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Old 08-26-2014, 01:22 PM   #1
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Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

Hello All, I am new. My search continues for a suitable candidate for the transformation. So far I like everything I've read about the DT466, and I would really like to find one of these engines installed in a rear engine compartment. I'm thinking either 66 or 72. I'm building it for me and the Mrs and perhaps a couple of guest travelers so I'm not sure if 72 is really necessary, your thoughts please? Thanks everyone for all of the good thoughts and info here.

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Old 08-26-2014, 02:46 PM   #2
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

Welcome


I would get the longest bus you can, ours is 35ft and I really would like the extra 5ft....next time I guess
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Old 08-26-2014, 03:52 PM   #3
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

I don't think you will find too much shorter than 35 foot in a pusher.
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Old 08-26-2014, 05:36 PM   #4
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

Gee...not sure I have ever seen a DT in the back.
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Old 08-26-2014, 07:52 PM   #5
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

Apparently they're out there but I really don't want to go to Indiana for it, I'm in CT.
http://www.kerlinbus.com/used-buses/200 ... pass-13200
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Old 08-26-2014, 08:01 PM   #6
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

First Student has them. They have a lot of Internationals.
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Old 08-26-2014, 08:50 PM   #7
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

Well I'll be.....
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Old 08-26-2014, 09:39 PM   #8
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

They are not as pretty as a Blue Bird.
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Old 08-27-2014, 09:01 AM   #9
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

Darn First Student won't let me look till after school starts
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Old 08-27-2014, 07:23 PM   #10
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

Have an appointment on the 8th to look at a couple of 71 passenger Intl/Amtran, T444E engine, 2000 transmission, air brake buses. I really like the rear engine style bus so I'll concede on the DT466 if you kind folks endorse this model?
Thank you for your thoughts.
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Old 08-27-2014, 07:53 PM   #11
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

I'd find a DT over the 444.
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Old 08-27-2014, 07:57 PM   #12
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

Are you against the 8.3 Cummins for any particular reason?
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Old 08-27-2014, 08:40 PM   #13
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

all you folks talking these "big" engines......can.............f....orget me being involved
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Old 08-28-2014, 10:58 AM   #14
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

This is what got my attention about the DT466:
The DT engines are of a wet-sleeve design. This means that the cylinder wall (sleeve) is a separately machined part that fits into the cylinder bores cast into the engine block. The cylinder sleeve is in contact with the engine coolant, hence the "wet"-sleeve.
Navistar claims that the wet-sleeve design enhances durability because the consistent wall thickness of the sleeve allows for consistent heat transfer, ensuring the cylinders stay round during thermal expansion. Additionally, they state that the hardened cylinder sleeve is more durable and wear resistant than a softer, cast-in wall. Also, the replaceable cylinder sleeves protect the block from damage (e.g. in case of foreign objects entering the cylinder) and can easily be replaced, which Navistar claims enables simpler restoration to original specifications. The wet-sleeve design also allows the engine to be rebuilt easily to factory specifications, sometimes without even removing the engine from the vehicle.
I would be interested in hearing what you like about the 8.3 Cummins and your experience with it?
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Old 08-28-2014, 12:04 PM   #15
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

The 8.3 is bigger and gets better fuel economy than the DT. You cant go wrong with a DT at all! I would not hesitate with a 5.9, 8.3 or any of the DT's. Years ago I drove a DT466 with a 10 spd. Not a huge amount of power but it was a very nice setup.

Generally, the problem with DT buses is everything behind the engine. Transmission and gearing. 8.3's always had a 643 instead of the dreaded 545. I think the 8.3's were mostly used on the big road as a sports bus opposed to most DT's were route buses. Thats just my experiences, I could be wrong, just dont tell anyone.
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Old 08-28-2014, 07:01 PM   #16
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

I think one thing people lose sight of how many miles they'll put on their bus a year- 5 years-10 years. Motor X goes 400k between rebuilds-motor Y 800k. I only want motor Y. Hell-400k is 20k miles a year--for 20 years!
I'd worry 1st about good maintance + records-than limiting yourself to just 1 motor.

Where in Ct are you?
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Old 08-28-2014, 09:55 PM   #17
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

I think that if you do some research you will find that the 8.3 cummins is a wet sleeve
engine as well and you can find some of these mated to the MD3060 transmission which
is a 6 speed transmission but usually limited to 5 speeds by the bus companies but you
can program the computer to open up the 6th gear which is actually a second overdrive.
My Blue Bird All American has the 8.3 and 5.38 differential ratio which gives it good pulling
power on hills but also good economy on the highway. Plus mine has the MD3060R trans
which has a retarder on it for slowing down on long hills to keep the brakes working cool.
From what I've read the Cummins it a million mile motor. Good luck and explore all possibilities.
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Old 08-29-2014, 08:50 AM   #18
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

I've noticed that there are a number of travel trailers for sale in my area on CL in various stages of disrepair, I wonder, do many of the members buy these to harvest useful needed components for their conversions?
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Old 08-29-2014, 11:28 AM   #19
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Nebuchadnezzar
I've noticed that there are a number of travel trailers for sale in my area on CL in various stages of disrepair, I wonder, do many of the members buy these to harvest useful needed components for their conversions?
there are two basic setups people use
1)buy an rv and strip/recycle it
and
2)Those that go residential

some do combine things like heat(rv propane setups) with a residential type build

Best thing, is you can do whatever floats your Skoolie

good luck with bus search
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Old 08-29-2014, 11:57 AM   #20
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Re: Searching for the nebuchadnezzar

Yup- my heater and power supply and some trim came from a used pop up- last project was supplied from a slide in.
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