| Author | Message | ||
| Mike M (24.70.128.130) Rating: N/A |
Any input on whether a DD 6V-71 will be sufficient power to push a converted 1981 GMC transit fishbowl on the highway? I've heard different numbers on HP ratings. I presume I'll have to change diff. gearing for highway speeds. Anybody running this engine who could give me some advice before I buy this bus as a conversion candidate. Thanks. Mike. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.74.29)
Rating: N/A |
Mike - The power output of this engine will be determined by the injectors. If it has C/N-60s, the HP will be 218, with 577 ft/lbs of torque. If it has C/N-65s, the HP will be 238, with 600 ft/lbs of torque. As a comparison: The 8V71 with C/N-60s puts out 290 hp and 770 ft/lbs, and if equipped with C/N-65s, it's rated at 318 hp and 800 ft/lbs. The 6V92TA will range anywhere from 270 - 350 hp, depending on the injectors and the particular turbo that's installed. Torque ranges from 975 - 1020 ft/lbs. So, to answer your question, yes, the 6-71 will push this coach down the highway - it's basically the same motor as the workhorse inline 6-71 that powered over 5000 PD4104s into the coach history books, except in a V-block design. BUT. . . It will take a LONG time to get up to highway speed, especially if you're looking at a forty-footer. An old 40 hp VW MicroBus will be faster. . . And if you get out here to the left coast, you'll be able to set the cruise control, get out and walk faster than your coach on some of our mountain grades, especially if you put highway gearing in it. Is this a Fishbowl or an RTS you're talking about? Fish were being built in Canada, but only the RTS was built by GM during '81 in the States. HTH, RJ PD4106-2784 Fresno CA | ||
| Bill Gerrie (216.185.72.14)
Rating: N/A |
Mike In 1984 I bought a 1965 GMC5303 with a 6V71 in it. (40' 102" Fishbowl) After I converted it it weighed about 30,000lbs which is too much for the 6V71 so I changed it to an 8V71 and a V730 trans. That was 18 years ago and I am still driving it. Parts are easy to find. Have fun. Bill | ||
| Mike M (209.52.92.132) Rating: N/A |
Thanks for the input guys. I have an opportunity to buy an innexpensive '81 Transit Fishbowl. I am on a tight budget, and the price is right. I am not looking for, nor expecting a half million dollar snowbird cruiser, just a small step up from the truck and camper (150HP truck with 3,500lb camper). Will the under-powered 6V-71 haunt me and outweigh the cheap cost of the shell, or would it be considered as a beginner's cheapo. What is ballpark price on upgrading the injectors for some more oomph, and perhaps going to a 6V92, or 8V71. I am mechanically inclined and not afraid to tackle the project, but have never worked on a Diesel. I am located in BC. Canada. Lots of questions, sorry guys. Thanks again for all the input, it will help me make a decision whether to go with this "good deal" or to save up for something a little more substantial. Mike. | ||
| Guy Bouchard (161.184.179.171) Rating: N/A |
Mike While the 6v71 by nowadays standards is considered puny in it's output, you should remember that these engines served very well before the 5 t0 6 hundred horsepower era. We used to pull semis that grossed out to 80,000 pounds with these guys and thought that we were king of the road. You should also remember that 30,000 lbs is the equivalent of a single axle light truck that is usually powered by a 350 cu inch gas engine. You might need to shift a few times more, but hey, it breaks the boredom. my 2 cents. Guy Bouchard | ||
| two dogs (67.30.23.7) Rating: N/A |
you were asking for suggestions,I suggest you NOT buy it ,wait a little while & buy a good running bus for about the same price,you will have PLENTY to do on just the conversion,(you'll thank me in a year) | ||
| Johnny (67.242.221.45) Rating: N/A |
I drive a 1961 TDH5300 Fishbowl at work. It has a 6V71, with a 3-speed (I think a 730) Allison. With city gears & 11R22.5 tires, it struggles on hills. Mild grades require 2nd gear and full throttle at ~40MPH. Steep ones are a first gear, 15-16MPH, WOT affair. I recommend repowering (either a 6V92 or an 8V71) this bus if you convert it. If it has a 2-speed...I'm sorry, you have my sympathy. Don't even think about towing with it. However, these are BULLETPROOF--the one I drive has over 1.7 million miles, & is still going (just not very fast). | ||
| Bill Gerrie (216.185.72.14)
Rating: N/A |
Mike Because you live in BC you might want to consider looking at something with a turbo. The natural aspired engine smokes and has no power in the higher elevations. It all depends on what you expect out of the bus. It cost me about 20,000 CDN to repower and change the rear end ratio to a highway set up. For what it is worth. Bill | ||
| toddVP (Tvp) (63.122.65.97)
Rating: N/A |
I had a 40'x102" 1990 flx with a 6L-71ta ddec2 .. supposedly it made 300 hp ... drove back from AZ to GA .. 62 mph down a hill or UP A TREE !!! I made the 62 mph by the end of most entrance ramps with no problems .. the turbo really brought that old 671 blower to life !! can't wait to get a 6v92ta that everyone keeps ranting about !! it was a GREAT starter coach !! I ass-u-me you've been over to e-bus .. err... ebay  and know what a good deal is ??? I got my FLX for $1700 with only 60k on a complete drivetrain rebuild !!! still kicking myself for not getting the 89 flx 30' with highway gears for $2200 !! TVP | ||
| Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (216.67.207.182)
Rating: N/A |
TVP, Are you sure the speed restriction is not set at 62 mph? My Series 60 only does 65 mph because with the DDEC 2 system, the max speed can be limited. According to Williams Detroit, it is a 2 minute adjustment which most of their facilities will do for free. A full reprogram of the computer is a different story however. Peter. | ||
| Geoff (Geoff) (66.238.120.3)
Rating: N/A |
A Fishbowl with a 6V71 is a poor choice for a conversion-- you will end up like Bill and have to repower it and change the differential gears. You will end up spending more in the long run, and resale on Fishbowl conversions is not good. Which begs the question, have you looked at buses already conveted?-- there are lots of bargains out there. Just make sure the bus can be imported into Canada (RTS's are out). --Geoff '82 RTS CA | ||
| Scott Whitney (66.82.9.38) Rating: N/A |
There are definitely some good deals around now. If you get a bargain shell, you can easily spend 15 times as much on the conversion process. So. . . start with a shell you will be happy with. I would think you will want at least an 8V71 in a converted coach these days. And you should be able to find a decent shell with 8V71 for just as cheap as the one you are considering. (I say that without know the asking price of your considered shell, of course, but bargains abound.) Buying a coach with a 6V71 with the idea of upgrading the drivetrain later should be pondered long and hard. Unless you are a competent mechanic, a resourcefull bargain hunter, and have your own shop with all the tools, a repower will cost you far more than the coach would ever be worth. That is ok, as long as you recognize that it is your project and you want to reopower for the fun/challange/experience etc. Scott |