1988 Bluebird 8.3 about to purchase need help

[Jegolf]

I’m going to look at a 1988 Bluebird with the 8.3 Cummins. I haven’t seen it in person yet but I ran the VIN no reported issues but the report also didn’t show the miles and the year on the report was 2018 the bus is a 1988. The vin on the bus and the title match is there a reason the report might be wrong? Also I attached some pictures it’s an older bus so I expect some rust but how much rust is too much on the engine? And what are some steps I can take to make sure I’m getting a good engine and not a money pit? He’s asking $8000 and he said there’s only 98k miles on it.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

the rust on the engine is not to worry about.
the rust on the body
the chassis the crossmembers
suspension parts
brake equipment tanks, support brackets air brakes accessories.
rear end
front end.
lets just say a diesel engine is pretty much self oiling so if it is rusty i would question how long has it been sitting and when was the last time it ran

[ewo1]

Originally Posted by Jegolf

I’m going to look at a 1988 Bluebird with the 8.3 Cummins. I haven’t seen it in person yet but I ran the VIN no reported issues but the report also didn’t show the miles and the year on the report was 2018 the bus is a 1988. The vin on the bus and the title match is there a reason the report might be wrong? Also I attached some pictures it’s an older bus so I expect some rust but how much rust is too much on the engine? And what are some steps I can take to make sure I’m getting a good engine and not a money pit? He’s asking $8000 and he said there’s only 98k miles on it.

Wasn’t the 8.3 (all Cummins) production begun in 1998 ?
Before that weren’t they 6c83 co-branded case/cummins ?

[Jegolf]

Originally Posted by ewo1

Wasn’t the 8.3 (all Cummins) production begun in 1998 ?
Before that weren’t they 6c83 co-branded case/cummins ?

Google says they started implementing this engine in 1985. I’m just starting to get into the world of skoolies and Diesel engines so I’m still learning but that’s what I’m seeing

[fo4imtippin]

Originally Posted by Jegolf

Google says they started implementing this engine in 1985. I’m just starting to get into the world of skoolies and Diesel engines so I’m still learning but that’s what I’m seeing

This looks to be pre ISC. It's non intercooled from the turbo.

[Jegolf]

Originally Posted by fo4imtippin

This looks to be pre ISC. It's non intercooled from the turbo.

I believe it’s the C-series pre-ISC yes is there any issues with this engine opposed to the ISC 8.3? I figure I’m still getting more power to pull a vehicle with this over a 5.9..

[fo4imtippin]

The mechanical 8.3 with a P7100 is probably the most sought after engine in a school bus. Below is a decent thread on the topic.. personally I love my ISB. I haven't loaded it down fully yet. I also plan to raise it a few ponies to keep even with the stock dodges and RVs.


https://www.irv2.com/forums/f123/his...s-93831-2.html