| Author | Message | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
Hi all,I'm sure this question has been asked many times before but I want to cut to the chase,what in your opinion wood be a good bus engine tranny combo,if you were to start over again knowing then what you know now. I am interested in buying a bus conversion but I like to learn from those who have been there,rather than trial and error,I'm thinking of $25,000.00 price range give or take a little or possible trade for some real estate in the Sierra Vista area,country lot with (2)older mobile homes both rented,with good rental history,priced at $45,000.00 E-mail me or respond to message and I do thank you for any and all advice. P.S. I would like to know about fuel mileage if I am running at 65 to 70 M.P.H. also this would be for full time living for two people. | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 200 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.113.171 Rating: N/A |
most over the road buses have detroit two strokes in them,for 45,000 or less,that's about what you will get in a converted bus,if you had more money,you could look for a series 60 detroit or a cat engine,but you probably won't find a converted bus with one in it for under 50,000 | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
Bob,Thanks for the info,and after reading many of the post (up till 2:30 a.m.) I think the combination I might be interested in would be a 6V92T and maybe a 740 Allison automatic,and then comes the choice of coaches,I guess some are more prone to rusting depending where there from (East coast/West coast)and it sounds like I will need someone who knows busses to check it out with me. I am interested in a prevost that is listed in the for sale section on Busnuts its a champion 1968,if all is well with this bus mechanically would I be looking in the right direction or is there some inherit problems with this choice? Sorry lots of question,I guess you know how it can be when your new at something and dying to get info,any idea on fuel mileage average with this setup running say 65 tops.....Thanks again for taking the time to help....by the way great forum and some really good advice | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 203 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.119.34 Rating: N/A |
6v92t is a nice engine,740 is a nice auto,prevost is a nice bus,yes it would be nice if you could hire somebody with knowlege to look at it , you will get between 6 & 8 mpg on the highway,half of that in town,what part of the country is the prevost? maybe there is somebody on this board that can go look ?? | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 204 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.119.34 Rating: N/A |
just looked,that bus is in B.C. also saw a nice 4905 (in Fla. I think)& some nice 4104's...the 4104's would get better fuel mileage,but most will have standard shift,if you do not want to learn standard shift,that kinda limits your choices,also,automatics cost more to maintain. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1040 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.181.163.170 Rating: N/A |
Ray - **Climbs up on soapbox** BEFORE you start worrying about powertrains, you need to seriously sit down and think about what you want to do with a bus conversion. Only by spending a considerable amount of time thinking through what you want to do with a coach will you begin to get a better picture of what shell is best going to suit your needs. For example: Like to meander thru the backwoods, maybe doing a lot of hunting and or fishing at remote lakes and forests? If so, a skoolie might be a better consideration, due to it's steel spring suspension and higher ground clearance. How about traveling from posh RV community to posh RV community, always with hook-ups? Then an all-electric coach might be what you're looking for, to fit in more with the Marathon crowd. Do you like camping in the older state and national campgrounds, where hook-ups are minimal or non-existant? If so, then a genset-equipped 35-foot coach with decently-sized holding tanks might be better for you. Everything about a bus conversion is a compromise in some way, shape or form. You need to figure out what works for you, before you plunk down your hard-earned cash for a shell or completed coach. **Climbs down from soapbox** Now that that's out of the way, to answer your question: The 6V92TA/HT-740 powertrain is a dependable workhorse, regardless of which shell it's installed in. You will drop down to around 30 mph climbing 6% grades - nature of the beast. The 8V92TA will get you up Rocky Top faster, but these have more cooling issues, as well as a slightly greater fuel burn rate. A non-DDEC (electronic) 6V92TA can easily be pumped up to 350 hp, which gives decent performance (for a bus) w/o the cooling issues that it's bigger brother has to deal with. Fuel mileage for most 40-foot, three-axle buses averages about 6 - 7 mpg, unless you've got a newer one with a Series 60 and the overdrive B500 automatic. But lots more $$ for those, too. Manual transmission models usually get slightly better fuel economy, at the expense of greater challenges getting started on grades (very easy to burn up a clutch! $$), tall gearing for wiggling in/out of campsites, more tiring in heavy traffic, etc. Automatics are far more forgiving to drive, especially for those who have no formal training in driving a coach - just "stomp and steer". Automatics shine in the areas that are a stick shift's weakness. Their increased maintenance cost is primarily for periodic oil changes - for the most part, they're practically bulletproof, especially the HTs. If they do fail, yes, they are expen$ive to overhaul, but you'd probably never have to do it again in your lifetime (in RV service). Good Luck, and HTH. . .  | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
Hey Bob thanks for the info on the prevost,and I think that that is the kind of setup That would work best for me and the wife,I have had motorhomes in the past,but I like the charecter of busses,and R J I think your advice is good,I realised after reading your post and looking at my wallet that boondocking and maybe remote camping is going to suit us the best,so solar and self containment is vital to this way of life,I had solar setup on my motor home and it worked well for us,we are not much into the T.V. As Bob mentioned this bus is located in B.C. Canada,but equipment wise seems to fill the bill,just need to find out more about it...Thanks fellas for your very welcomed respons's. And what a great forum this is hats off to those who make it possible and to those who keep active in it.......Raven | ||
| Kyle Pesely (Kylexisxrad)
Registered Member Username: Kylexisxrad Post Number: 59 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 216.220.208.232 Rating: N/A |
"stomp and steer"......haha.....I love that. I've never heard that before. as far as powertrains, I'm not an expert, but can relate my experience. my 1980 Eagle 10 has a 6v92TA(T=turbocharged, A=aftercooled) and an Allison HT-740 4 speed auto. the injectors on my motor were tweaked when it was overhauled to make it 350hp, and on the flats I get 10mpg(no lie!) @ 55mph and around 6-7 in the city and mountain driving. the turbo helps the engine breathe a great deal better in the higher altitudes, although it is a bit slow of the line. as far as climbing grades, I just climed the Siskiyou(sp?) mountains last week from CA to OR and the worst it got was 30mph down in 2nd. a tad slow, but the drive was pretty. to me, cresting the grade a few minutes faster doesn't warrant a bigger engine. also, as long as I downshift properly, it has never gone above 180 deg. I know some will say go bigger, and to an extent I agree, but I sure do love my 26 year old 6v92 2-stroke. its all preference. choose wisely! FWIW..... kyle in norcal 1980 Eagle 10 #30223 | ||
| Ron Walker (Prevost82)
Registered Member Username: Prevost82 Post Number: 255 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.181.210.47 Rating: N/A |
Hi Ray ...I'm about 2 hrs away from Salmon Arm where the bus is located or you could get Les from Rainbow Coach (converter) to have a look at it for you. Email me off line if you want to pursue it any farther. Ron | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 5 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
Kyle: Wow That sound like a good enough endorsement for me,I am not looking to go flying down the highways just want to go fast enough where I dont get run over lol,I prefer staying off the interstates not much to see there,and I have no place to be at any certain time,retired,relaxed,just need to be retooled lol I thank you for your input and it reafirms my thoughts that the 6V92TA is going to be a good consideration. | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 6 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
Ron....Thanks so much for the offer,I am still waiting for a response from my E-Mail to them,to see if it is still available and also if they may be interested in partial trade for rental property here in southern AZ,I will keep you in mind and your offer is most kind......Ray | ||
| Joe Camper/86XL Unregistered guest Posted From: 68.251.66.3 Rating: N/A |
My wife and I recently purchased an 86XL 40ft, converted, for 64k, needed some things fixed. It had a twin that was recently upgreded, for 74k, I think its still available. Its an 8V92TA, 435HP.There is alot out there and thats alot of doe,so look around but deffinatly get the prevost you wont regret. | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 7 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
Joe 435 H.P. ? man that baby must love the mountains with power to spare,yes I like the Prevost but may have to settle for someting else funds pretty much dictate what we all end up with. I located a MCI 8 for $33,000 in tucson with a 8V71 100.000 since last major overhaul was converted to allison automatic dont know wich one and it has just been rebuilt,if any one is interested I can give them more info....Thanks for the info and encourgement........Ray | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 210 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.118.100 Rating: N/A |
there is a BEAUTIFUL 4905 on the 'E' place & also a 4905 shell (NOT CONVERTED ) for around 3,000...(will need 2,000 in tires tho | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
Bob,Sorry but im not sure what you mean by E'place? Remember im a newbie,lot to learn lol but thanks for thinking of me.......Ray | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 214 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.112.2 Rating: N/A |
I@N prefers us not to say EBAY | ||
| Ian Giffin (Admin)
Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 907 Registered: 7-1997 Posted From: 64.187.39.62 Rating: N/A |
Hi Ray, Since you're a newbie, please let me elaborate on Bob's less than detailed explanation. If you go to the Topics page of this bbs, you'll see there's a special section for conversations about items available on eBay. The page includes two convenient links to both the Canadian and US eBay web sites. That section of this bulletin board came into being because of numerous references to it on this main section of the board. I asked viewers not to make reference to eBay items on THE BOARD because THE BOARD is the section I archive and I didn't feel it was appropriate to, nor did I want to go to the expense of, continually archiving hundreds or perhaps thousands of expired eBay messages on my server - for the most part, they became useless to anyone after the particular sale referred to was over. It was a change I asked BNO viewers to make, which was not widely acknowledged immediately, and I ended up deleting all references from THE BOARD after I put up the eBay messaging section. Well, again, this was not a popular thing for me to do. After some time, of course, it became quite comical to see messages on THE BOARD referring to eBay as e*** or the "e" word, etc. As you can see, it lingers on even today. We forget that many people discover this web site week after week, as the hobby attracts more and more people. You'll see lot's of this kind of thing as time goes on. Don't ever be afraid to ask about these peculiarities, but don't always expect a direct answer, either. It's the way we are. It's the way you will become. Oh yeah... you think we're all nuts, do ya? Well, you're right. Enjoy :~) Ian Giffin www.busnut.com | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 9 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
AHhhh...Now newbie understand kemo sabe thanks for the tip Bob,and I will refrain from useing the E-lectric BAY-watch word lol lol | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 10 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
IAN,Thanks for the explanation,and I understand completly,I just have this problem with where,when,and how other than that I think i'm o.k. now what was the question and was it answered correctly,and by whom? And did I hear you say something about going NUTTS here? lol gee it spreads quickly dont it lol......Thanks again IAN......Ray P.S. you got a great site here | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 217 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.112.201 Rating: N/A |
yeah Ray... you will live for the very distint sound of the two-stroke, a Completely different engine from the 4- strokes.. I love the sound of both,there is NO sound anywhere that sounds like cold starting a Detroit, love to hear them LOPE first thing in the morning | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 11 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
A lopeing 2 stroke I'll have to get use to that lol,looking forward to it. Bob have a question about the 8V71,I see a lot of the conversions are running this engine also,can you tell me if all things are equal in regards to the condition of both engines (the other being the 6V92TA) are the 8V71 reliable and should this be a motor I should also consider,the reason I ask is that there seems to be more of them than anything else,and is it wise to get one that has been upped to the 318 configuration ? again your help is most appreciated and respected......Ray | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 225 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.119.142 Rating: N/A |
the 6v92 is a little better,because it has a turbo...but...the 8v71 has been around for a million years..both are good engines if they have been taken care of.like I said in the first post,all those things you are looking at are nice equipment ,when new, it depends on what has happened since they were new,I'm guessing that if a bus has been out of service,(away from greyhound,etc.) it more than likely hasn't been greased,and other things,this is NOT like the new cars that never need a grease job,buses have zerks& NEED to be greased..things like that,that nobody thinks of,been quite a few on here complain about all wheels not touching the ground,yet,they have no answer when asked 'how long since it's been greased'.did you look up those two buses I mentioned?one will go for 30,000 & one will go for 4,000.both are on the right coast I think. main thing you need,is CASH...not many are going to want to trade,& you can not get financeing on a bus. yeah...they lope when they first start..beautiful sound,I wanted I@N to get sounds of them starting for when we log on to busnuts..I would hook my speakers back up if I could hear that !! | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 226 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.119.142 Rating: N/A |
Oh..and the BOOST to 318 h.p. a diesel engines life is determined by how many pounds of fuel run thru it...the more you run thru it ,the less engine life..lots complain about not going up hills fast enough,my ''bus tuned" 8v71 did just fine ,climbing nine mile hill out of Albuquerque,think I had to shift to third once in a construction area.you are not trying to run a race while on a vacation,if you have to go 40 up a mountain,just more time to see the little animals,& the flowers,& the mountains.SO . I suggest NOT turning up the fuel & installing bigger injectors. | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 12 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
O.K.Bob I get the picture now,It really boils down to how has the bus been takin care of since it left the fleet,and your right I'm in no hurry, done that when I was young,now its time to enjoy the beauty of this country. And yes I did check on the two buses I think the one for me will have to be one that is converted,and ready to go,but like I said if I sell my property then I have the money to go shopping,otherwise I need to find someone who is a full timer and is looking for a place to settle down and make a lifstyle change,I have three lots one has two older mobiles bringing in close to a $1000.00 per month,next lot has a mobile with addition built on,that is the one I'm living in,the third lot is a R.V. space with full hookups and that one is rented at $150.00 per month,just in case you here of something. O.K.so the 8V71 will also do the job,but stay away from the larger injectors,and yes I know the hill your talking about out of Albuquerque long steady climb....O.K. Bob thanks again for your input and suggestions.....Now I need to do some horse trading lol........Ray | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 229 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.118.208 Rating: N/A |
how much land all total? spent alot of time in that area when I was driveing a big truck,mostly at the 268 mile marker on I-10 at triple T truck stop,stay thinking the way you are,don't settle for a school bus,or a city bus,get one with bays..good luck | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1045 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.181.163.170 Rating: N/A |
Ray - Remember the children's fable of "The Tortoise & The Hare"? A bus is the wheeled equivalent of the Tortoise. Drive it accordingly, and you'll enjoy it. Attempt to drive it like the Hare, and you'll spend an inordinate amount of time pulling out your hair. The turbocharged engines will breathe better when climbing Rocky Top, but the difference in time amounts to only about 5 - 8 minutes on a 250 mile run - in a bus. 8V71 with an HT-740 (four-speed) or HT-754 (the rarer five-speed), or a 6V92TA mated to either of the same Allisons - when used in RV service - will give you hundreds of thousands of miles of dependable service, providing you do the necessary maintenance, you don't overheat them, and you don't try to drive them like a Hare. Good for you for doing your homework! Now, for your next assignment. . . | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 13 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
Hey Bob,I always stop at the Triple T when we head into Tucson,small world lol,Bob I beleve its about 1/2 acre total 90x70 lots x 3 lots.If you find someone interested there are fruit trees,figs,several varieties of berries, apricots and grapes,ground is excellent for garden,and has private well and taxes are about $600.00 per year,quite residential street with retired people ,nice Mt.views and 15 minutes to Sierra Vista,I sure you know many more bus people than me so if you hear of anything please keep me in mind,asking $85,000.00 I would take bus and a little cash for down and could carry the rest,would like to keep bus price around $30,000.00 or less.Sorry this sounds more like an advertsment than answer lol. I think I should stick with an automatic instead of manual trans,and once again I find myself thanking you for valuable info,would be great to meet you in person one day........Ray | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 14 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
RJ,I am slowly learning from you guys and it is lessons worth much more than I realise now,but I am a firm belever in learning from those who have the experience,it saves you a lot of expense in the long run,when in Rome do as the Romans do.lol I remember when I was young (at least I think I remember)my parents always tried to tell me things so I would not have to find out the hard way,and I always had to find out the hard way,well with age comes a little wisdom......I am listening to you guys,you might say I'm all ears Thanks RJ and I agree i'm not in a big hurry...Ray | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 16 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
Hey Bob....I think I may have found the bus,going to look at it again,it is located in Tucson,older couple that are getting out of RVing its a MCI 5-A never been a bus purchased for conversion,spent its life here in Arizona,no rust that I can find,tires are good front and back,8V71 motor 100,000 since last major overhaul,brand new allison trans,not rebuilt not sure if its 4,5,6,speed cost them 9,000.00 air bags are all good,but there is a leak in the line,need to check that out good,I will keep you posted on weather this works out,they are asking $33000.00 may be interested in 1 lot.....Ray | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 241 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.115.32 Rating: N/A |
get the serial number of the bus,it's history can be traced.....ask to see paperwork of work performed | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 242 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.115.32 Rating: N/A |
used to be a good mechanic at the tripple T & they have a nice pit & even let you get under there with them to look things over | ||
| Ray gongaware (Raven)
Registered Member Username: Raven Post Number: 17 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.134.109.194 Rating: N/A |
Thanks bob I will check at Triple T and see if he is still around bus is not very far from there 1 exit away....What luck,hope it checks out ok, And I forgot to get the serial # well have to run back in sometime this week and get it or call the folks who own it....Great advice,you keep me on my toes lol....Ray |