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Old 09-01-2013, 12:50 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: michigan
Posts: 29
Year: 98
Chassis: TC 2000 RE
Engine: 8.3 cummins mechanical
Need Help Which bus- leaving in 3 days

Sorry I posted this in wrong forum this am. So I deleted and reposted. I need some additional comments on my post below. Especially on how common is gearing that gives 1725rpm and 65mph and other questions below. All of you hav much more knowledge on this than I.

Thanks for reading


know this is long post but we leave in 3 days need all opinions!!!! PLEASE

Ok we were going to take trip ( already have Vac days scheduled ( promised family) to Portland Seattle area ( from Mich) When fnd our bus needed new front tires( 980$) We had changed to flight after realizing I need 980 in front tires. Did not want to waste 980 if had opp to upgrade to pusher for 3K We then found 100$ ticket to Oregon and are sch to leave Tues for trip. Then I thought maybe we can find rust free pusher to drive back and switch from our FE 545 to Rear Engine 643 or md3060. I think I can do this for less than $500 Out of pocket( my bus can go to scrap (2200+ don’t have to pay 1000 for tires- didn’t want to pay for tires if thought mght find pusher) ( hate selling to scrap- custom Corvette yellow 20K paint job ( long story prev owner) and NO /ZIP rust and we take everything (AC beds etc out of old and put in new bus)In the process Well we found one 84 ps 5.9 643 for 3500 in Oregon and we were planning on getting it and driving back.
In mean time we saw local ( too much $$-8500) BB RE 84 5.9 643 and realized 84 to long for my likings . So then we found a local guy who buys in buses in NJ and sells to scrap in Michigan and had a 2001Amtranwith 466E and MD3060 world tranny(3500). So we test drove this thing- it did 65mph at 1750- wow ( my current bus goes 55-60 2300 and 32 at 1750. The thing is governed ( I think at the tranny) at 65, but this is at 1750-1725RPM ( I could not believe it) but on accel*shifting) if pushing it tach does go to 2400. I was only looking at BB/Cummins before but now things are different after driving Amtran. We could not believe the ride on the bus we tried ( we currently have FE 72 bb 545 ( shorter WB turns sharper than my 99 F350 ford dually)great in city). This Amtran was a better ride and quieter than my Vibe or Minivan. (tighter turning than 84 BB) ( I was diehard BB 5.9 person but this AMTRAN has changed that!

But after finding the Amtran I think we may just rent car to drive back and hold, and get amtran instead. NO we cant get our ( cheaper than our 1 way bus fuel) 100.00 air tickets refunded and we wanted to make trip anyway . Anyway I need some input on this AMTRAN issue and rust issue. Also if I happen to find cheap amtran on way back is the 1750 at 65 as great and unique as I think ( and just deal w rust- again what mpg to expect All responses needed. After finding the Amtran I think we may just rent car and come back and hold, And get amtran instead. NO we cant get our air tickets refunded and we wanted to make trip anyway . Anyway I need some input on this AMTRAN issue and rust issue. Also if I happen to find cheap amtran on way back is the 1750 at 65 as great and unique as I think ( and just deal w rust- again what mpg to expect .Or is rust free ( if can find one on way back ) that is 2100 Rpm 65 (dt466) better than some rust 1725rpm 65 mph (governed 65)
So here is dilemma - how critical is rust. Our 91 has NONE ( came from very dry area out west ( we live in Michigan)
Please see additional questions below. I really need some counsel on this so all replies and opinions are welcome

David


1. If the rpm is 1750 on a DT 466e what do you expect mpg to be
Top of engine has some flaky rust - how critical is this????
2. if it has some flaky rust on the cross member at the l front (front part) wheel well how significant is that.
How hard is DT 466E to work on ( can my local mechanic) work on those
4. Now I find the main engine seal is leaking. How involved is that ( how many hours)
5. Pros and Cons of 2001 Amtran
6. Pros and Cons of DT 466E over 44
Relability of 466E 10,0000hr 179k
7.Would you over look some rust to get 1750 RPM at 65. there is a front cros by the wheel well that is pretty flaky but the rest appears not to bad.main rails are good!

9. Does anyone know of anyone who will adjust a 466e 3060 tranny to take governor off. 65 @ 1750 should give me 75 at 1850 I think.

10 if I find 444E is that as good as 466E


What MPG to expect

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Old 11-20-2013, 01:21 AM   #2
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: NE Oregon, SW Idaho
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Year: 1995
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Re: Need Help Which bus- leaving in 3 days

Where's the follow up on this thread?? Did you buy the AmTran bus??!! I just hate to be left hanging without knowing what finally happened!
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