Purchasing a 2000 Newmar Dutch Star. Owner says it has a GMC 7.4 which I believe is a 454? However, the carfax states it is a "workhorse" p30, which I always thought the workhorse was Chevy 8.1, not GMC 454?Also, I've searched and searched and searched and have yet to find another 2000 Dutch Star with a 7.4 GMC in it. They either all have the V-10 or are diesel.

I suggest that you go to IRV2.com, they have a Workhorse Chassis forum...Lots of knowledge their.. And not all workhorse are the 8.1...So the owner could be correct.

I'm no expert, but I believe that the P30 is a Chevrolet chassis which was used in the 1990s and picked up by Workhorse prior to the introduction of the actual Workhorse chassis.The 7.4L may be actually a Chevrolet Vortec engine, the predecessor to the 8.1L. Yes, it is a 454. I have a 1996 7.4L and have found it to be a strong engine.

Musicman wrote:I'm no expert, but I believe that the P30 is a Chevrolet chassis which was used in the 1990s and picked up by Workhorse prior to the introduction of the actual Workhorse chassis.The 7.4L may be actually a Chevrolet Vortec engine, the predecessor to the 8.1L. Yes, it is a 454. I have a 1996 7.4L and have found it to be a strong engine.Thanks! But now I'm ever more confused. He told me the Engine is a GMC. The carfax states, "workhorse p30" Maybe they dropped in a used engine, who knows?

The owner is correct. The 2000 Workhorse P chassis had the 454 (290 HP/410 lb-ft torque) and GM 4L80-E transmission. It was the first year that the "wide track" front suspension was introduced on higher GVWR chassis.The 8.1 was introduced in 2001.

darin338 wrote:Purchasing a 2000 Newmar Dutch Star. Owner says it has a GMC 7.4 which I believe is a 454? However, the carfax states it is a "workhorse" p30, which I always thought the workhorse was Chevy 8.1, not GMC 454?Also, I've searched and searched and searched and have yet to find another 2000 Dutch Star with a 7.4 GMC in it. They either all have the V-10 or are diesel.That chassis was made durring the transition when Workhorse purchased the motorhome chassis devision from GM. Workhorse completed the orders for the 7.4 and then switched to the 8.1 and Allison transmission combination.The 2000 more than likely has the GM transmission also.

What is a "workhorse p30" ? | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

harold1946
Explorer
Oct 19, 2013
darin338 wrote:
harold1946 wrote:
darin338 wrote:
Purchasing a 2000 Newmar Dutch Star. Owner says it has a GMC 7.4 which I believe is a 454?

However, the carfax states it is a "workhorse" p30, which I always thought the workhorse was Chevy 8.1, not GMC 454?

Also, I've searched and searched and searched and have yet to find another 2000 Dutch Star with a 7.4 GMC in it. They either all have the V-10 or are diesel.

That chassis was made durring the transition when Workhorse purchased the motorhome chassis devision from GM. Workhorse completed the orders for the 7.4 and then switched to the 8.1 and Allison transmission combination.
The 2000 more than likely has the GM transmission also.

Thanks! So is this a drawback, or plus over the 8.1 powertrain?

Dont know that I would call it a drawback.
The 8.1 produces more horsepower and coupled with the Allison transmission is considered by most to be a great improvement.
There are thousands of motorhomes with the 7.4, GM tranny combinations on the road with satisfied owners.
Having owned both,I prefer the 8.1 Allison 1000 6 speed combination with the grade brake.
rvten
Explorer
Oct 19, 2013
The Vortec 8.1 is a larger engine.
The Vortec 7.4 is smaller. Gets good gas mileage. Did not have the Allison trans.
We had one on our 1997 34' Pace Arrow. I was just not happy with the P30/32 chassis.
Believe it was over loaded with that big box on that chassis.
darin338
Explorer
Oct 19, 2013
harold1946 wrote:
darin338 wrote:
Purchasing a 2000 Newmar Dutch Star. Owner says it has a GMC 7.4 which I believe is a 454?

However, the carfax states it is a "workhorse" p30, which I always thought the workhorse was Chevy 8.1, not GMC 454?

Also, I've searched and searched and searched and have yet to find another 2000 Dutch Star with a 7.4 GMC in it. They either all have the V-10 or are diesel.

That chassis was made durring the transition when Workhorse purchased the motorhome chassis devision from GM. Workhorse completed the orders for the 7.4 and then switched to the 8.1 and Allison transmission combination.
The 2000 more than likely has the GM transmission also.

Thanks! So is this a drawback, or plus over the 8.1 powertrain?
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Oct 19, 2013
And it is certainly possible that your 2000 coach was built on a 1999 chassis. Go to the WH website and register your vehicle using the VIN and it will tell you a lot of info about the coach. Workhorse registration
harold1946
Explorer
Oct 19, 2013
darin338 wrote:
Purchasing a 2000 Newmar Dutch Star. Owner says it has a GMC 7.4 which I believe is a 454?

However, the carfax states it is a "workhorse" p30, which I always thought the workhorse was Chevy 8.1, not GMC 454?

Also, I've searched and searched and searched and have yet to find another 2000 Dutch Star with a 7.4 GMC in it. They either all have the V-10 or are diesel.

That chassis was made durring the transition when Workhorse purchased the motorhome chassis devision from GM. Workhorse completed the orders for the 7.4 and then switched to the 8.1 and Allison transmission combination.
The 2000 more than likely has the GM transmission also.
wolfe10
Explorer
Oct 19, 2013
The owner is correct. The 2000 Workhorse P chassis had the 454 (290 HP/410 lb-ft torque) and GM 4L80-E transmission. It was the first year that the "wide track" front suspension was introduced on higher GVWR chassis.

The 8.1 was introduced in 2001.
darin338
Explorer
Oct 19, 2013
Musicman wrote:
I'm no expert, but I believe that the P30 is a Chevrolet chassis which was used in the 1990s and picked up by Workhorse prior to the introduction of the actual Workhorse chassis.

The 7.4L may be actually a Chevrolet Vortec engine, the predecessor to the 8.1L. Yes, it is a 454. I have a 1996 7.4L and have found it to be a strong engine.

Thanks! But now I'm ever more confused. He told me the Engine is a GMC. The carfax states, "workhorse p30" Maybe they dropped in a used engine, who knows?
Musicman
Explorer
Oct 19, 2013
I'm no expert, but I believe that the P30 is a Chevrolet chassis which was used in the 1990s and picked up by Workhorse prior to the introduction of the actual Workhorse chassis.

The 7.4L may be actually a Chevrolet Vortec engine, the predecessor to the 8.1L. Yes, it is a 454. I have a 1996 7.4L and have found it to be a strong engine.
donhoward49
Explorer
Oct 19, 2013
I suggest that you go to IRV2.com, they have a Workhorse Chassis forum...Lots of knowledge their.. And not all workhorse are the 8.1...So the owner could be correct.

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What is a "workhorse p30" ?

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