| Author |
Message |
Brian Elfert
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 - 2:35 pm: | |
1. Is a 6V92 enough power for a bus like a MC9 to climb grades on I80 through the Rockies at a decent speed?
My F350 pulling a travel trailer could pull most of the grades almost as fast as I wanted, but I don't expect that from a bus.
2. What MPG can I reasonably expect from a bus? One Eagle 10 owner with a 6V92 and Allision said he got 10 MPG from Seattle to Minnesota, but he only drove 60 MPH.
Brian Elfert |
Brian Brown (Blue_velvet)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 - 5:29 pm: | |
On 6% grades you'll be down in second, probably 30mph max. The turbo will help with HP at altitude, but the power/weight ratio of a bus is still pretty lousy. The 9'er weighs in at about 29-32k, depending on how it's converted.
My '06 tips the scales at 25k, so there's some decent power with it, esp. closer to sea level (normally aspirated 8v71)... so it climbs a little better than your typical 40', 3-axle coach.
Some MPG observations...
When I drove an MC8, it got 7-8mph at 65-70mph across the plains of MN and SD. The Fishbowl (40', 8v71, VS2-8 Allison) got 6-7mpg at 70mph. My '06 gets 10-11mpg on the flats at 70-75mph, and 8-9mpg in the hills at as fast as I can take 'em (which is sometimes pretty slow).
My old gasser sticks Winnie-junk with the big 454/ Hydramatic 400 could climb anything at 65mph and did almost 80mph on the flats. Weighed maybe 13,000#, so there you go... power to weight. Mileage was 5-6mpg, though, no matter how fast I drove.
The Eagle's mileage seems pretty good. Keeping the speed down will really help with the fuel consumption, no matter what you drive. I'm usually too impatient to test mine at lower speeds.
HTH,
bb |
david anderson (Davidanderson)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 - 5:37 pm: | |
My Eagle 10 gets about 6.2 with the 6v92. I've been all over the Rockies I80, I70, I25, US40, US160, and on and on and climb the mountains in 1st and 2nd gear about 25 to 35mph. My toughest climb was Wyoming State HWY22 out of Jackson Hole, 10-12% for about 6 miles. My speed dropped to about 15mph and the rpms fell to about 1600. I thought I was not going to make it, but it did. That was frightening.
I don't mind going slow because I have plenty of time to see the scenery. Some trucks pass me, and some trucks I pass. I worry much more coming down the hill than going up. I have a retarder and recommend having one or a jake. I drive 70-75 on the flats.
Enjoy!!
David Anderson |
TWODOGS (Twodogs)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 - 6:18 pm: | |
at 60 mph I get 9 mpg---but at 70 mph I get 7 mpg |
TWODOGS (Twodogs)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 10:27 am: | |
as far as your other question..when you start driveing heavy equipment....right lane,flashers on...30,000 pounds takes time to get over a hill |
Ed Barrett
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 4:45 pm: | |
Brian;
73 MCI5, 8V71, 4-speed, 10-11 miles per gallon at 65mph was my average on a run from Saskatoon, Sask to Yellowknife NWT. Hills were not too steep or long and farther north the speed was slower. Wind was low so not a factor on the prairies this time. Patience and enjoy the view. |
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