Howdy folks!

[djmel85]

I have a line on a 1985 GMC 8 window 5 speed with a split rear end 46000 miles and a 366 big block. Any thoughts on that combination? The price seems good at 1300.00 best offer. But how are gas busses over the road, diesel seems the way to go. But I do like the stick and all those gears! Thanks for the help.

[Robin97396]

I have a 366 in a 5 window. It was my favorite bus until I went diesel. It is a thirsty engine though

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

I have a member close to me that has an almost identical bus except his an automatic with the same 366. He averages about 5-7 mpg. A stick will get a little better if you know how to drive it and I love a stick but the money saved in mpg should be put into a savings fund for a new clutch pressure plate for when/not if it wears out.
If you know a stick shift then when you test drive it then remember to pay attention feel for clutch slippage. Even if they say it was recently replaced? You can tell the if they are honest or not if you truly know a stick. If you don't know how to or aren't capable of replacing one then that is probably at least a 1000$ every 3-5 years depending on your driving habits.
Just my opinion.
I love a stick shift and once I learned and had to replace the stuff myself?
My driving habits changed.
Always had 1/2 ton to heavy duty trucks with stick I only had one front wheel drive with a clutch.

[Robin97396]

Originally Posted by Jolly Roger bus 223

He averages about 5-7 mpg.

I'd say that is an extremely accurate evaluation of the gas mileage of a 366, and mine has the stick without the split rear end. Kind of expensive to drive. It's a great engine with good power and dependability, but not one I'd choose to drive cross country or even long trips within my own state.

[WanderingLass]

We actually don't know what engine we have (it was sold as a rebuilt 305 but even I know that it's bigger than that!) and is a 1969 Bluebird 60-passenger, gas engine 3-speed plus granny gear manual transmission. Going from Ohio to South Dakota we got 5-6 mpg - so my budget from South Dakota to Washington is 4 mpg.

[djmel85]

Thanks for the info

[o1marc]

Can that tranny and split rearend be mated to a big 6 diesel?

[Gdog 5651]

If I remember correctly there were some gas city tractors with SAE Bellhousings with 5 and 6 speed spicer trans so yes in theory it could be done but why? In less that bus is damnnear free the cost in fuel and repairs make not a very good choice except for very local travel/camping.