Cummins 5.9 vs 8.3

[HomesteadDad]

I am looking for an 84 passenger rear engine bus. Is it worth waiting to find one with the 8.3 over the lesser powered 5.9? I'm guessing yes.

 

[1olfart]

IMHO...... YES, without a doubt.

 

[Dapplecreek]

I have a shorter bus than you're describing, and it has a 5.9. Mine is underpowered. With the increased weight you're describing, I believe it would be worth your while to wait for the larger engine.

 

[Tryonis]

For that size bus i would wait for the 8.3

 

[HomesteadDad]

What is it had a dt466?

 

[Tryonis]

DT466 is a strong engine as well

 

[PNW_Steve]

8.3 or DT466/530 all of the way!

I love the 5.9. I have owned several. Just not in a highway bound full size bus.

I have the 8.3 in my Bluebird and love it. It is a torque monster compared to the 5.9.

 

[magnakansas]

5.9....

I would say the 5.9 is a great choice for buses under 25 ft. Anything bigger than that is going to make best use of the 8.3...

a 5.9 is like about 360 cubic inches... the size of most v-8s in pick up trucks

8 liter engines are like having 450 cubic inches to 500 cubic inches... like engine found in one ton trucks, those huge cadillacs and stuff in the middle seventies....

I would say a those big 40 footers would do really well with 10 liter big rig type engines.......but that is out of the question for most.

I am swapping frames and the engine in my 1954 ford.... lots of work involved.

william