MOAK
Adventurer
Hello all, Im seriously considering an LS1 swap into my 80 series. Currently at 340,000 miles and running like a top, provided we are at low elevations. Out west at higher elevations it is nothing less than a dog that might get, on a good day, 10mpg, loaded down and pulling our 1300 lb trailer. Here at home we do get 12mpg. We've lived with it and accepted that for about 10 years now of touring the USA.
The primary reasons I'm considering the swap is for our long term outlook and what we plan to continue doing. My wife and I will not be young forever and I'm thinking that in 4 years it may be time to find ourselves an Airstream Basecamp to drag behind us. Instead of "overlanding" as we tend to do now, we'd set up a base camp and explore from there. The Basecamp's GVWR is 3500 lbs. I know that the 4.5-6 would not be capable of towing that kind of weight efficiently. I don't want to be that interstate hazard doing 25 mph that the 18 wheelers pass going up-hill. Or, for that matter on the flats only able to achieve 60 mph or so. I considered a newer vehicle for about 30 seconds. I want a solid axles. I mentioned long term? I'm 67 now and want a worry free vehicle for at least another 150,000 miles, or 15 years, whichever comes first. Anyone that has made the swap, what are your stories, longterm? Thanks in advance for all input.
The primary reasons I'm considering the swap is for our long term outlook and what we plan to continue doing. My wife and I will not be young forever and I'm thinking that in 4 years it may be time to find ourselves an Airstream Basecamp to drag behind us. Instead of "overlanding" as we tend to do now, we'd set up a base camp and explore from there. The Basecamp's GVWR is 3500 lbs. I know that the 4.5-6 would not be capable of towing that kind of weight efficiently. I don't want to be that interstate hazard doing 25 mph that the 18 wheelers pass going up-hill. Or, for that matter on the flats only able to achieve 60 mph or so. I considered a newer vehicle for about 30 seconds. I want a solid axles. I mentioned long term? I'm 67 now and want a worry free vehicle for at least another 150,000 miles, or 15 years, whichever comes first. Anyone that has made the swap, what are your stories, longterm? Thanks in advance for all input.