Quote:
Originally Posted by Beachvbguy
So, I finally bought a bus. 2004 Thomas Safety Liner. MBE 906 Mercedes Benz Diesel engine, Allison 3060 transmission, not yet unlocked for 6th gear and governed to 62 mph right now.
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Sounds like a good find. The MB engine is not a bad unit, just hard to find parts for when needed. Rebuild kit is near impossible to get, if at all, so keep up on your maintenance and you should be fine.
A word on your final setup... Depending on your axle gear ratio, you'll probably want your governed speed set at somewhere between 65-72 once your top gear is unlocked. The MB 906's sweet spot appears to be around 1300 rpm, winding it past that is really pointless.
I have also found that with large, heavy vehicles like this, highway cruising is best around 63 mph. Good fuel economy and no worries about idiots hanging out in the danger zone (your bus will probably need a good 400-500 feet to stop at highway speed). And good, steady, constant throttle with minimal braking is key to fuel economy and brake / transmission life.
Be careful cutting wires though. The wrong one can leave you with a 12,000 lb paperweight.
Just my $0.02 -- your results may vary.