Blown engine '79 Dodge 440

[mindicater]

On our way home from Columbia the other week we blew a hole in a piston and our mechanic is telling us we need to replace the engine. I'm not sure if it would be smart to replace it or just junk the whole thing. Or maybe sell off all the parts.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to do?

[Toedtoes]

Sorry to hear that!  I'm looking at an engine also right now (have a 360). These are the prices I've found so far for a replacement to my 360.  I'm guessing a 440 should be fairly similar.  To upgrade the engine  to a "crate fuel injected turn key engine" (just pull the old and drop the new), the engine will run about $13,500.  A non turn key version (which means you have to do a lot of additional work), can be as low as $7,000.  Those are your expensive options.

A rebuilt engine will be between about $1,800 and $5,000 depending on who does the work.

For me, it's not a question of whether to do it or not - it's just which way to go.  I've done some researching on class C RVs in the size range of the clippers.  For one that is 2-5 years old, you're looking at a very minimum of $28,000 and that will be for something that needs work.  Ones in better shape will run $45,000 and up.

The clipper house was extremely well built.  Mine is in very good shape for 40 years (I have a 75) - both inside and out.  I've looked at newer RVs and they don't hold up as well at all - lots of leaking issues, lots of corner damage, etc.  The appliances nowadays aren't expected to last 10 years, so you'll be just as likely to have to replace them in a different RV as with the clipper.

As to floorplan, I have not seen a newer RV with a floorplan that I like better than my rear kitchen.  Most have moved to the 24-26ft with the queen bed in back.  I much prefer having that large rear window.  I also have no need for the queen bed and don't want the extra 3-5 ft in length for it.

So, for me, I prefer my clipper to anything else I could have.  Selling my clipper and recouping my costs isn't an issue, because I plan on keeping it for as long as I am able to RV.  At this point, I'm happier putting this sort of money into the clipper than moving to something else.

For you, you'll need to debate these types of issues for yourself.

[pdxpfeifer]

Hi toedtoes- please enlighten me. What's a $12k engine that's turn key vs. the original 440?
We replaced ours with a Jasper Engines rebuilt for about $5k with installation, new shocks, new radiator belts and hoses. 

The jasper engine people had great customer service and have a good warranty so I was real pleased with the company. Not so pleased with the shop that installed and didn't check for a working fan clutch - that was the overheat problem on my other posts.

Mindicarter- did you replace yours? toedtoes is right about layout and newer models. We looked at a 2001 Tiagoa for $24k. Great rig, but bank won't finance anything older than 10-12 years, plus paying for it yikes. 

That being said - with all our Clipper issues are $12 k in. So I want to keep driving the girl! 

Hope you come to a resolution that works for you! Best of luck

[Toedtoes]

The crate engine I mentioned is a new engine with fuel injection (no carb) that is able to drop right in place of the old one. It's expensive, but you end up with fuel injection.

I ended up with doing a rebuild and putting in a new 4br edlebrock carb. Running like aces now. May end up converting to fuel injection within the next 5 years, but want to see how things go before committing to that option.