Looking to buy a bus is the one below any good

[cdaaerial]

I've heard about not doing well going up long hills, so if anyone knows if this one would be any good, that would be great.

Year: 2001
Chassis: International
Body: BLUEBIRD
Engine:T444E (industrial Version of the 7.3 Powerstroke)
Miles:176,223
Transmission:Auto
mt643
Brakes:Air

Thanks

[Njsurf73]

How many passenger? That motor is a bit week for a full size bus. But in a mid or short it would do alright.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[cdaaerial]

Passenger:71
Length:37.5ft.
Interior Height: 75in
Windows:12
Tires:front 275/80R22.5 rear 11R22.5

What would be the best recommendations for engine and transmission on a full size bus?

[Robin97396]

Look for a bus with the 8.3 or 466.

[Njsurf73]

The motor would make me step back.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[warewolff]

The T444E is fine and the transmission is definitely sufficient. I have a 444. Most people that will tell you not to buy one have never owned one and are commenting on second hand experiences. It's slow for sure, sometimes in the mountains scary slow, but if you're okay with right laneing, it's reliable and will get you to where you want to be ... as long as you're not in a rush.

I read somewhere that the 50% longevity rating (don't know the term for it, but it means 50% of the buses made it to this mileage before any major overhaul) was 250k. I'd say you still have a ways to go. I'll find a source for that if you're interested. If you're going to drive it farther than 250k, maybe consider a different engine. This one has to be taken out for overhaul, unlike the DT466. But for the price you can't beat it!

Just my opinion. Not trying to be combative or offend any of the previous posters. We're all part of the skoolie family ;)

[Njsurf73]

No offense taken. I had one and a work pickup truck and it was unreliable. That's the only experience I can base it on. I didn't on the truck I didn't buy the truck and I didn't pay to maintain it and I am glad LOL

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[EastCoastCB]

My shorty has a 444E. Its adequate at best.
For traveling in a big bus, you really want MORE engine than a 444.

[cadillackid]

I have a 444E and its fine in a shorter bus or if you have lower gears and a good transmission it does OK.. yes it will be slow..

the ford version of the 7.3 is different than the navistar version.. the unreliable work pickuo had the ford version...

for lots of hill travel you want an 8.3 or a DT466 but if you are more on flatter ground the 444E will be fine.. it is often the 210 HP variant found in the bigger rear engine busses..
-Christopher

[cdaaerial]

Since I live in Northern Idaho and West or East is up hill, I will keep my eyes out for something a bit more powerful.

After much searching I found the following on these forums,

Originally Posted by nat_ster

The Cummins 8.3 mechanical will have more torque to HP ratio than a DT466.

More torque = More power in big heavy pieces of iron.

In the Mechanical factory set engines available in school buses, The 8.3 Cummins will always have more power than a DT466.
Now in newer electronic versions of the same engines, DT466 engines come 300hp and beyond. However you can also get 400hp in a electronic Cummins 8.3.

Hard to argue raw cubic inches and stroke length.

For the record I like both engines. Furthermore, both engines are extremely reliable, and built with wet sleeves, making them rebuildable in the bus, without having to remove them.

Side by side, one almost looks like the others big brother.

Nat

[warewolff]

Emphasis on slooooooow. All I'm saying is there's a lot of unwarranted hate for the 444 and I've never been trying to race the thing but it's served me well.