Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] what to do, what to do.
| [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244130] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 14:50  |
james Ernst
Messages: 79
Registered: December 2013
Location: Lincoln, NE
Karma: -4
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Member |
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HELP! I need some guidance here from the experienced that are here among
this wonderful community of GMC fans.
I am so close to getting my first coach. I had the list narrowed down to
two now it back to three as a seller called me and lowered his price
another 2g.
all three are '77s with 455s. Two are Eleganzas' and one is a Palm Beach.
The 2 Eleganzas' are in the 7-8g range. Both have aluminum wheels and good
tires and one has had all new bushings in the front and rear and both have
had engines and trannys done in the last 10-20k miles. They both have
interior updates and new appliances and furnaces. I have driven one of
these goes down the road straight. Its a little loud though as the CO had
the RV shop put on dual exhaust with lake style pipes on both sides that
exit in front of the mid wheels. Onans on both work well.
The Palm Beach has newer Michelin tires on stock wheels with and gorgeous
new padded and insulated headliner and new carpet. The front and rear
suspensions have been rebushed. Plus the 455 has been poked and stroked to
a 484 and tranny rebuilt 25,000 miles ago. The current owner says that the
PO also put taller FD gears in to slow the engine down for quietness and
better fuel economy. Claims 12-13 on a trip from Nebraska to Alaska and
back. Hmm? This rig also has an Edelbrock Vara-jection system and a MSD HEI
with dash mounted timing control. I have seen this one and heard it run but
have not had the pleasure to drive it yet. This coach has two AC units and
a good running Onan. Price 10-12000 bucks with 97k on the clock.
Any thoughts, concerns, etc would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you in advance for you time!!
Jim Ernst
Soon to have a coach
Lincoln, Nebraska
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Jimbalaya
No Coach yet
60 Olds 88
66 Toro
76 Toro
86 cutlass Supreme
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244133 is a reply to message #244130] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 15:05  |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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| james Ernst wrote on Tue, 18 March 2014 13:50 |
HELP! I need some guidance here from the experienced that are here among
this wonderful community of GMC fans.
I am so close to getting my first coach. I had the list narrowed down to
two now it back to three as a seller called me and lowered his price
another 2g.
all three are '77s with 455s. Two are Eleganzas' and one is a Palm Beach.
The 2 Eleganzas' are in the 7-8g range. Both have aluminum wheels and good
tires and one has had all new bushings in the front and rear and both have
had engines and trannys done in the last 10-20k miles. They both have
interior updates and new appliances and furnaces. I have driven one of
these goes down the road straight. Its a little loud though as the CO had
the RV shop put on dual exhaust with lake style pipes on both sides that
exit in front of the mid wheels. Onans on both work well.
The Palm Beach has newer Michelin tires on stock wheels with and gorgeous
new padded and insulated headliner and new carpet. The front and rear
suspensions have been rebushed. Plus the 455 has been poked and stroked to
a 484 and tranny rebuilt 25,000 miles ago. The current owner says that the
PO also put taller FD gears in to slow the engine down for quietness and
better fuel economy. Claims 12-13 on a trip from Nebraska to Alaska and
back. Hmm? This rig also has an Edelbrock Vara-jection system and a MSD HEI
with dash mounted timing control. I have seen this one and heard it run but
have not had the pleasure to drive it yet. This coach has two AC units and
a good running Onan. Price 10-12000 bucks with 97k on the clock.
Any thoughts, concerns, etc would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you in advance for you time!!
Jim Ernst
Soon to have a coach
Lincoln, Nebraska
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My initial reaction is that the Palm Beach has enough modifications to be cautious about. The further you stray from stock, the more vulnerable you may be if something hiccups--especially as a new owner that may not know exactly what was done and how. But that may be more cautious than some are. You will probably want to see all of them in person if you haven't already and make a judgement based on condition and how well they were taken care of.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244135 is a reply to message #244130] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 15:28 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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I love my Palm Beach, but really it comes down to preference. I don't see extra value in the mods on the Palm Beach, particularly with stock wheels. 7 Alcoa's are better than 2 Grand, plus tires. The side pipes would make me nuts, but don't really matter to the usefulness of the coach. So long as they all have the late style dash air conditioning and Electrolevel then they are all similar from the factory.
Fuel injection is a plus, but when people say they get 12MPG I discount everything else they say. You can add Howell TBI fuel injection and a computer controlled distributor and EBL for about 2 Grand and that would have the benefit of support from the GMC EFI group.
Now which one had the most gentle life? You are about 850 miles away from Tom Hampton in Marysville, Ohio, and I don't know of any other GMC shops nearer than that - if that matters to you. With this list and the 800 numbers from the Jims, etc., you could do any work yourself.
Pick a coach and JUMP! My biggest regret is that I waited too long to buy our coach.
Larry Davick
Fremont, California
A Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244138 is a reply to message #244130] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 15:37 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I'd go for the one with the best exterior paint and 16" alcoas.
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244142 is a reply to message #244130] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 15:53 |
Jeff Marten
Messages: 199
Registered: August 2013
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Take this with a grain of salt - I'm no expert, I've only had my GMC since last Aug.
If it were me, I'd opt for one of the Eleganzas, whichever one is in the best mechanical condition. And (no offense to Palm Beachers!) the interior color scheme and upholstery are much nicer than the PBs.
I'd be leary of a bored/stroked 455. You don't hear of increased displacement 455's very often, even in the jet boat world where there are lots of 455s that came in jets. Prob a reason for that; rod/piston/crank geometry issues due to increased stroke maybe? You won't get 29ci by boring alone. That would be a red flag for me. The Alcoas/aluminum wheels are prob a nicer/more beneficial upgrade than the EFI. Exhaust can easily and fairly cheaply be changed.
> Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:50:33 -0500
> From: jimbalaya57@gmail.com
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do.
>
> HELP! I need some guidance here from the experienced that are here among
> this wonderful community of GMC fans.
>
> I am so close to getting my first coach. I had the list narrowed down to
> two now it back to three as a seller called me and lowered his price
> another 2g.
>
> all three are '77s with 455s. Two are Eleganzas' and one is a Palm Beach.
> The 2 Eleganzas' are in the 7-8g range. Both have aluminum wheels and good
> tires and one has had all new bushings in the front and rear and both have
> had engines and trannys done in the last 10-20k miles. They both have
> interior updates and new appliances and furnaces. I have driven one of
> these goes down the road straight. Its a little loud though as the CO had
> the RV shop put on dual exhaust with lake style pipes on both sides that
> exit in front of the mid wheels. Onans on both work well.
>
> The Palm Beach has newer Michelin tires on stock wheels with and gorgeous
> new padded and insulated headliner and new carpet. The front and rear
> suspensions have been rebushed. Plus the 455 has been poked and stroked to
> a 484 and tranny rebuilt 25,000 miles ago. The current owner says that the
> PO also put taller FD gears in to slow the engine down for quietness and
> better fuel economy. Claims 12-13 on a trip from Nebraska to Alaska and
> back. Hmm? This rig also has an Edelbrock Vara-jection system and a MSD HEI
> with dash mounted timing control. I have seen this one and heard it run but
> have not had the pleasure to drive it yet. This coach has two AC units and
> a good running Onan. Price 10-12000 bucks with 97k on the clock.
>
> Any thoughts, concerns, etc would be greatly appreciated!!
>
> Thank you in advance for you time!!
>
> Jim Ernst
>
>
> Soon to have a coach
> Lincoln, Nebraska
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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1985 Gulf Stream 34' Sun Stream
1964 Falcon 'Vert
1980 Bradley GTE
1999 Chevy Tahoe
2005 Saab 93 Aero
1987 Suzuki Intruder 1400
1978 Glastron/Carlson CV23
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244158 is a reply to message #244142] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 17:09 |
james Ernst
Messages: 79
Registered: December 2013
Location: Lincoln, NE
Karma: -4
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Member |
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Thanks guys, The paint jobs are about the same on each from the 2 that I've
seen. The Ellie with the lake pipes has aluminum wheels too but not sure of
the brand the wheel slots look like some sort of ninja daggers, lol. As far
as the exhaust goes I'd leave it except replace the mufflers for quieter
ones. I have to admit though, that Olds V8 sound brings back memories of
hanging around the dealership as a kid when the 442s would come in on the
transport. The 484 was bored and stroked but I don't have the paper work
to see how all that was done and what kind of internals were used, so that
could be iffy. As you mention if that engine does go south and if it is
poked 60 over already then I'd have to get a new block. I took my 455 boat
to 30 over left the stroke the same but used CP bullet pistons and Eagle
rods.
I did some research on the Edelbrock Vara-jection today. Turns out it is a
water and or water/alcohol injection system to stop detonation similar to
the Olds Jetfire turbo in the early 60's. Not fuel injection. The owner did
not know about it so I assume it was not working or was not told to fill it
with water or water mix in winter. Do any of you out there have any
experience with this Vara-Jection system? The PB and the the Lake pipe
Ellie are with in 1 1/2 drive. The other is 8 hrs away so really no biggie
either way Other than I'm starting a new job the 31st.
I did misspeak by the way, The one 8hrs away with the Alcoa wheels is A
Kingsley not an Ellie with rear full queen bed. The Ellie has twins and the
PB has the seating that converts to bed and the bunk bed behind the driver
seat.
I guess I'll weigh the pros and cons and see what I can come up with. Can't
wait join in behind the wheel and hopefully meet some more infected people
with the GMC virus soon.
Thanks for all the input so far gang, I really appreciate it big time!!
Jim.
On Tue, Mar 18, 2014 at 3:53 PM, Jeff Marten <jtmarten@msn.com> wrote:
> Take this with a grain of salt - I'm no expert, I've only had my GMC since
> last Aug.
> If it were me, I'd opt for one of the Eleganzas, whichever one is in the
> best mechanical condition. And (no offense to Palm Beachers!) the interior
> color scheme and upholstery are much nicer than the PBs.
> I'd be leary of a bored/stroked 455. You don't hear of increased
> displacement 455's very often, even in the jet boat world where there are
> lots of 455s that came in jets. Prob a reason for that; rod/piston/crank
> geometry issues due to increased stroke maybe? You won't get 29ci by
> boring alone. That would be a red flag for me. The Alcoas/aluminum wheels
> are prob a nicer/more beneficial upgrade than the EFI. Exhaust can easily
> and fairly cheaply be changed.
>
>
> > Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:50:33 -0500
> > From: jimbalaya57@gmail.com
> > To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> > Subject: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do.
> >
> > HELP! I need some guidance here from the experienced that are here among
> > this wonderful community of GMC fans.
> >
> > I am so close to getting my first coach. I had the list narrowed down to
> > two now it back to three as a seller called me and lowered his price
> > another 2g.
> >
> > all three are '77s with 455s. Two are Eleganzas' and one is a Palm Beach.
> > The 2 Eleganzas' are in the 7-8g range. Both have aluminum wheels and
> good
> > tires and one has had all new bushings in the front and rear and both
> have
> > had engines and trannys done in the last 10-20k miles. They both have
> > interior updates and new appliances and furnaces. I have driven one of
> > these goes down the road straight. Its a little loud though as the CO had
> > the RV shop put on dual exhaust with lake style pipes on both sides that
> > exit in front of the mid wheels. Onans on both work well.
> >
> > The Palm Beach has newer Michelin tires on stock wheels with and gorgeous
> > new padded and insulated headliner and new carpet. The front and rear
> > suspensions have been rebushed. Plus the 455 has been poked and stroked
> to
> > a 484 and tranny rebuilt 25,000 miles ago. The current owner says that
> the
> > PO also put taller FD gears in to slow the engine down for quietness and
> > better fuel economy. Claims 12-13 on a trip from Nebraska to Alaska and
> > back. Hmm? This rig also has an Edelbrock Vara-jection system and a MSD
> HEI
> > with dash mounted timing control. I have seen this one and heard it run
> but
> > have not had the pleasure to drive it yet. This coach has two AC units
> and
> > a good running Onan. Price 10-12000 bucks with 97k on the clock.
> >
> > Any thoughts, concerns, etc would be greatly appreciated!!
> >
> > Thank you in advance for you time!!
> >
> > Jim Ernst
> >
> >
> > Soon to have a coach
> > Lincoln, Nebraska
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Jimbalaya
No Coach yet
60 Olds 88
66 Toro
76 Toro
86 cutlass Supreme
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244160 is a reply to message #244158] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 17:27 |
Rob
Messages: 651
Registered: November 2013
Location: Victoria, BC
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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I was going to mention that "Vara-jection" was not FUEL injection - but actually WATER injection (just in case you thought it was!). But it sounds like you figured that out.
I used the Vara-jection decades ago - with mixed results. I doubt I'd bother with it these days. All it's supposed to do is slightly cool in the intake air - I think the benefits are marginal at best. Since the water injected displaces a little fuel+air and is non-flamable, I used to experiment with some slightly flammable solutions, for the injection fluid.
I'm probably lucky I didn't burn the car to the ground...
Rob
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
Victoria, BC
gmc@thebaileys.ca
On 2014-03-18, at 3:09 PM, james Ernst wrote:
> Thanks guys, The paint jobs are about the same on each from the 2 that I've
> seen. The Ellie with the lake pipes has aluminum wheels too but not sure of
> the brand the wheel slots look like some sort of ninja daggers, lol. As far
> as the exhaust goes I'd leave it except replace the mufflers for quieter
> ones. I have to admit though, that Olds V8 sound brings back memories of
> hanging around the dealership as a kid when the 442s would come in on the
> transport. The 484 was bored and stroked but I don't have the paper work
> to see how all that was done and what kind of internals were used, so that
> could be iffy. As you mention if that engine does go south and if it is
> poked 60 over already then I'd have to get a new block. I took my 455 boat
> to 30 over left the stroke the same but used CP bullet pistons and Eagle
> rods.
> I did some research on the Edelbrock Vara-jection today. Turns out it is a
> water and or water/alcohol injection system to stop detonation similar to
> the Olds Jetfire turbo in the early 60's. Not fuel injection. The owner did
> not know about it so I assume it was not working or was not told to fill it
> with water or water mix in winter. Do any of you out there have any
> experience with this Vara-Jection system? The PB and the the Lake pipe
> Ellie are with in 1 1/2 drive. The other is 8 hrs away so really no biggie
> either way Other than I'm starting a new job the 31st.
>
> I did misspeak by the way, The one 8hrs away with the Alcoa wheels is A
> Kingsley not an Ellie with rear full queen bed. The Ellie has twins and the
> PB has the seating that converts to bed and the bunk bed behind the driver
> seat.
>
> I guess I'll weigh the pros and cons and see what I can come up with. Can't
> wait join in behind the wheel and hopefully meet some more infected people
> with the GMC virus soon.
>
> Thanks for all the input so far gang, I really appreciate it big time!!
>
> Jim.
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Rob -
Victoria, BC -
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244165 is a reply to message #244160] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 17:58 |
james Ernst
Messages: 79
Registered: December 2013
Location: Lincoln, NE
Karma: -4
|
Member |
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Rob,
I figured it was a non issue after I looked into it. Oh I am glad you
didn't burn your car to the ground. With my luck I would have experimented
with that notion and would have a fire on my hands.
Thanks,
Jim
On Tue, Mar 18, 2014 at 5:27 PM, Rob <gmc@thebaileys.ca> wrote:
> I was going to mention that "Vara-jection" was not FUEL injection - but
> actually WATER injection (just in case you thought it was!). But it sounds
> like you figured that out.
>
> I used the Vara-jection decades ago - with mixed results. I doubt I'd
> bother with it these days. All it's supposed to do is slightly cool in the
> intake air - I think the benefits are marginal at best. Since the water
> injected displaces a little fuel+air and is non-flamable, I used to
> experiment with some slightly flammable solutions, for the injection fluid.
>
> I'm probably lucky I didn't burn the car to the ground...
>
> Rob
> 76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
> Victoria, BC
> gmc@thebaileys.ca
>
> On 2014-03-18, at 3:09 PM, james Ernst wrote:
>
> > Thanks guys, The paint jobs are about the same on each from the 2 that
> I've
> > seen. The Ellie with the lake pipes has aluminum wheels too but not sure
> of
> > the brand the wheel slots look like some sort of ninja daggers, lol. As
> far
> > as the exhaust goes I'd leave it except replace the mufflers for quieter
> > ones. I have to admit though, that Olds V8 sound brings back memories of
> > hanging around the dealership as a kid when the 442s would come in on the
> > transport. The 484 was bored and stroked but I don't have the paper
> work
> > to see how all that was done and what kind of internals were used, so
> that
> > could be iffy. As you mention if that engine does go south and if it is
> > poked 60 over already then I'd have to get a new block. I took my 455
> boat
> > to 30 over left the stroke the same but used CP bullet pistons and Eagle
> > rods.
> > I did some research on the Edelbrock Vara-jection today. Turns out it is
> a
> > water and or water/alcohol injection system to stop detonation similar to
> > the Olds Jetfire turbo in the early 60's. Not fuel injection. The owner
> did
> > not know about it so I assume it was not working or was not told to fill
> it
> > with water or water mix in winter. Do any of you out there have any
> > experience with this Vara-Jection system? The PB and the the Lake pipe
> > Ellie are with in 1 1/2 drive. The other is 8 hrs away so really no
> biggie
> > either way Other than I'm starting a new job the 31st.
> >
> > I did misspeak by the way, The one 8hrs away with the Alcoa wheels is A
> > Kingsley not an Ellie with rear full queen bed. The Ellie has twins and
> the
> > PB has the seating that converts to bed and the bunk bed behind the
> driver
> > seat.
> >
> > I guess I'll weigh the pros and cons and see what I can come up with.
> Can't
> > wait join in behind the wheel and hopefully meet some more infected
> people
> > with the GMC virus soon.
> >
> > Thanks for all the input so far gang, I really appreciate it big time!!
> >
> > Jim.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Jimbalaya
No Coach yet
60 Olds 88
66 Toro
76 Toro
86 cutlass Supreme
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244167 is a reply to message #244158] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 18:06 |
cbryan
Messages: 451
Registered: May 2012
Location: Ennis, Texas
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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James,
Watch out on those lake pipes. A fellow from California put lake pipes on his GMC and after a while, the heat on the drivers side got to the fuel fill hoses, and his coach burned to the ground. He had put three fuel tanks on it. There was a recent mention on this forum and there are pics on the bdub.net about it. His replacement coach's latest configuration went back to the passenger side exhaust.
I imagine with much care, you could insulate those lines, but his fire resulted in a pile of molten aluminum. No trace of the propane tank, either.
Not a good feeling, that. That certainly is a questionable modification. If everything otherwise is good, you can still go with a Jim K exhaust system with one muffler in the rear. Have to check to see that the tank for waste won't interfere with the one muffler setup.
Carey Bryan
Carey
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244169 is a reply to message #244158] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 18:15 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
|
Senior Member |
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I would be leaning toward the one with the twins. It would have the dry bath. The other 2 would be wet baths.
[quote title=james Ernst wrote on Tue, 18 March 2014 18:09]Thanks guys, The paint jobs are about the same on each from the 2 that I've
seen. The Ellie with the lake pipes has aluminum wheels too but not sure of
the brand the wheel slots look like some sort of ninja daggers, lol. As far
as the exhaust goes I'd leave it except replace the mufflers for quieter
ones. I have to admit though, that Olds V8 sound brings back memories of
hanging around the dealership as a kid when the 442s would come in on the
transport. The 484 was bored and stroked but I don't have the paper work
to see how all that was done and what kind of internals were used, so that
could be iffy. As you mention if that engine does go south and if it is
poked 60 over already then I'd have to get a new block. I took my 455 boat
to 30 over left the stroke the same but used CP bullet pistons and Eagle
rods.
I did some research on the Edelbrock Vara-jection today. Turns out it is a
water and or water/alcohol injection system to stop detonation similar to
the Olds Jetfire turbo in the early 60's. Not fuel injection. The owner did
not know about it so I assume it was not working or was not told to fill it
with water or water mix in winter. Do any of you out there have any
experience with this Vara-Jection system? The PB and the the Lake pipe
Ellie are with in 1 1/2 drive. The other is 8 hrs away so really no biggie
either way Other than I'm starting a new job the 31st.
I did misspeak by the way, The one 8hrs away with the Alcoa wheels is A
Kingsley not an Ellie with rear full queen bed. The Ellie has twins and the
PB has the seating that converts to bed and the bunk bed behind the driver
seat.
I guess I'll weigh the pros and cons and see what I can come up with. Can't
wait join in behind the wheel and hopefully meet some more infected people
with the GMC virus soon.
Thanks for all the input so far gang, I really appreciate it big time!!
Jim.
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
[Updated on: Tue, 18 March 2014 18:16] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244170 is a reply to message #244169] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 18:18 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Senior Member |
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Edited version:
[quote title=C Boyd wrote on Tue, 18 March 2014 19:15]I would be leaning toward the one with the twins. It would have the dry bath. The other 2 would be wet baths.
| james Ernst wrote on Tue, 18 March 2014 18:09 |
Thanks guys, The paint jobs are about the same on each from the 2 that I've
seen. The Ellie with the lake pipes has aluminum wheels too but not sure of
the brand the wheel slots look like some sort of ninja daggers, lol. As far
as the exhaust goes I'd leave it except replace the mufflers for quieter
ones. I have to admit though, that Olds V8 sound brings back memories of
hanging around the dealership as a kid when the 442s would come in on the
transport. The 484 was bored and stroked but I don't have the paper work
to see how all that was done and what kind of internals were used, so that
could be iffy. As you mention if that engine does go south and if it is
poked 60 over already then I'd have to get a new block. I took my 455 boat
to 30 over left the stroke the same but used CP bullet pistons and Eagle
rods.
I did some research on the Edelbrock Vara-jection today. Turns out it is a
water and or water/alcohol injection system to stop detonation similar to
the Olds Jetfire turbo in the early 60's. Not fuel injection. The owner did
not know about it so I assume it was not working or was not told to fill it
with water or water mix in winter. Do any of you out there have any
experience with this Vara-Jection system? The PB and the the Lake pipe
Ellie are with in 1 1/2 drive. The other is 8 hrs away so really no biggie
either way Other than I'm starting a new job the 31st.
I did misspeak by the way, The one 8hrs away with the Alcoa wheels is A
Kingsley not an Ellie with rear full queen bed. The Ellie has twins and the
PB has the seating that converts to bed and the bunk bed behind the driver
seat.
I guess I'll weigh the pros and cons and see what I can come up with. Can't
wait join in behind the wheel and hopefully meet some more infected people
with the GMC virus soon.
Thanks for all the input so far gang, I really appreciate it big time!!
Jim.
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C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244171 is a reply to message #244142] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 18:19 |
cbryan
Messages: 451
Registered: May 2012
Location: Ennis, Texas
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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James,
Those stock rims with the newer Michelin tires. Could they have been changed out to steel rims with 16" tires? I wasn't aware that Michelin recently made 16.5" tires. I have bought them for 15 passenger vans in the past (25 years ago), but I think Firestones are all you can get now.
So, those recent tires may not be so recent. Like about 1995. Check the oval place on the tire for the date code. I wouldn't trust the PO judgment. He might have used load range D tires, too, and again, those Michelins might not be up to what you want to load your GMC. I believe some of our GMC owners are running Load Range D tires with satisfaction. Another matter of controversy. I think you just satisfy yourself and go ahead. Most people are running Load Range E tires.
If you find misinformation on one area, then it would tend to disqualify the coach, unless innocent.
Carey
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244173 is a reply to message #244167] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 18:19 |
james Ernst
Messages: 79
Registered: December 2013
Location: Lincoln, NE
Karma: -4
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Member |
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Carey,
Good point there. I'm going to have to revisit that issue when I go back to
look at it. I sure don't need my rig burned to the ground in a molten heap.
Jim
On Tue, Mar 18, 2014 at 6:06 PM, Carey Bryan <chbryan@bigfoot.com> wrote:
>
>
> James,
>
> Watch out on those lake pipes. A fellow from California put lake pipes on
> his GMC and after a while, the heat on the drivers side got to the fuel
> fill hoses, and his coach burned to the ground. He had put three fuel
> tanks on it. There was a recent mention on this forum and there are pics
> on the bdub.net about it. His replacement coach's latest configuration
> went back to the passenger side exhaust.
>
> I imagine with much care, you could insulate those lines, but his fire
> resulted in a pile of molten aluminum. No trace of the propane tank,
> either.
>
> Not a good feeling, that. That certainly is a questionable modification.
> If everything otherwise is good, you can still go with a Jim K exhaust
> system with one muffler in the rear. Have to check to see that the tank
> for waste won't interfere with the one muffler setup.
>
> Carey Bryan
> Carey
>
>
> --
> Carey from Ennis, Texas
> 78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Jimbalaya
No Coach yet
60 Olds 88
66 Toro
76 Toro
86 cutlass Supreme
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244178 is a reply to message #244171] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 18:25 |
james Ernst
Messages: 79
Registered: December 2013
Location: Lincoln, NE
Karma: -4
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Member |
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|
Carey, I started to look at the tires size and load range then the CO had
me come and look at something else then I never did get back to the tires.
I was not aware that there was no current 16.5 Michelins. I will def look
into that thanks for the heads up.
Jim
On Tue, Mar 18, 2014 at 6:19 PM, Carey Bryan <chbryan@bigfoot.com> wrote:
>
>
> James,
>
> Those stock rims with the newer Michelin tires. Could they have been
> changed out to steel rims with 16" tires? I wasn't aware that Michelin
> recently made 16.5" tires. I have bought them for 15 passenger vans in the
> past (25 years ago), but I think Firestones are all you can get now.
>
> So, those recent tires may not be so recent. Like about 1995. Check the
> oval place on the tire for the date code. I wouldn't trust the PO
> judgment. He might have used load range D tires, too, and again, those
> Michelins might not be up to what you want to load your GMC. I believe
> some of our GMC owners are running Load Range D tires with satisfaction.
> Another matter of controversy. I think you just satisfy yourself and go
> ahead. Most people are running Load Range E tires.
>
> If you find misinformation on one area, then it would tend to disqualify
> the coach, unless innocent.
>
> Carey
> --
> Carey from Ennis, Texas
> 78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Jimbalaya
No Coach yet
60 Olds 88
66 Toro
76 Toro
86 cutlass Supreme
|
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244179 is a reply to message #244135] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 18:33 |
james Ernst
Messages: 79
Registered: December 2013
Location: Lincoln, NE
Karma: -4
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Member |
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Hi Larry, I like the PB, even though it is a lot of green plaid. However,
it is great condition all around. They all have the updated dash A/C and
Electro level. The PB has a new pump too. As far as the fuel economy, the
CO told me that's what his PO told him, but never verified to be true.
On Tue, Mar 18, 2014 at 3:28 PM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:
> I love my Palm Beach, but really it comes down to preference. I don't see
> extra value in the mods on the Palm Beach, particularly with stock wheels.
> 7 Alcoa's are better than 2 Grand, plus tires. The side pipes would make me
> nuts, but don't really matter to the usefulness of the coach. So long as
> they all have the late style dash air conditioning and Electrolevel then
> they are all similar from the factory.
>
> Fuel injection is a plus, but when people say they get 12MPG I discount
> everything else they say. You can add Howell TBI fuel injection and a
> computer controlled distributor and EBL for about 2 Grand and that would
> have the benefit of support from the GMC EFI group.
>
> Now which one had the most gentle life? You are about 850 miles away from
> Tom Hampton in Marysville, Ohio, and I don't know of any other GMC shops
> nearer than that - if that matters to you. With this list and the 800
> numbers from the Jims, etc., you could do any work yourself.
>
> Pick a coach and JUMP! My biggest regret is that I waited too long to buy
> our coach.
>
> Larry Davick
> Fremont, California
> A Mystery Machine
> '76 (ish) Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Jimbalaya
No Coach yet
60 Olds 88
66 Toro
76 Toro
86 cutlass Supreme
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| Re: [GMCnet] what to do, what to do. [message #244190 is a reply to message #244166] |
Tue, 18 March 2014 20:38 |
Rob
Messages: 651
Registered: November 2013
Location: Victoria, BC
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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I'm sure I saw that on a T-shirt recently...
Rob
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
Victoria, BC
gmc@thebaileys.ca
On 2014-03-18, at 4:05 PM, RC Jordan wrote:
>
> I'd prefer the twins over rear queen.
> --
> 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
> 76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
> Elizabeth City, NC
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Rob -
Victoria, BC -
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
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