Greetings from Utah

[FamilyCircus]

Hello Folks
New owner of a fantastic project bus. Its an Amtran FE 300 40 passenger bus with a handicap lift.
It has 211k miles, a DT466E 215hp and 620tq and an MD3060 Allison. It has 4.44 gears and we are looking forward to transforming it to a family fun mobile.
got it for 1750.00, it needs an oil cooler, which is a common problem from what I hear.

I have a lead on enabling the 6th gear and turning up the engine to the 250hp engine map.

I have high hopes for solar panels, and enough sleeping for the 6 of us. It is not a tiny house, more of a travel mobile for family trips.

Been learning a bunch from the community thought I should join and contribute to the learning.

[cadillackid]

im really interested to know if you can hget Navistar to turn up the smoke on your computer.. I have the software and a subscription and am still having issues with navistar changing my transmission type (the swap is done).. and re-rating mine.. so if you get a lead and they do it.. do let me know as i'll be calling that dealer to get a case file open..
-Christopher

[Twigg]

With a 4.44 rear axle I'd rate the chances of persuading either Amtran or Allison to release 6th gear at close to zero.

They would be authorizing a 100 mph bus, and it's just not likely to happen.

As it is the bus should be topping out around 80 mph.

[PNW_Steve]

Welcome,

That is quite a nice looking bus! Great drivetrane. 215hp might be a tad light but if you can put 250 hp in front of that MD3060 you should have a nice driving rig without sacrificing reliability.

Regarding the 6th gear unlocked, with the 4.44 gears and 11r22.5 tires, you may not need 6th.

I have 5.38s and can run 65+mph in 5th at 2200rpm

I ran the numbers for your combination and came up with 79mph at 2200rpm. 6th gear 2200rpm would yield over 90 mph. For some reason those numbers seem high.

We look forward to seeing your build.

Take care.

S.

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

Welcome,

That is quite a nice looking bus! Great drivetrane. 215hp might be a tad light but if you can put 250 hp in front of that MD3060 you should have a nice driving rig without sacrificing reliability.

Regarding the 6th gear unlocked, with the 4.44 gears and 11r22.5 tires, you may not need 6th.

I have 5.38s and can run 65+mph in 5th at 2200rpm

I ran the numbers for your combination and came up with 79mph at 2200rpm. 6th gear 2200rpm would yield over 90 mph. For some reason those numbers seem high.

We look forward to seeing your build.

Take care.

S.

I got a higher number for 6th, but I assumed a 2400 rpm limit.

[Rippinron.ut]

Nice bus, very close to the bus I have. Love driving it so far and have used it for camping a few times.

[ThisBusPlusUs]

Six of you! That really will be a circus.

Nice looking bus. The MD3060 gets good reviews.

Keen to see what you do with your solar, as I am researching this part of my own build at the moment.

[Johnny Mullet]

Glad to have you here. Welcome aboard!

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by Twigg

I got a higher number for 6th, but I assumed a 2400 rpm limit.

Twigg,

I think that I was busy typing my reply when you posted yours. I was not questioning your numbers. I was questioning mine. Seemed high. Your numbers confirmed mine. 😁

[FamilyCircus]

Greetings Boys and Girls

I apologize for the delayed response and update, been busy with work and life.

since my last post we have taken up all the flooring, found plenty of rust to attend to and repair. We got all the ceiling removed and walls.

we also got all of the insulation removed and simplified all the electrical system in the bus by removing the flasher lights, starting interlock system, PA system, handicap lift and associated electrical system, and unneeded interior dome lights. It has been loads of work but the kids have been loving the experience.

I scored some Polyiso insulation board for 7 bucks a sheet in 1" thickness for the floor, I got my PL Loctite glue and my floor sleeper boards, although as I understand you don't need them but I want to install them anyway.

My biggest score has been the solar panels.
I scored 6 Solarworld XL 325 Watt 72 Cell panels for a grand total of 300 bucks for all 6, super stoked.

I have also been looking at doing a 9000 BTU Split Mini A/C-Heat pump unit for the bus, these draw 790watts, which is 1000 watts less than a roof mounted RV style A/C unit. the only issue is they are not really intended for RV use, but I will do what I can to improve its life in the Bus.

I removed all of the windows so that I can reseal them, surprising how much water gets past them, you can see all the signs of water intrusion.

This weekend I will be draining the long life coolant into clean buckets for reuse, removing the two heaters and start on the grinding of the rusty floor in preparation for the filling of all the holes and fixing the big holes behind the rear wheels.

thank you and have fun,

Oh the bus has the obligatory name

Wilma the Wandering Wagon,

[FamilyCircus]

Just some pictures of the progress