DT466 in a '01 E450 shorty

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Hello skoolie commune! I am new to your site and have also caught the bug We have been searching for a E450 bus for some time and have narrowed our search down as much as we could. I came across one that apparently has a DT466 in it and its the first I have seen this engine in this body style before. Does this make sense to you guys? Plus, it has 213k miles and they are asking $3500. What is your initial thoughts when hearing this? I appreciate the help, love this page!

[Robin97396]

First, shorties with a 466 are relatively rare. If it checks out mechanically, that's not such a bad price. That should give you the ability to pull hills easily as well as being able to drive fast (not recommended).
Nice find. Any photos?

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Nice! Hills are a big thing for us considering I am in coastal NorCal! lots of those around

so far, I just have this one photo but should be expecting more from the seller soon.

[Robin97396]

Photobucket works well for uploading. Others report success with tapatalk.

It frequently takes a bit of effort to figure out how to upload.

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Here is the only pic I have so far. It seems photobucket cannot be used anymore due to terms or something. hopefully imgur works.

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man, you are right! uploading is difficult. hopefully it works this time.

[EastCoastCB]

I've been wrong before, but I'm certain there's no way that's a 466 in that van chassis. Unless its heavily modded.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I've been wrong before, but I'm certain there's no way that's a 466 in that van chassis. Unless its heavily modded.

My thoughts exactly.....

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Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I've been wrong before, but I'm certain there's no way that's a 466 in that van chassis. Unless its heavily modded.

That's why I thought I should ask. I would also be very surprised to hear that it would be a 466 in there as they had the bus listed as AmTran and its clearly a Thomas as per the logo. And I dont think it's modded, its being sold through First Student.

Do you guys have any recommendations for purchase sites? I gotta buy a bus in the next few weeks!

[EastCoastCB]

a 466 is simply too large and heavy to even fit in any feasible way.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

It could be a 460 but if it is crammed into that it's going to be hot,loud and probably so crammed that you can't get a wrench on anything?
In the late 70-80's ford and almost all American manufacturers went to a metric designation like 5.3litre 305? or the 6.6 litre 400.
I would look to see if it's gas or diesel.
A factory ford diesel was probably around a 7.3 litre that was almost identical to there 460 block?

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I'm thinking it's a 7.3 Diesel for sure, that has been the focus of our search and I wouldn't be surprised if it was just a mistake on the sellers part.

I would also love everyone's opinion on the layout we have so far built in sketchup, should I post that here or start another thread? Figured I would try to keep each thread relevant to the title

[cadillackid]

like others have said unless its highly. modified its likely a 7.3 which is the same block as a T-444E. International manufactured the engines for those fords, so likely someone got mixed up and either called it a 'DT-444E' (seen that name used before).. or assumed a 7.3 and a 7.6 were close enough to call it a DT-466.

if they really did put a 466 in there id love to see it becasue that would be one Mean arse bus!
-Christopher

[Robin97396]

A couple days ago there was one of the larger 7 window cutaway bus that also said it had a 466 in it. It sold fast and at a high price.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Ford never installed the DT466 engine in ... well ... anything, as far as I am aware. They did use thousands of the common 7.3 engines (almost the same thing as the T444). Sounds like a mistake on the listing to me.

[Robin97396]

False advertising! I'd make them put the 466 in it. Can you imagine the power?

Realistically I agree with the "it won't fit" theory. And yeah, Cornbinder and Ford aren't that kind of friends.

[Rusty]

Is a nice little bus with the very good 7.3L. Sounds like a decent price depending on tires, rust, intended use etc.

Did you buy it???

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Originally Posted by Rusty

Is a nice little bus with the very good 7.3L. Sounds like a decent price depending on tires, rust, intended use etc.

Did you buy it???

No we havent bought a bus yet. We have been narrowing our search down and we really like the 7.3 but saw this 466 madness and I had to ask the community.

Do you guys have tips as to what one may want to look for specifically in the '03 E450 7.3's? Should I be looking into the engine/tranny/rear end combo as much as I am thinking?

Also Rusty, to give you background for our intention with the bus, we will be driving it a buuuunch around the US come March time and possibly down to Mexico but we are going to be living in it full time so there is a buuuuunch of work to be done!

[Robin97396]

Has anybody talked to you about the Ford cutaway buses? There are strong opinions against fords and there are better choices out there, not to disrespect anybody that's already got a ford.

[roach711]

'03 was the last year for the 7.3L. I believe Ford switched over to the infamous 6.0L diesel mid-year.

The 7.3L came with a 4R100 trans and the E-450 used a Dana dually axle, usually geared in the 4.10 range which lets the bus run at 65 mph comfortably. Tires are typically 16" light truck.

Aside from the 6.0L diesel, the only issue I know of with Ford cutaway buses is that big diesel shoehorned into a van engine room. It can make engine repairs an adventure.