DT466 engine with Allison 3060 transmission

[Dana Dracula]

Hey Skoolies!
I’m brand new to all this and trying to find the right bus. I see a lot of people say DT466 engines are good. Also though lot of people saying to run from international school buses.My question is would this be a reliable option if not what would be easy to find that is? I have lived one year on tour in a regular RV for reference but we made the mistake of getting a gas truck to haul a travel trailer. It’s taking a ****, so this seems like the only financial decision I can make to keep going. I want something that will be able to go across country 2-3 times per year for at least the next 3 years if possible without completely just falling apart. I did about 60,000-70,000 miles this year for reference. Thank you I’m so excited to join this community!!!
Edit it’s a 2006 international school bus with diesel DT466 engine with Allison 3060 transmission and 142,000 miles sorry couldn’t get the photo to post! It it repainted too seems like the company selling is for Skoolies? It’s in Kentucky.

 

[nikitis]

Internationals are great. Just don't get one with AT545 Transmission in it. The transmission you listed is a good one.

The miles is decent too you listed. It is a 2006 which means it may have DPF filter which can be a downside if there's issues with regeneration.

 

[Omnibot2000]

I thought DPF came out in 2007 under the maxforce DT. Depends on the cut off I think. Can't keep track of them all.

 

[cadillackid]

I thought DPF came out in 2007 under the maxforce DT. Depends on the cut off I think. Can't keep track of them all.

years varied that actually got released.. but yeah if its a DT466 its non DPF but if it is badged as a maxxforce it is DPF..


the computers changed on these engines as well then to support the DPF and regen.. it was also the end of J1708 being used anywhere in the setup.. everything was CAN / J1939 with Maxxforce (Lacks-Force)

 

[More2See-SKO]

Non DPF

Internationals are great. Just don't get one with AT545 Transmission in it. The transmission you listed is a good one.

The miles is decent too you listed. It is a 2006 which means it may have DPF filter which can be a downside if there's issues with regeneration.

My 2007 IC RE300 has a DT466 which was built March 2006 and is non DPF

 

[Omnibot2000]

I know the 3060 is nice but I would also not want to pay for the overhaul of one.

I think the 2000 is just about right.

 

[cadillackid]

My 2007 IC RE300 has a DT466 which was built March 2006 and is non DPF

exactly its a DT466, not a Maxxforce DT..


school busses often see a year delay.. the chassis gets manufacturered in one plant and the body in another and then assembled (usually at the body plant)...


so your chassis was made, then went to the assembly plant.. the other thing ive seen is in recent years school bus manufacturers building model years way ahead.. sometimes over a year.. your 2007 bus being built in early 2006 is not uncommon in the school bus world...



apparently there are some new 2026 production bluebird visions starting to be built already...

 

[cadillackid]

I know the 3060 is nice but I would also not want to pay for the overhaul of one.

I think the 2000 is just about right.

alot depends on the weight... if you are going to be running a heavily built conversion pulling a vehicle behind you id want the 3000.. simply because the clutch discs are much bigger.. alot more clutch area to absorb energy during shifts.. esp since our busses typically dont employ SEM, the clutches are takingthe brunt of the engine torque.. on a lighter bus, further absorption is felt in the "surge forward" during a shift.. energy is used in the form of accelerating the bus duringthe shift... on a heavy setup you dont get that release of energy.. the clutches take it all.. even a slight flare (hich will happen) can start to glaze the frictions or heat the steels up...



"built" versions of allison 1000 / 2000 use clutches and steels that are better at handling heat... and of course different drums and shafts that can handle the shock of tight shift programs on high power engines..



a normal CE style conversion where the bus isnt running close to its GVWR and towing a car is likely going to be just fine with a 2000 series.. but the people talking of carrying 100 gallons plus of water and fuel tanks and towing a 4 door Jeep wrangler and 6 people with luggage and such.. they will fare better with a 3000 series.. esp in the mountains..

 

[Omnibot2000]

I agree with you kid

We are blowing those 3000 and 4000 transmission up and at $13,000 for replacement.....eesh.