Cat 7 With Allison 2000 Trans

[Nicholas2010e]

Hey everyone!! I have the option to buy a 2005 thomas 26 foot flat front with only 40k miles on it for 8k. (Yes only 40k, It was used buy the airforce).

Is the Cat 7 really that bad of an engine that i should pass up a bus with 40k miles?

That being said, if the engine did crap out on me how much/is it possible to swap it out for a Cummins?

Anyone have experience with the allision 2000 trans? seems like its a good one to me.

Thanks for your help!!

[Dbacks2k4]

My mechanic steered me away from cats. Said overall they're good engines but parts and diagnostic equipment are expensive.

The popular engine guide spreadsheet
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...gid=1070242319
Lists the 2005 c7 as a yellow. It does have dpf emissions control which can be costly to repair and maintain (at least on Navistar engines, id assume cat wouldn't be any different). I can't speak to a Cummins swap.

The Allison 2000 is a solid tranny. Several of my buses have it. I like the 3000 a little better, but I've never had a problem with any of the 2000s and they're in full length 40 buses. You're probably locked to 5 gears. 6th can be enabled but requires hardware components prior to 2006 1/2 if I recall right. After 2006.5 the hardware is there and just needs a reflash of the tcm. Someone please correct me if I have that wrong.

[DeMac]

Dash cluster mileage reading or verified via other means?

With diesels, particularly those in government service, the hours meter will tell you more than the miles.

For example, with a 40k mile bus averaging 4mph, the hours meter will display 10k hours. 10k hours is the same amount as a bus with 400k miles who averages 40mph. The travel bus gets worn evenly, using all gears, less brakes, proper coolant circulation & receives more maintenance, due to the milage.

Does the 2005 in question also have a dpf or egr? Dbacks2k4 is likely correct. The fuel particulate burns off better at running speed, but collects soot build-up with start/stop route driving.

Sorry. No help with the C7 comparison.

As far as an engine swap price, would you include labor or just buy another used bus & swap it yourself? Maybe just swap interiors...

[jimmythomas]

2007 was the first year for DPF on a C7 Cat. My 2006 C7 runs great, is really clean running and is mated to a 3000 series Allison with 6th gear unlocked. Use the correct oil and change it frequently, and you will have a long lasting engine. Most Skoolies don't get enough miles to wear them out.

[enigmamdw]

I’ve never seen a late model C7 in a bus mated to anything but an Allison 3060, am I missing something?!

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by enigmamdw

I’ve never seen a late model C7 in a bus mated to anything but an Allison 3060, am I missing something?!

many existed.. ive driven them.. with 2500 PTS transmissions.. quite common in the conventional bluebird visions.. C7 allison 2500 PTS trans.. also the thomas C2 was sold this way as well..



most of the rear engine busses have the 3000 series as they sport the higher horsepower / torque versions of the C7 so it was required