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improve 1991 454
Hello; New here. This thread is probably not what most people come to this forum to ask, but here goes.
I am going to start working on a 1991 motorhome in a month or so. It has a 454.
Any suggestions on ways to improve/up the horsepower/torque. I believe it has around 290 HP.
I've thought of building a cold air intake setup, bigger TBI, Maybe tuned headers and better exhaust, bigger fuel pump. Any thoughts or other possible ideas. Thought about earlier heads but not sure if feasible or even cost effective.
Thanks in advance
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How many miles on it?
Is it running good now?
If it needs a tune-up do that first.
Mark
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Since we're talking motor home, are you wanting to be able to run regular pump gas, at the nominal 87 octane range? If so I would think that you're going to be looking at maybe a new cam with the "RV Grind", and keeping your compression where it is. Unless you're OK with pulling up to the premium pumps at every fill-up you're not going to have a lot of options beyond keeping it tuned, improving the flow (exhaust, maybe heads), camming it for mid-range torque and picking rear gears to put you in your power band up to cruise rpm's. Too much boost is going to push you to higher octane fuel, and still with single digit mileage, I expect.
The better option might be to consider a take-out engine/tranny/ECU package from a newer truck with a more modern ECU, better injection, more tranny speeds, etc, etc.
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I am looking to stay close to stock, it is a MH. Thought about improving throughput with cold air intake, maybe larger TBI, tuned pipes and lower restriction exhaust. Larger fuel pump as i've heard the stock one is straining at the level the motor is now. Just trying to gain a little HP, not lower maybe improve a little, the MPG. not having to go to higher octane. If I get this MH, by way of trading the owner for some building labor( can get it real cheap), I plan to redo the interior. I am a carpenter/builder and will scrounge most of what I need. If that goes well without spending too much money, in the fall i will tackle what needs to be done to improve handling. These old coaches need beefier suspension. Would like to take off and get away from New England next winter, and travel a little.
