Help!!! Which would be the better bus??

gypsyfiredance · 08-10-2018, 10:19 AM

Hello,

There are two buses I've found. There is a $3,000 difference between the two. I was considering the less expensive so I'd have more $$ upfront to start the project, but I'm not an engine expert. Is there a reason for the huge difference in price? Which would be the better bus to buy? I need help �� I'm ready to buy one and get started. Here are the two bus details. I've attached screenshots of the two.

Any advice would be HUGELY appreciated.

Madie

djdalfaro · 08-10-2018, 11:06 AM

Both of these are v8s. Straight 6s are inherently better suited to the application.

gypsyfiredance · 08-10-2018, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djdalfaro

Both of these are v8s. Straight 6s are inherently better suited to the application.

What do you mean by 'straight 6s"? Thanks

EastCoastCB · 08-10-2018, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djdalfaro

Both of these are v8s. Straight 6s are inherently better suited to the application.

I6 in a van cutaway?? I don't think so.

OP not enough info to make much of a call on which is better.
All things equal the 7.3 is a better engine than the 6.5 IMO.

brokedown · 08-10-2018, 12:39 PM

That 7.3 will be the Powerstroke, which is a turbocharged engine based on the T444E. The 6.2 is GM's dead reliable but wimpy naturally aspirated engine they made for a decade before moving to the 6.5. The 7.3 is a much more modern and powerful engine.

Of course, if the miles don't make sense, you need to take that into account as well. Obviously the 7.3 has more than 0 miles... And there is more to a purchase than just the motor.

Johnny Mullet · 08-10-2018, 03:14 PM

You will want the 7.3L engine over the other.

gypsyfiredance · 08-10-2018, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brokedown

That 7.3 will be the Powerstroke, which is a turbocharged engine based on the T444E. The 6.2 is GM's dead reliable but wimpy naturally aspirated engine they made for a decade before moving to the 6.5. The 7.3 is a much more modern and powerful engine.

Of course, if the miles don't make sense, you need to take that into account as well. Obviously the 7.3 has more than 0 miles... And there is more to a purchase than just the motor.

Yep, I'm sure they either accidentally omitee the mileage or did it on purpose. It's my understanding diesel engines can go up to 300000 miles and do good, so I'll take that into consideration with my long list of what to look for in the body and checking for fluid leaks etc.

Thanks

gypsyfiredance · 08-10-2018, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I6 in a van cutaway?? I don't think so.

OP not enough info to make much of a call on which is better.
All things equal the 7.3 is a better engine than the 6.5 IMO.

Awesome... I'll take that as 2 votes for the 7 liter. I'll keep checking around too. I hear the small buses are harder to come by but not sure if the 6500 price tag is worth it. Might still go take a look at it though.

My insurance agent friend is still trying to help me figure out the insurance info first...no luck yet on just a commercial for personal use just to get it home ugh!

gypsyfiredance · 08-10-2018, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

You will want the 7.3L engine over the other.

That seems to be the going answer. If this one doesn't work out.... I'll keep that in mind during my search.

djdalfaro · 08-13-2018, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gypsyfiredance

What do you mean by 'straight 6s"? Thanks

Sorry so late in the reply. What I mean is that for inline 6 cylinder motors are inherently more stable and reliable that V8s. This has to do with vibration and balancing. Inline 6s are more balanced and thus have less vibration, thus less wear, etc... I am speaking generally towards motors that are expected to haul pretty significant weight (my 7 window weighs 8 tons), not particularly against one engine. Sorry if I derailed the conversation, wasn't my intention.

cadillackid · 08-13-2018, 08:15 AM

both of these busses seem a bit high in price... the 7.3 listed is a great motor but it is pre 99.5 when many updates were made to it... if the rest of the bus is in gfreat shape and everything works, rust free, good brakesm, trans, tires, etc then id offer 4500-5k for that and not more..

that 6.2 is probably a 1500.00 bus..

-Christopher

Versatile · 08-18-2018, 08:12 PM

When they omit info purposely then take a walk. There are thousands of buses out there. Do Not fall in love with any bus until you own it.

Tires! You can buy a bus with new tires just as easy as a bus with worn tires.
Might take several months and several buses before you buy.

Buy in haste and pay stupid taxes for many dollars.

READ! READ! all of these forums. Not just short bus.

yfrank14 · 08-18-2018, 11:42 PM

Zero on the odometer probably means the odometer reads zero. It is broken, or new, and they dont know how many miles are on the bus. I know in my state, when you register a car, they wany odometer miles, not actual. No idea why.

SolomonEagle · 08-19-2018, 11:03 AM

I would never buy any Chevy diesels as they are underpowered and not known for there reliability.gmc pretty much used cat motors in there full-sized busses.that should tell you something. Ford 7.3ps/t444e is the way to go hands down. Kind of pricey though. I would keep looking. International inline six cylinder and Cummins engines are choice.

gypsyfiredance · 08-20-2018, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadillackid

both of these busses seem a bit high in price... the 7.3 listed is a great motor but it is pre 99.5 when many updates were made to it... if the rest of the bus is in gfreat shape and everything works, rust free, good brakesm, trans, tires, etc then id offer 4500-5k for that and not more..

that 6.2 is probably a 1500.00 bus..

-Christopher

I didn't even think about negotiating with price

I've been watching both and they are both still for sale. Since I'm not going to be full timing it and this will be more of a recreational/project vehicle for now I'm thinking of going with the cheaper bus. I've been searching for months and can't fly or to pick one up so it has to be close and short buses seem to be harder to find.

I might drive out to look at both and see if they're willing to negotiate since it's been on there site for awhile now. Otherwise...I guess I'll keep looking

gypsyfiredance · 08-20-2018, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Versatile

When they omit info purposely then take a walk. There are thousands of buses out there. Do Not fall in love with any bus until you own it.

Tires! You can buy a bus with new tires just as easy as a bus with worn tires.
Might take several months and several buses before you buy.

Buy in haste and pay stupid taxes for many dollars.

READ! READ! all of these forums. Not just short bus.

Thanks for the tips and advice. I appreciate it.

gypsyfiredance · 08-20-2018, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yfrank14

Zero on the odometer probably means the odometer reads zero. It is broken, or new, and they dont know how many miles are on the bus. I know in my state, when you register a car, they wany odometer miles, not actual. No idea why.

Good to know. Thanks.

Gdog 5651 · 08-20-2018, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolomonEagle

I would never buy any Chevy diesels as they are underpowered and not known for there reliability.gmc pretty much used cat motors in there full-sized busses.that should tell you something. Ford 7.3ps/t444e is the way to go hands down. Kind of pricey though. I would keep looking. International inline six cylinder and Cummins engines are choice.

In a short bus a 7.3/t444 Navistar built engine is a good choice GM used mostly 8.2 L DD fuel pinchers in their full size bus chassis which were discontinued some time ago inline 6 diesels have become the HD power choice for many many reasons, can make plenty of power simpler design less expensive to build easier chassis fit every one of the diesel builders built a V-8 I don't believe any of them do now for HD use. Gene

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