Opinions on 2000 Newmar Dutch star W 7.4 GMC chasi

General Motors sold motorhome chassis through the Chevrolet brand, and when they got out of the business licensed designs to Workhorse, and sold them engines.

That was around 2000-2001. So this motorhome could very well have a P-series chassis from General Motors, but VIN should decode as Chevrolet rather than GMC. Maybe both General Motors truck brands sold the P-series chassis?

The 454 CID engine used was made by Chevrolet. From 1996-2000, it was built as a Vortec 7400, GEN VI of the Chevy Big Block. Vortec 7400 got multipoint fuel injection replacing throttle body FI of the engine sold as "454" and it also got new heads with better flowing intake ports.

Vortec 8100, with a longer stroke, different firing order, new castings with a different head bolt pattern, coil on plug ignition, and other changes, was introduced in 2001.

So a 2000 model year motorhome, built on 1999-2000 chassis, should have a Vortec 7400 (454 CID, but not The 454 engine that was replaced by Vortec).

Whether or not the Vortec 7400 is big enough for the motorhome depends on how big is the motorhome. 1999-2000, RV manufacturers were still building some diesel motorhomes with engines less than 250 HP. Ten years earlier most were that small.

Owner could be confused about branding. Carfax could also be confused. But for 2000 model year, the big block certainly would have been a 7.4, the 8.1 was yet to be introduced.

I'm surprised you found a gas Dutch Star that new, but anything is possible at a manufacturer that custom builds. In the late 90s Newmar was still building gas Mountinaires, a notch up from Dutch Star today.

I do not know but ask on this site.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f22/

Anyone?

So I pulled the carfax on this coach and it states it is a 2000 workhorse p30.

I'm a bit confused as I thought "workhorse" is an 8.1? The seller said this coach has a 7.4 GMC 454. Is it possible the engine was replaced?

And I've yet to find a single other Newmar Dutch star year 2000 out there with a gmc 7.4 454 in it?

Confused!

So I pulled the carfax on this coach and it states it is a 2000 workhorse p30.

I'm a bit confused as I thought "workhorse" is an 8.1? The seller said this coach has a 7.4 GMC 454. Is it possible the engine was replaced?

And I've yet to find a single other Newmar Dutch star year 2000 out there with a gmc 7.4 454 in it?

Confused!

We loved our 454 in the 91 32' Southwind. Engine had very good power, towed a vehicle on a trailer and only had one head replaced because of a crack in 80,000+ miles. We got close to 9.5 MPG on most trips at around 60 MPH which was the sweet spot for our engine mileage. We had that rig for 12 years and other than oil changes, one head, tune ups, belts and hoses it was excellent engine. I did put lifetime ceramic plug wires from NAPA on when we first got the rig after hearing of plug wire failure being a common problem and never had a problem.

Newmar has a fine reputation but it is 13 years old, and a lot of new technology has been introduced since then. The 454 big block suffered from wrapped heads, broken head bolts, and extreme heat that caused starter problems. Also, it loved to stop at every gas station you pass and get more fuel. Expect about 5 to 7 mpg! You did not mention the tires, but if they are over 5 years old, it is time to plan replacements.