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Mon Dec 19, 2011 6:19 pm

I have a 79 rivera Bus that has stock engine. would like to know if there is an easy way to get more power out of it. Perhaps modifications that cost up to $2000 would be great?
I know that Jake builds custom engines but they seem to be out of my price range. I am located in the North part of Washington if that is any help.
thanks for your input.

Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:33 pm

I'm planning a rebuild with Camper Special Heads and valvetrain. I'm sure that when I'm done it will still be about $4000. I can't think of anything "bolt on". It seems that the cam and heads are where it's at.

Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:54 pm

1FUNBUG wrote: I'm planning a rebuild with Camper Special Heads and valvetrain........

I don't think Mr. Raby sells just the heads and valvetrain. Maybe I'm wrong.....

-dasdachshund

Mon Dec 19, 2011 8:01 pm

Absolutely. We sell both together or separately

Mon Dec 19, 2011 8:04 pm

Jake Raby wrote: Absolutely. We sell both together or separately

I stand corrected by the man himself. :oops:

-dasdachshund

Mon Dec 19, 2011 8:46 pm

for $2000 you could paint a sweet set of flames on it. it will look like it's going faster than it really is. can't really think of much else within your budget.

Mon Dec 19, 2011 8:52 pm

Jake Raby wrote: Absolutely. We sell both together or separately

So Mr Raby, what can this guy do at your store for $2000?

Mon Dec 19, 2011 8:55 pm

notchboy wrote: Jake Raby wrote: Absolutely. We sell both together or separately

So Mr Raby, what can this guy do at your store for $2000?

Save his $2000 for all the other repairs that the new bus is gong to need......don't they all?

Mon Dec 19, 2011 8:58 pm

Westfabulous wrote: notchboy wrote: Jake Raby wrote: Absolutely. We sell both together or separately

So Mr Raby, what can this guy do at your store for $2000?

Save his $2000 for all the other repairs that the new bus is gong to need......don't they all?

:lol:

=D>

Mon Dec 19, 2011 9:01 pm

try driving a 69 at 55mph

Tue Dec 20, 2011 1:18 am

Common problem many new bus owners have. They want to lower it, raise it, do fancy wheels, and frequently want to make it faster. Maybe it's just plain the wrong vehicle. A bus is a bus, and a wonderful bus they are. Spend the coin, the worry, and the work where it's beter used to get what it already is in real good shape. Then enjoy it and discover how great it is.
New owners that don't yet know how great a bus is want it to be something different. That frequently is a real bad mistake. Wait a couple years, get to know and appreciate it and then rethink the situation.

Tue Dec 20, 2011 2:04 am

I find 2L to do just fine. Most of the time I just say go find a vanagon or euro van if you want to go faster.

Tue Dec 20, 2011 8:07 am

DBM is right on with this.

A well tuned '79 should be easily capable of going 70 mph on the highway (owner's manual lists top cruising speed at 74 mph). It will also have enough low end torque to carry nearly a ton of cargo.

Acceleration in a bus is not going to compare to other vehicles. Accept it. It's part of the charm.

Tue Dec 20, 2011 8:15 am

A comprehensive tune up and a schedule that allows you time to enjoy the scenery are the best you'll do on $2K.

Tue Dec 20, 2011 9:13 am

I cant seem to think why no one has mentioned Exhaust upgrades I know there are improvements for power they might come with compromises... such as louder.

Tue Dec 20, 2011 10:34 am

amosdoodle wrote: I cant seem to think why no one has mentioned Exhaust upgrades I know there are improvements for power they might come with compromises... such as louder.

Ladies and Gentlemen - it is annual fantasy time. Santa will be here in just a few days. If you leave $2000 on a plate with some milk and cookies, he will make your bus go just like a big Hummer. Yes, you too can make a DC3 fly like a 767 with one of Santa's kits.

Tue Dec 20, 2011 1:16 pm

notchboy wrote: Jake Raby wrote: Absolutely. We sell both together or separately

So Mr Raby, what can this guy do at your store for $2000?

Not much... And I'd suggest that nothing be done if everything can't be done for any reason.. Doing so just creates compromise through misconfiguration.
All the way or not all all is my philosophy.

Tue Dec 20, 2011 2:28 pm

$2000? I'd buy some load rated tires, a new vacuum and fuel hose kit, some Konis and pay Colin for a days worth of tuning. Betcha it makes a world of difference.

Tue Dec 20, 2011 6:28 pm

Jake Raby wrote: notchboy wrote: Jake Raby wrote: Absolutely. We sell both together or separately

So Mr Raby, what can this guy do at your store for $2000?

Not much... And I'd suggest that nothing be done if everything can't be done for any reason.. Doing so just creates compromise through misconfiguration.
All the way or not all all is my philosophy.

Pretty much.

I'd just save up, or spend the 2g on all the stuff it already needs. Theres no way the bus needs /nothing/. It always needs something.

Tue Dec 20, 2011 6:49 pm

I agree on doing all the things that bring the Bus up to par reliability and safety wise before getting more power.