' with the dividends and interest from our CDs which have pretty much dried up and we are reluctant to ingratiate the coffers of oil speculators. According to government figures, there is no shortage of oil, only shortage of compassion for those who need fuel.
Even now, we pretty much use our coach as an apartment for our kids and grandkids to stay in, when they come to visit or a quiet place for us when we have company staying with us. We will use our coach for rallies close by such as Bean Station, perhaps even at $6.00 per gallon. Meanwhile, our coach does give this old man something to wash and polish and tinker with. It remains my joy to do so.
Considering inflation, $3.50 per gallon is about what we paid for fuel back in the 50s and 60s. While it would be nice to have 'deep pockets', we feel blessed in having our coach as it is. With the help of brother Chuck Boyd and others at Bean Station, repairs are still affordable. A major breakdown would probably put us out of business and we'd probably have to sell our coach. We simply could not justify taking from family money to continue our GMC odyssey. But that would be another day, ...and all we have is the moment of now, ...which we enjoy with our coach in our driveway, Bean Station or near by.
Thanks for asking.
Howard Nylander
Royale Class of '78', 'Rocinante' (Latin for 'not a plow horse)
Greeneville, Tn
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5159
Visit 'uziyah' on YouTube
--- On Thu, 2/24/11, Phil Swanson <woodyman1@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
From: Phil Swanson <woodyman1@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It?
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Thursday, February 24, 2011, 10:16 AM
It is no secret that gas prices are headed for new levels, well above $4 a gallon, maybe $5 by summer. Just curious when folks are going to park it and at what level. Will you drive your coach at $5 a gallon or more? How about long trips to rallies at over $5 a gallon? My cross country summer trips are probably put on hold for a while. How do you feel and at what level do you park it? At $6 a gallon, mine will become a storage pod, only to be started once in a while. What is your limit?
Phil Swanson
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Howard Nylander
Royale Class of "78" "Rocinate"
E-10-o-C
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It? [message #116600 is a reply to message #116594] |
Fri, 25 February 2011 23:24 |
UziYaH
Messages: 282
Registered: July 2007
Location: 10-O-C
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Some good points by brother Byron,
"It also cost to fly/stay in a hotel/rent a car."
Not to mention you don't have to worry about bed bugs, using someone else's toilet, sleeping in some one else's bed and eating 'commercial' food. As we age, proper food becomes important, and our GMC allows us to eat what is good for us when we travel.
"For sure, I'm not taking anything with me when I exit this world."
But I would like to leave some of what has been left to me for my kids, perhaps a matter of philosophy worthy of further consideration. I have been accused of being a 'tight wad'. It's hard to walk between being a consumer or investor.
Also, having logged over 1.5 million miles in the cab of an eighteen wheeler, we've discovered the aint no place to go nor no body to be. : )
Warmly, ...Howard
--- On Fri, 2/25/11, Byron Songer <bsonger@songerconsulting.net> wrote:
From: Byron Songer <bsonger@songerconsulting.net>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It?
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Friday, February 25, 2011, 11:24 PM
Not quoting anyone here other than making a comment based on the subject of
the email/post.
In 2008, the first full summer of owning our GMC, we took off for the Outer
Banks from Louisville. Gas prices were over $4 per US gallon. We noticed how
few RVs were on the road. We noticed how many houses/rental units were
vacant on the OB in July. We also noticed the nice KOA on the beach had 40%
occupancy. Personally, I enjoyed the lack of people. It made up for the
price of gas.
This summer we're planning to get to a beach again. Fuel will be over $4
unless things in Libya, Egypt and rest of the oil-rich world settle down. I
doubt that they well.
So, we'll head out for the "open" roads because we have chosen to enjoy
traveling in a motorhome. Sure it costs. It also cost to fly/stay in a
hotel/rent a car. At what point will we park? That is an unknown. Probably
we'll reconsider things at $5.
Fuel is still cheaper than bottled water. I don't get far on bottled water.
It all depends on where you place your values.
For sure, I'm not taking anything with me when I exit this world.
Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
_______________________________________________
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Howard Nylander
Royale Class of "78" "Rocinate"
E-10-o-C
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| Re: Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It? [message #116614 is a reply to message #116338] |
Sat, 26 February 2011 08:52 |
mschultz
Messages: 113
Registered: September 2010
Location: Maple City, MI
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Very interesting question/post. Of course we all considered this when we purchased our motorhomes, right? I have two points to make here: 1. We all live where best we can afford it. In our home, for 34 years, paid for and minimal tax and upkeep allows us to live our life style in a manner that is probably less expensive then anywhere else. This thinking can be extended to a reasonably priced and paid for GMC. The GMC allows us to be able to extend that luxury as a mobile unit, traveling within our own time table and style. 2. When you consider fuel economy, I can not help but look at pounds to MPG. The number of lbs. carried devided by the number of miles you get per gallon. Then add in the confort and shelter factor it would be hard to beat the GMC. Three examples: GMC 12000 lbs 10 mpg is 1200 lbs/mile gallon. BMW motorcycle with one rider and gear 750 lbs 45 mpg is 16 lbs/mg. V50 Volvo AWD with two passengers 3200 lbs 28 mpg is 114 lbs/mg. Now add in the comfort and shelter fact, which for the GMC I would say is a 10. The motorcycle probably a 1 and the car maybe a 5. There is no doubt that the comfort level is directly related to the number of lbs. you move around. And there is no doubt about it you get the biggest bang for the buck or gallon from the GMC. That assumes that you do not intend to sleep on the ground, get soaked in a rain storm, drive in most all weather, sleep in your own bed, cook your own food, be air conditioned and heated in comfort. To me the ultimate way to travel and explore is to cover the distance as you can afford it and then see all you can see at each stopping point on the way. A number of you on this forum get an A+ in this strategy.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It? [message #116631 is a reply to message #116550] |
Sat, 26 February 2011 10:43 |
WayneB
Messages: 233
Registered: July 2008
Location: Ontario, Canada
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The way I look at it is that it would cost me around $120 a night to stop in a reasonably nice motel and around $100 of gas to get there in my Buick Wagon towing the trailer with a race car on it, so I presently find the GMC is actually a cheaper, more comfortable way to travel and accomodate myself to the races.
As for the Oldsmobile 455 engine being a piece of antiquated iron crap, I must dissagree.
Sure it only gets about 10mpg, but it has lots of usable torque to move the motorhome about quite nicely, and when well maintained is reliable.
A buddy of mine I travel with runs a 2010 Chevrolet Dually crew cab with the duramax diesel towing a trailer with a race car in it, and he only gets 9 to 10mpg out of his more modern technologically advanced rig, my Explorer GMC keeps up with him no problem on the road , is better looking, I can live in it and it doesnt depreciate in value.
So the price of gas would have to get pretty high before I personally find my motorhome uneconomical to operate.
1976 23' GMCII By Explorer
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It? [message #116634 is a reply to message #116629] |
Sat, 26 February 2011 11:36 |
UziYaH
Messages: 282
Registered: July 2007
Location: 10-O-C
Karma: 0
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Good point. Also we all have to eat, be it at home or on the road.
Again, everything is relative. My wife and I can stay home and pay only $12.83 per month for land taxes (guess the government is the real owner of our home) rather than $20.00+ per night to camp. Your Swedish ancestors had a saying, "borta bra men hema best", or "away is good but home is best."
We are tethered by the experience of having seen all states except Alaska and feel there is no place to go, except home, and no one to be but ourselves. Perhaps we are simply not good candidates for spending a large amount of our resources to continue our GMC odyssey. Sometimes we need to just sit, cut bait and fish on Middle Creek. Brother Chuck Boyd has been here and knows what I mean.
Warmly, ...
Howard and Doreen Nylander
Royale Class of '78', 'Rocinante'
Back hills someplace near Greeneville, Tn.
--- On Sat, 2/26/11, Hardie Johnson <hardie.j@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Hardie Johnson <hardie.j@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It?
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Saturday, February 26, 2011, 11:27 AM
philipswanson wrote on Thu, 24 February 2011 10:16
> It is no secret that gas prices are headed for new levels, well above $4 a gallon, maybe $5 by summer.<>What is your limit?
> Phil Swanson
All things are affected; may last two months propane bill was more than my total for last year. I can't turn off the heat and hot water while we are in the house, so we may as well travel . . .?
--
Hardie Johnson "Crashj"
1973 26 foot Glacier, White Thing
Raleigh NC
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Howard Nylander
Royale Class of "78" "Rocinate"
E-10-o-C
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| Re: Gas Prices- At What Point Do You Park It? [message #117230 is a reply to message #116338] |
Wed, 02 March 2011 12:52 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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| philipswanson wrote on Thu, 24 February 2011 08:16 |
It is no secret that gas prices are headed for new levels, well above $4 a gallon, maybe $5 by summer. Just curious when folks are going to park it and at what level. Will you drive your coach at $5 a gallon or more? How about long trips to rallies at over $5 a gallon? My cross country summer trips are probably put on hold for a while. How do you feel and at what level do you park it? At $6 a gallon, mine will become a storage pod, only to be started once in a while. What is your limit?
Phil Swanson
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You sure threw a provocative one out there Phil 
For my current lifestyle it will affect my travlels but certainly not curtail them. I tend to go out on the weekends and stay within a couple of hundred miles due to time constaints. Luckily I can be up in the mountains on a lake within 2 hours or less. As the cost of fuel goes up I do tend to stay closer to home since for me, it's all about settling in and enjoying the scenery, relaxing and meeting people. I never felt my GMC made any kind of financial sense, but again, for me it's a cross between an antigue car, a hobby and being able to camp in style. Unless the cost of beer and vodka go out of style, I'll continue to venture out in the GMC.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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