Just starting in KS

[LP4171]

I am in month 3 of looking to buy and convert a bus. Trying to do enough research so I get what I want and get a good bus. I have seen a lot of good info/posts/videos and some made me say WTF!. Thanks for all who post info or videos even if they make me laugh because I need to know what to do and also what not to do. Right now I am researching the engine that is in the bus I am interested in, T444E in a 2003 International 3800. I am B+ in technical knowledge but never dealt with a diesel engine so there is a huge learning curve. I am very versed in Wood Working, plumbing and general maintenance. Metal work is another trade I have done work in but not of such a large scale as a bus conversion.

[nat_ster]

Welcome.

The bus your looking at has a V8 electronically controlled engine.
A few members here have one, but there are far better engines to be had in a bus.

Top engines from best to least best are as follows.

Cummins 8.3
DT466
DT360
Cummins 5.9

Cummins 8.3 ISC electronic
DT466E electronic
DT360E electronic
Cummins 5.9 ISC electronic

T444E electronic V8
Anything Cat
8.2 Fuel pincher's
And on and on.

Auto Transmissions best to worst.

MD 3060
MT 643
AT 545

Nat

[slaughridge85]

Welcome. I'm just south of Manhattan KS about 30 minutes. We have a 2000 Int. 3800 with a T444E. Its a turd but buses weren't built with drag racing in mind. The T444E is a great engine that with proper maintenance should see you to well over 400k miles. Make sure you get your insurance and title straitened out first thing. So far farm bureau and a couple other insurance companies have said they won't insure a school bus conversion anymore even for just liability.

[ArmyChap]

Greetings, Kansans! I'm at Fort Riley. No bus yet. I've been following the forums here for a while. That's the best way to start... Read through several build threads from start to finish.