I am looking at purchasing a different motor home (probably a Journey)and the one major difference is in the engine. I would appreciate any feedback on the overall difference in these 2 engines. As in durability, maintenance, power, etc.

The coach length is 36', and I will be towing a 3500# toad. Will be traveling on roads in all different kinds of terrain.

Thanks in advance for the info!

Bill, I'm pretty sure the torque rating for the 2 engines is the same. So I doubt you will feel much difference in climbing power.

As you see by my signature coach, I have the 350hp version, and I am very happy with its performance. I'm sure the 330hp version would be 'about the same' in this coach.

As long as you are comparing two CAts, and not a Cat versus Cummins, there isn't much difference. The 3126E Cat was 330 HP at 860 ft-lbs of torque. When the 3126E became the C7 series it was offered in both 330 HP and 350 HP version but both had the same 860 ft-lbs of torque. If you look closely at the horsepower graphs you'll see that the only time you see those extra 20 ponies is way at the top of the RPM band so the only time you'll notice the differnce is when the engine is revved up to climb a steep grade. 98% of the time they'll be identical in power output.

However, if you compare a 350 HP C7 to a 350 HP Cummins ISC, which has 1,050 ft-lbs of torque, there is a big difference because the ISC starts pulling down lower in the RPM range. So, that's not an apples to apples comparison. But, either engine will get the job done.

Agree with whaqt Don said. I have an '02 Horizon (same Mh as a Journey), with a 330 Cat, and I am very satisfied with it's power. We've had it almost 5 years and have pulled a Jeep Cherokee through the mountains, with no trouble.

It's a good engine.

Bill, I have the 330hp version of the Cat C-7. As others have said, the torque rating is the same. When I was shopping, I drove an '04 Journey with the 330 (the one I bought) and a later built '04 Journey with the 350. Both were 36G models. There are no mountains here in Florida to test on, but I couldn't tell a bit of difference in acceleration or response. If I had been blindfolded, I couldn't have told you which was which. So... I bought the 330 since the dealer offered a better price on it.

I have all the heavy options like washer/dryer, 4 door fridge, etc., and my toad also weighs about 3500#. We have been up and down most all the mountain ranges in the west several times. It just breezes up the mountains - very seldom goes below 4th gear. Normal water temp runs 190, and in the mountains I've never seen above 195. Keep in mind the Journey is fairly light for a DP. Fully loaded for a 4-6 month summer trip, I'm usually at least 2000# under GVWR.

Maintenance schedules are the same and I can't see why there would be any difference in durability. I understand the engines are structurally identical - the 350 just has a few tweaks in the ECM.

So, in my excess verbiage way, I'm saying look for one in good shape with the colors and options you want and don't worry about 330/350 thing...

As long as we are on the subject. I have read that there is a new version of the C7 engine that produces 360 HP and 925 ft-pounds of torque. I was just wondering if my engine ECM can be upgraded to the new specs?

We also have the 330 CAT in our 36G and tow a 4,700 lb Explorer....yanked it over and through the Rocky Mountains with no problems.

The 350 HP engine is only 5.5% more HP than the 330 HP engine.

You'll never notice that small amount.

Thanks for the info. This confirms what I thought, but, wanted get some input from first hand experience.

I would also chime in here in that I have a Fleetwood Expedition (34H) thirty five feet long and have been towing a Dodge RAM 1500. My Expedition has the 300 HP motor and the two together ride very well thru all kinds of terrain and even some snow this winter. Had a WH with the 8.1 motor and it seemed to always be working harder. The old rig (Tiffin Allegro Bay)on the 22K chassis and the new rig both get about the same fuel mileage. If I were in the market today given Diesel prices, I would probably be looking at the UFO chassis and really give it a real testing. $1.00 a gallon (more)for fuel (diesel) (if the mileage is close) and payload capacity is close, is significant, if you plan on putting on a lot of miles.
However, my alter ego is saying that yeah, the ride on the air suspension.... you know, the decision is always finally what you like.