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Topic: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher  (Read 954 times) previous topic - next topic

I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Hello..... I semi recently joined this FT group, sometime late last year.

I put the word out that I was looking for 82, 83, 84, 85.
Had be 40ft.
I really LIKE THE LOOK !!! of those years !!!! I guess FTX
So.... Last month ..I got Very Lucky !!!  :)
I'm a NEW owner of an 83 FT  **PROJECT**
Hopefully  I can bring it back BETTER than Before !!!
38ft.    (close to 40ft ) Long  8.2L Turbo Diesel.
I thought I would share.

I'm looking for the Air Bag GOOD part numbers  front and rear.

And Good amber "turn signal lights"

Has anybody did an engine swap on this model before ?

Thanks in advance.

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #1 –
I own  a 1987 Gran Villa. Rig is in great shape. Previous owner installed a Ford 460 in it after the diesel engine that came with it exploded. (His words). Engine runs great, rig drives fine. Has a smaller fuel tank than the original.. Only advice I can offer concerning engine swap is consider gas mileage. My rig is underpowered because of the gas engine and I get about six miles to the gallon. I'm looking into the possibility of changing the gears in the rear end to maybe help this situation. I'm sure you will install another diesel. So you shouldn't have my problems with a gas engine. Best of luck with your project. Welcome to the club.
EMT living in Missouri. Recently purchased 1987 Gran Villa 36 Ft. long,460 Ford engine with 40,000 miles on it, new tranny has 3000 miles on it, coach has 75000 miles on it, new 5000 watt genny new fridge, new tires. Am both excited and scared out of my wits at the size of this beast. Love it but need time to become accustomed to it's size.  I'm sure it will take time to experience all the secrets this RV has to offer. Any and all advice gratefully accepted.

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #2 –
One thing you might consider for power and MPG is a Gear Vendor Over/Under drive. Several years ago I installed one on a 1989 rig that had the 454 Chevy.  It boosted the MPG from 6.5 to just over 8.  Huge difference in the power. But note, even with the increase in MPG, even at todays fuel price, I think it would take something 100,000 miles to pay for itself.  Back then, way before retirement, I figured it was about 20 year payback.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #3 –
Quote from: just-j –
Hello..... I semi recently joined this FT group, sometime late last year.

I put the word out that I was looking for 82, 83, 84, 85.
Had be 40ft.
I really LIKE THE LOOK !!! of those years !!!! I guess FTX
So.... Last month ..I got Very Lucky !!!  :)
I'm a NEW owner of an 83 FT  **PROJECT**
Hopefully  I can bring it back BETTER than Before !!!
38ft.    (close to 40ft ) Long  8.2L Turbo Diesel.
I thought I would share.

I'm looking for the Air Bag GOOD part numbers  front and rear.

And Good amber "turn signal lights"

Has anybody did an engine swap on this model before ?

Thanks in advance.
There should be a number on the air bags that you can cross reference. Air Bag Suspension and Air Springs for Semi Trucks - Big Rig Components
This is where I ordered mine, but Fleetpride is an option as well if you want a local store.
1991 U300 Side Aisle 6V92 Silver #3897
2004 U320 40' #6246

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #4 –
Quote from: just-j –
8.2L Turbo Diesel

Has anybody did an engine swap on this model before ?


Welcome and congratulations. So in regards to the engine swap. Does your currant engine trans work or is it junk? Do you plan to stay Diesel or go to auto gas? Swapping engines is simple to say but ends up being a big project. Will also affect transmission likely. I wouldnt start till you have everything laid out and ready to install. One funky item like having to use a different trans or radiator could be a multiplayer to the final product. If you're going to Gas a LS conversion is the only way to go but also caries a proud price tag with an entire new problem of engine tuning electronically. So I would recommend you have a way to resolve that also before you spend a penny on anything else Swaps are big projects looking forward to more picture. Putting a ISL/3060 would be nice in it!! $$$$$

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #5 –
I have a '81 FTX  40' with a triple nickel Cummins only 225 HP from the factory. Your 8.2 probably has as much HP. and your coach is much lighter. We used it for 18 years and just got used to climbing mountain passes in the right lane going very slow. Yours wouldn't be much different with the 8.2 My suggestion would be to keep with what you have to make all things simple. If the block isn't bad just rebuild it. If it is bad find a used one that is good.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #6 –
My 36' 1981 Foretavel Travco had a 3208 Cat and I did an in frame overhaul that wasn't that difficult. Resurfaced the cylinder heads, put in new 3 ring pistons and a new head gasket.
Keep that rear radiator clean! Cats don't like to get hot and I'm sure Cummins don't like to either.
Like Craneman said, get in the right lane when climbing grades. Put on your flashers and watch your temperature gauges. Use lower gears to keep your engine cool. 
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #7 –
Great advice Mark. Always looking for good advice and info when it comes to my rig. Part of owning a vintage rig is the constant repairs and maintenance required to keep them on the road. But what the heck I'm retired and today is my day off. Come to think of it every day is my day off.
EMT living in Missouri. Recently purchased 1987 Gran Villa 36 Ft. long,460 Ford engine with 40,000 miles on it, new tranny has 3000 miles on it, coach has 75000 miles on it, new 5000 watt genny new fridge, new tires. Am both excited and scared out of my wits at the size of this beast. Love it but need time to become accustomed to it's size.  I'm sure it will take time to experience all the secrets this RV has to offer. Any and all advice gratefully accepted.

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #8 –
Welcome and congratulations. Hope you in joy your project
Rick & Hilda looking forward to full- timing one day for now couple of months at a time
1999 U270 3602
Built number  5530.  Feb 1999            Motorcade  number 18438
8.3 Cummins Allison six speed with brake  retarder
Purchased Nov 28 2019

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #9 –
Quote from: dsd –
Welcome and congratulations. So in regards to the engine swap. Does your currant engine trans work or is it junk? Do you plan to stay Diesel or go to auto gas? Swapping engines is simple to say but ends up being a big project. Will also affect transmission likely. I wouldnt start till you have everything laid out and ready to install. One funky item like having to use a different trans or radiator could be a multiplayer to the final product. If you're going to Gas a LS conversion is the only way to go but also caries a proud price tag with an entire new problem of engine tuning electronically. So I would recommend you have a way to resolve that also before you spend a penny on anything else Swaps are big projects looking forward to more picture. Putting a ISL/3060 would be nice in it!! $$$$$


Well regarding the **DREAM Engine SWAP**  I have been dreaming !!!  ISL /8.9L is to big..I think ?  I have thought about an early Detroit Series 50 8.5L 4cylinder.... I think to heavy and Electronics .. need Allison 3000/4000 series trans?  A ** maybe ** is 8.3L cummins... again to BIG for the space ??....  Leaning towards 5.9 12V **upgraded the HP and a Allison 2500 series trans  or 6.7 cummins with a Mechanical P-PUMP Conversion with a Allson 2500 series DOUBLE OD trans......  Right now  just HAPPY THOUGHTS !!!

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #10 –
Cat 3208 may fit easy. Check bell housing specs. Duramax with Allison should fit.
What's wrong with whatever engine is in there ?

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
What's wrong with whatever engine is in there ?
That's the million dollar question.
Foretravel spent a lot of time and money engineering those coaches. The frame, engine, transmission and differential are all integral parts of that coach that were designed to work together and the further you (or the previous owners) drift from that, the more additional problems will be created.
It's your coach but the KISS approach probably makes the most sense financially and otherwise.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #12 –
I agree with the KISS thoughts. But the 8.2L turbo with 200Hp has a blown head gasket issue. And what I've learned ..that's a ongoing problem with the 8.2L.  Cummins 5.9L had a "stock: 215hp.  And info on the internet they be upgraded to 300hp easily and safely.

Mated to an Allison 2500 series double OD trans.... I think would be a great set-up. And hopefully my MPG will increase. 
Presently keeping a look out for a damage bus with a 5.9 at Copart.

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #13 –
A couple more thoughts...
If that rear radiator is plugged up with dirt and debris, you will have heat and head gasket issues with any engine you put in there.
If the existing cylinder heads are warped or were not torqued correctly, you will have head gasket issues.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird
 

Re: I'm a NEW OWNER of a 83 ForeTravel FTX Diesel Pusher

Reply #14 –
There is a member with that engine and has not posted any engine problems. Internet comments are almost always negative. My 555 Cummins was said to be only good for an anchor on a 3208 Cat powered boat. 42 years later it is still hasn't sunk.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean