Vixen Motor Home Question (motorhome, mileage, diesel, vehicle)

[MI-Roger]

The Vixen model SE appears to have used the robust 3.8 liter Buick V6 engine and its automatic transmission. This engine was later Turbocharged and Supercharged in Buicks and Pontiacs for additional power. Has anyone retrofitted one of these more powerful engines into a Vixen?

[Crashj007]

Very interesting. I have a 73 GMC Motorhome with the Toronado V-8 and FWD set up. Most of the engine upgrades with these are to move up to the Cadillac with a larger displacement. Adding blowers does not help much with low end torque which is what you need to pull hills. I would imagine you would see some advantage in acceleration with a higher numerical final drive without a big impact on fuel mileage. Probably lots of gear options available for you.

[MI-Roger]

As much as the ultra-compact Vixen motor homes intrigue me, they are effectively 30 years old. It is possible to buy a sub-30 foot, 3 year old Class A, for twice the price of a well cared for Vixen - and have more comfortable space as well as a unit with broader resale appeal.

I need to apply logic rather than emotion.

[StealthRabbit]

depends....

30 yr old vehicles are pretty EZ to fix (tho a Vixen will need 'retrofits') and fun to adventure in.

You have a lot of choices, find one that fits you and you will enjoy for many yrs.

I personally would need a diesel, cuz I don't do spark plugs. (and prefer 15+ mpg on free fuel vs. <10 mpg with PURCHASED fuel.)

(I could mount a Vixen on a School bus chassis...) then I will not be welcomed into the 'Vixen purest clubs'

There are some really nice features with many MH, find your special combination, and enjoy the 'experience' (as well as the conveinence). That might be ANYTHING (new or old).

I like good BRAKES and handling and NO LEAKS