I'd jump on any good buses with 8.3 Cummins, too.
Great engines for buses.
For cheapness and reliability, the 466 is pretty hard to beat. For towing look for a 210 hp or higher. They made them up to 275hp if memory serves me correctly.
Another thing would be the transmission.
Get a stout one like a 643 or similar. I'd stay away from the 545's for heavier duty or towing.
Good info. Got any leads on a make/model that commonly had the 8.3 with a beefier transmission?
I'm pretty sure any with the 8.3 will have the beefier transmission. The DT466's often do as well. Yeah, the tranny is gonna be every bit as important to look for when shopping as the engine.
My Bluebird AARE has frame rails all the way back to the bumper they are stubbed in front of the transmission but the frame under the engine and transmission are stout enough I am installing a class 5 hitch up to 16,000 lbs. I am running an 300hp 8.3 Cummins with a MD3060R Allison transmission and 5.38 differential ratio and 12.00x22.5 tires which puts me
at 1800 rpm at 60mph in 5th gear. If I can open up the 6th gear in the trans I should be able to be at 1600 at 60 mph. The tow hooks attached to the rear of the frame are attached with two bolts, one is 3/4" and one is 7/8" diameter both grade 8. The dump truck mechanic down the road says that I should be able to attach my hitch to just those 4 bolts and never have any problems with the hitch or loads. He says that the reason for the step in the frame is to keep the long pieces of the bus from excessive flex when traveling.
My Bluebird AARE has frame rails all the way back to the bumper they are stubbed in front of the transmission but the frame under the engine and transmission are stout enough I am installing a class 5 hitch up to 16,000 lbs. I am running an 300hp 8.3 Cummins with a MD3060R Allison transmission and 5.38 differential ratio and 12.00x22.5 tires which puts me
at 1800 rpm at 60mph in 5th gear. If I can open up the 6th gear in the trans I should be able to be at 1600 at 60 mph. The tow hooks attached to the rear of the frame are attached with two bolts, one is 3/4" and one is 7/8" diameter both grade 8. The dump truck mechanic down the road says that I should be able to attach my hitch to just those 4 bolts and never have any problems with the hitch or loads. He says that the reason for the step in the frame is to keep the long pieces of the bus from excessive flex when traveling.
Good to know. If you put together a how-to thread with pictures I'd happily buy you a case of beer someday.