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    How can I keep my 1997 Ford Transit Winnebago from feeling sluggish?

    Ford Ford Advice Ford Transit Ford Transit Advice Ford Transit 1997
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    I have just inherited a 1997 Ford Transit Winnebago. It is very sluggish. I don't care about the speed (it can only get to about 85km/h on the highway) but I’m concerned about its acceleration. It has absolutely no 'get up and go'. I presume this is because of the age of it and that it is pulling a Winnebago. Is there anything I can do to the engine or put in a different engine in it to make it not so sluggish in between gears? It's just a safety factor.

    Answered by CarsGuide
    10 December 2024
    David Morley

    In 1997, the Ford Transit was offered with a pair of diesel engines and a petrol engine. But the most powerful of them (the petrol) could muster up just 83kW, which, combined with the weight of the vehicle (around 1600kg) plus the weight of the camper conversion (maybe another tonne with full water tanks etc), equals paltry performance and acceleration.

    The simplest thing to do is make sure the engine is tuned to its absolute best. But even then, you’re fighting an uphill (literally) battle thanks to all that mass, not to mention the appalling aerodynamics of a campervan. If you don’t mind spending a lot more money, you could upgrade the engine and transmission to a more modern one but, at that point, you’re probably better off buying a newer van altogether.

    Maybe in 1997 life was quite a bit slower and your vehicle wasn’t such a mobile roadblock. That said, plenty of modern day caravaners are happy to sit at 80 or 90km/h, so maybe you just need to find the right mindset and become a bit more Zen with your camper. Of course, even if you do manage that, some driving tasks such as overtaking and merging into traffic will require plenty of forward planning and understanding from other motorists.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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