dukeman7595 Report post Posted August 26, 2011 I am a new member and have asked one question and had it answered already by Brett, thanks Brett.. My question: I just bought a 1992 Southwind (one owner) in excellent condition. I know it is a old one but before I sink a lot of money into this endeavor I want to make sure it is for us. We plan a trip to the Grand Canyon from Missouri I am not familiar with the terrain and would really like someone to give me a honest answer if this RV is up to the task, ENGINE wise. I am worried about POWER and anything you may have to add. Sincerely, JOE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted August 26, 2011 Joe, At that age, maintenance will make a great deal of the difference. Can a 454 take you on that trip-- absolutely. The only HAVE TO other than routine maintenance is to change the BRAKE FLUID. Old/hydrated brake fluid boils at under 300 degrees F-- new fluid around 500 degrees. Loosing your brakes in the mountains is not when to decide to change the brake fluid. BTW, our Foretravel is a 1993 with 157,000 miles. Brett Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted August 26, 2011 Joe, as Brett may have already said, Welcome to the Forum. The GM 454 (7.4) is a great engine. The basic engine is a real workhorse. The following is just my opinion. I feel that any coach up to 34' is just about the max for a gas engine. 37' might be a little too much for the 454. That being said, if you drive it right it should do the job for you. You might want to take I-80 across Nebraska and Wyoming. There aren't as many mountains that way and it is a nice trip. You might also consider I-40 through Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. Lots of flat areas along the way, plus who doesn't want 100 plus weather this time of the year. Have fun and enjoy your trip. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hanko Report post Posted August 27, 2011 I had a 91 pace arrow I bought new. What I did to help mine was I changed the thermostat to a 180 from the 190 than came with it. I also wired the fans to a manual switch that I could control myself. I always thought it ran to hot especially climbing a big hill or idling. What I did helped. I would also go to a Banks exhaust and KN air cleaner if I still had the coach. The 454 is a great engine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted August 28, 2011 Actually, the formula for descending any grade is to downshift until you find a gear that will hold your speed in EQUILIBRIUM-- you are neither accelerating nor decelerating WITHOUT USING YOUR SERVICE BRAKES (brake pedal). It has nothing to do with how straight the road is-- if a 6% grade straight for the next 30 miles, your equilibrium speed may be 30 MPH. A real quick benchmark is the 18 wheelers. Physics dictates that your equilibrium speed is slower than an empty 18 wheeler and faster than a loaded one. If you are passing all the big trucks, YOU ARE GOING TOO FAST. If you find your speed increasing, use the brakes firmly and long enough to slow you down so you can "grab" a lower gear. BTW, the same concept applies to diesels, but they can also factor in the use of the exhaust or engine brake or transmission retarder. Brett Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
