Help me decide!

[bread519]

Hey gang.

I have a tough decision to make. I have the choice between a 1994 TC2000 with 5.9 and at545 or a 1993 Amtran Genesis with the DT466 and MT643 (with electronic retarder)

The TC2000 has some of the Windows covered, and is fully insulated with some interior work done too.

The Genesis is in better cosmetic shape outside, but the previous owner built the interior over the rubber floor and didn't do any insolation work. I would need to gut it over the winter and do it myself.

They both come with components to convert. Basically the choice is better drivetrain or interior work that's already done. I'm having a tough decision and could use some advice!

[cadillackid]

the DT466 / MT643 is the far superior drivetrain if you are planning on a lot of miles... if you are making a home or something you dont plan to drive much or over any hilly terrain then the drivetrain isnt as important..

-Christopher

[bread519]

I probably would average around 2-4000 miles per year.

I forgot to mention, both have air brakes. The Genesis has air leveling shocks in the rear.

[bread519]

I definitely would be hitting some hills on my trips, but was told the TC2000 has no governor and can go 70

[cadillackid]

do you know what rear gears are in the genesis? if they are 4.78's you could likely run it 65-70 on the highway...

the air "shocks" you mention are usually air-ride suspension and is quite desirable as a school bus rides like a log wagon without them.
-Christopher

[bread519]

Hey Chris,

Thanks for the input. The Genesis does 62 mph (governed) at 2600 rpm. So I'm guessing it's a bit higher of a ratio than 4.78

The TC2000 doesn't have a tach, but the owner says its happiest at 55. Though he's had it up to 70 on the flats

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by bread519

I probably would average around 2-4000 miles per year.

I forgot to mention, both have air brakes. The Genesis has air leveling shocks in the rear.

I have the same setup as that Genesis. SWEET buses but expect to FULLY gut it. See my thread.
The air ride is amazing and the drivetrain is really good too.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

do you know what rear gears are in the genesis? if they are 4.78's you could likely run it 65-70 on the highway...

the air "shocks" you mention are usually air-ride suspension and is quite desirable as a school bus rides like a log wagon without them.
-Christopher

Depends. My 466/643 does 62mph with 4.44 rear.

[bread519]

You have a lot of threads haha. Can you link me?

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by bread519

You have a lot of threads haha. Can you link me?

The link is in the bottom of all my posts. See below

[Asetechrail]

Don't know much about the TC2000. I have a "93" Amtran Genesis with the 466 and 643 combo. Great engine and transmission. Mine will do 70 on the hiway but is happiest at 62mph @ 2400rpm.

Just my opinion but the Genesis has by far the better drivetrain. It really depends on how you plan on using it. I don't plan on doing much Interstate driving. The local state routes here are posted at 60mph so I don't really worry about holding up traffic.

[EastCoastCB]

The lockup and the retarder would be so nice in the mountains.

[WIbluebird]

The TC is a good bus but unfortunately most of the ones from that era come with the AT545 transmission. The shortcomings of that gearbox have been discussed many times on here but suffice to say it is a bad choice if you're either towing or driving steep grades a lot.

The International is the better bus even if it will take more work to convert.

[bread519]

Hey, still can't find that thread. I don't see any link when you post. What's the thread called?

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by bread519

Hey, still can't find that thread. I don't see any link when you post. What's the thread called?

There isn't a giant link at the bottom of every post I add?
It should say "roll your own build thread". if not just google skoolie roll your own. Odd that it wouldn't show.

[bread519]

Yup no link or anything.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Link shows fine for me. Is Bread using mobile instead of desktop version of site?

[bread519]

Hey I just read thru the link. Lots of helpful info. Eastcoast, the guy I'm buying the bus from claims 12mpg at highway speeds. I noticed you calculated 8mpg on your original trip home. Did that improve for you at all?

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by bread519

Hey I just read thru the link. Lots of helpful info. Eastcoast, the guy I'm buying the bus from claims 12mpg at highway speeds. I noticed you calculated 8mpg on your original trip home. Did that improve for you at all?

12 is pretty optimistic. I've not driven it enough to tell much since I've been home. I just top it off with 5 gallons here and there.

[CaptSquid]

12 mpg? I got about 7.5 mpg on my trip from Kankakee to Billings at 65mph in a transit style bus.