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Thread: I bought a RAMBLER !!

  1. #1
    boostaholic BIGBRUDDA's Avatar
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    I bought a RAMBLER !!

    A Holiday Rambler! 1987 HR Imperial 33 motorhome.
    The coach is in real good shape. Only 33k miles.
    But its powered by a chebby 454/auto trans.A california smog 454. Complete with the smog pump,and sealed Quadra-junk carb.
    Sooooo, what can I do to improve on the 7mpg fuel efficiency?
    Aside from the $3000 Holley EFI conversion.
    It's been 35 yrs since I fooled wit a big block Chebby. What da latest?
    The thing revs 3200 rpm@ 60 mph!

  2. #2
    turbo addict
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    Re: I bought a RAMBLER !!

    that "quadra-junk" is the best for fuel economy. Once they are working right they can run the best for mileage.
    Ian Adams Function>Form 1990 shadow scrapped, too rusty:( 1991 Spirit R/T Scrapped, parts sold:( 1989 Turbo Caravan Daily beater with built-[I]ish [/I]​engine slowly evolving into weekend turbo beater.

  3. #3
    turbo addict
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    Re: I bought a RAMBLER !!

    Cummins conversion?
    Great stuff for great cars! Poly engine mounts and bushings at: http://www.polybushings.com

  4. #4
    turbo addict
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    Re: I bought a RAMBLER !!

    Hmmmm check this was done... http://www.allworldauto.com/recalls/...call_1078.html

    They were also apparently available with a Caterpillar V8 diesel, so don't know if that's the "easy" conversion, or whether that was a different chassis.

    Convert to diesel may get you up to 10-11 mpg,
    Remove all the roof mounted crap, or make it retractable or something +1mpg
    Wrap a conveyor belt around the front bumper for an airdam +1mpg
    Add vortex control devices around the back end +1mpg (And less tossing around in crosswinds or when passed by semis)
    Inflate tires to maximum sidewall pressure and set alignment as neutral as possible +1mpg.

    Tuned up the current motor might get 8 mpg, another gasser like an LS1 might do as good as 9mpg.

    Driving habits, pretend the motor is an on off thruster, give it blasts at RPM = 90% of torque peak, pretend the brakes don't work, give it just enough "thrust" to make it to the next intersection.

  5. #5
    Hybrid booster
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    Re: I bought a RAMBLER !!

    http://www.gearvendors.com/


    I have one of these units in my 1983 Ford 24 ft NuWay Chassis.. I love it...

    Mine is running a 460 ford, and a C6 tranny with 6 forward gears... I can get almost 10+ mpg
    in the right situations.. most of the time 8-9mpg...


    The Gear vendors unit is basically a two speed transmission that bolts on behind the regular tranny... and with its snazzy control with shift through 'six' forward gears automatically.. Or you can shift it manually with a foot switch...

    I LOVE IT...

  6. #6
    boostaholic BIGBRUDDA's Avatar
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    Re: I bought a RAMBLER !!

    Thanks Roadwarrior, I'll check into that recall.
    Very cool Vipernbox!
    I'd love to Johnny, When can ya schedule me for that?
    Anyone deleted the smog pump?

  7. #7
    turbo addict
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    Re: I bought a RAMBLER !!

    I would look into swapping it to GM tbi if it was mine. Ive heard it is rather cheap to do. Should all bolt together also

  8. #8
    turbo addict
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    Re: I bought a RAMBLER !!

    People talk about changing to fuel injection.
    I have had carb Ramchargers and a TBI Ramcharger and never found TBI to be better on fuel mileage than a carb. If carbs are set right, they are just as good.
    Great stuff for great cars! Poly engine mounts and bushings at: http://www.polybushings.com

  9. #9
    turbo addict
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    Re: I bought a RAMBLER !!

    Quote Originally Posted by BIGBRUDDA View Post
    Anyone deleted the smog pump?
    If you have to run a cat, don't, it'll only be a 2 way cat and needs the air for regeneration. In other words it will clog up.

    If the cat is gone, use it to pull crank case vacuum.

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