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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Handyjim on October 31, 2010, 02:49:29 PM

Title: 102D3
Post by: Handyjim on October 31, 2010, 02:49:29 PM
Las Vegas Bus Sales has several of these, with Series 60 engines, Auto trannys. Mileage range is 700-800,000.  I'm in the (very) early looking stages.  Can one expect another 100,000 miles before rebuild time, assuming good maintenance? I want a four stroker, and while I'm willing to work to keep one running, I'm not looking for another career (or hobby). :)
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: Jriddle on October 31, 2010, 04:11:21 PM
Not sure about the engine being a hobby but having a bus is.

John
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: robertglines1 on October 31, 2010, 04:31:56 PM
Jim probably at that mileage they already have bearings rolled in them..ask seller.others more knowledgeable than I will comment..if you can get a engine serial # if work was done by a Detroit dealer there will be a record..Bob
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: luvrbus on October 31, 2010, 04:43:14 PM
Those 102D3 he has on the lot have 11.1 series 60 350 hp big difference in the 11.1 and 12.7 he had one that had 12.7 but it is gone now


good luck
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: rwc on November 01, 2010, 03:42:20 PM
I bought my 102D3 from Marcus at Las Vegas Bus sales. Drove it from there to Rogers, Texas did not use a drop of oil. It is an 11 liter but I had no problems climbing with it.   Rod
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: luvrbus on November 01, 2010, 04:04:23 PM
Rod, not saying a 11.1 is not a good engine but being off the market for 12 years parts are getting hard to find at a DD and they are becoming a little pricey lot of aftermarket stuff out there but that engine does have a few problems always has.
I was just passing info to the guy me I would hold out and find a bus with the 12.7 JMO take that a 1.50 and you can a cup of coffee at Denny's


good luck
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: lostagain on November 01, 2010, 04:31:14 PM
Have the 12.7 in the hockey team's 102D3. Awsome torque and power. I blow the doors off most transport trucks up the hills, and that's with 25 people and hockey gear.

JC
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: Ed Hackenbruch on November 01, 2010, 04:43:53 PM
And its good for killing elk too! ;D
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: Taibob on November 01, 2010, 05:15:12 PM
 OUCH !!
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: bobofthenorth on November 01, 2010, 05:17:37 PM
Getting back to the OP question, for my money at 800,000 miles betting on another 100k trouble free is long odds.  There's a reason why they were traded, and its not because the last owner thought they had 100k left in them.
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: Handyjim on November 02, 2010, 06:57:33 AM
Thanks for the responses. As I said, I'm in the earliest stages.  First hard part done:  convincing DW that a larger coach is for us. Two conditions:  the project has to be fast-tracked, and a couple of the Corvairs have to go to make room.  OUCH! Looks like a 12.7 would be the best overall choice (for me.) I'd like to do my own conversion.  Having RVd for over 40 years, I've got some pretty good ideas of what works for us.

Next dumb question:  how to tell a 12.7 from an 11.1
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: robertglines1 on November 02, 2010, 08:02:51 AM
Jim the 12.7 I have has all the specs on the valvecover view from passenger side of bus  includes hp at rpm etc. Bob
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: RJ on November 02, 2010, 08:29:26 AM
HandyJim -

Nah, don't get rid of the Corvairs!

Just use them as toads! 

FWIW & HTH. . .

;)


PS:  Which model 'Vairs?  Early?  Late?  FC?
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: Handyjim on November 02, 2010, 08:44:49 AM
The '63 convertible is already my toad.  I have also used my 64 coupe.  The 65 is a sedan.  Great shape, set up for A/C, but not connected.  And finally, my '62 Greenbrier, which is my work van.  Looks like if the bus arrives, the coupe and sedan go.  :( Won't happen soon, though.  Gotta fill the cookie jar and find the bus.

Bob, thanks for the info on finding engine specs.
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: BUR on November 02, 2010, 08:50:58 AM
        Anytime I bought  a truck with an unknown engine I had the mind set that I would  have to do a rebuild at some point. If I got some good miles out of it, that was a feel good bonus. Whenever the rebuild comes around you aren't devastated by the news (didn't say you would be happy either). I had a broken valve seat go though the turbo in Salt Lake a couple of years ago, was terrible timing but not something I wasn't expecting. If you buy something that you think you can drive forever, you are setting yourself up a lot of disappointment. Not trying to be negative just realistic.      Good Busin'     Wilbur
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: luvrbus on November 02, 2010, 08:58:58 AM
Jim, the 12.7 will yield you better fuel mileage than 11.1 and has a better DDEC system


good luck
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: TomC on November 03, 2010, 07:41:13 AM
Externally the 11.1 and the 12.7 are identical.  The only way is from the engine serial number.  Now going to the 14 liter-you can tell that since it has a narrow valve gear case in the front of the engine then the 11.1/12.7.  Personally-try to find a 12.7 in the 430-470 range for best fuel mileage and torque range.  The 500 gets a bit less fuel mileage.
The only difference between the 11.1 and the 12.7 is the crankshaft and connecting rods-just like Detroit did  with the DD15 to DD16.  Good luck, TomC
Title: Re: 102D3
Post by: Lonnie time to go on November 03, 2010, 05:17:42 PM
Quote from: TomC on November 03, 2010, 07:41:13 AM
Externally the 11.1 and the 12.7 are identical.  The only way is from the engine serial number.  Now going to the 14 liter-you can tell that since it has a narrow valve gear case in the front of the engine then the 11.1/12.7.  Personally-try to find a 12.7 in the 430-470 range for best fuel mileage and torque range.  The 500 gets a bit less fuel mileage.
The only difference between the 11.1 and the 12.7 is the crankshaft and connecting rods-just like Detroit did  with the DD15 to DD16.  Good luck, TomC


TomC

Can a 11.1 DD be rebuilt in some form to make it a 12.7.   If the price is good  etc....