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Old 07-28-2017, 03:42 PM   #1
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 2
Preference Bus set up for newbie

This could get heated however my intention is for experience and knowledge.
With so many different buses and engines it gets confusing.
What are the preferred set ups:
for example:
Does size matters. ;0)
Buses: International or Thomas or ext? Blue bird? why why not
married to what engine and trany? like 5.9 Cummings/or 8.3?
What to stay away from if you can help it.
What part of the country for buying?

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Old 07-28-2017, 03:52 PM   #2
Bus Geek
 
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,762
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
This is sort of an ongoing discussion. You'll get all kinds of responses.
I'd say just dig around in the various discussion here and on School Bus Fleet forum.
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Old 07-28-2017, 04:12 PM   #3
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,497
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 72 pax
Honestly, it depends on your intended use. I got a steal on a bluebird Ar3 with a 5.9
I don't intend to live in it or full time. I can take the smaller engine.
If you plan on traveling and encountering mountains, you may want to 8.3
I don't like CAT motors. It is based on what parts and service cost, not dependability.
A dt466 or 8.3 mechanical would be my choice if I were planning on full time traveling.
The coach work I have found are very similar in the 3 you mention... Thats like asking if you prefer Ford, Dodge, or Chevy.
Flat front fe busses give you the most floor room, but limit your under bus options, RE lose a bit of space, but you can use more under bus area.
Big, medium, short depend on you.

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Old 07-28-2017, 06:12 PM   #4
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Join Date: May 2016
Location: Georgia
Posts: 2,264
Year: 2001
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: IH
Engine: T444E
Rated Cap: 14
What I'd prefer, and what I have are *NOT* necessarily one-and-the-same!

My preferred drivetrain is the DT466 and manual transmission. Air brakes. Body builder, I have no preference (this may change as I learn more about buses). Style, I like a hood out in front of me, and being able to see and work on the engine.

What I have is in my profile. 2001 IH/BlueBird with T444E and Spicer 5-speed manual. Air brakes, 5.38 rear (change is planned). 6 window shorty with wheelchair lift (which is planned to stay). Built with seating for 14 (6 seats + 2 wheelchairs).
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