Looking at this bus, comments?

[AdventureBus]

Looking at a 1990 Thomas Saf T liner RE with 137000 kms\85000 miles. Has what is listed as a Cummins 8.2, still new at this Skoolie game, did Cummins make an 8.2? Any reasons to steer away from this setup?

[Rameses]

No, Cummins never made an 8.2.

The 8.2 was a Detroit, and not exactly an engine to get excited about.

If it's a Cummins, it's an 8.3, which was a great engine.

Those pics you posted are too small and grainy to make out any of the info on them. If you can post a higher res version of them, or link to them, we can give you feedback on what they have listed.

[AdventureBus]

Thanks!

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/member...cture16113.jpg

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/member...cture16112.jpg

[Rameses]

Yeah, the 6CTA is a mechanical 8.3. That one's built for 240 hp.

Don't be misled by the relatively low horsepower rating though. There are plenty of other engines out there rated at the same horsepower, but it isn't apples to apples. The 8.3 has a very long stroke and that peak horsepower comes at a lower rpm than other engines, which means gobs of torque.

The transmission is an Allison MT643. Good, strong transmission with a lockup torque converter, but no overdrive. It's a 4 speed with a direct top gear.

You can call Thomas with the VIN to get the rear axle ratio. Armed with that info, the direct top gear in the transmission, and the 11R22.5 tires, you can figure out what your highway cruising speed would be, and at what engine rpm.

[PNW_Steve]

A mechanical 8.3 & 643. NICE!!

Only 85k miles to boot!!

Nothing to steer away from there. Many folks here probably wish they had that drive train.