I'm currently looking at an MCI-8 but I'd prefer a 9. I think I have a handle on the cons but it comes down to this question. Will it be possible to keep on the road for another 20-30 years in the same way as a 9? Should I get one for a steal if I can or hold out for a 9 due to parts issues?
Most of the parts are the same on a MCI 8 and MCI 9 I have an 8 and you couldnt tell if I didnt tell you..
I think the biggest difference is the windows. If it's a later MC9 it will have the Sheppard integral steering box, while the MC8 had ram assist (but may have been upgraded). MC8 probably has 8V71, MC9 may have 6V92. As noted, keeping it running depends on regular maintenance. If it had it and you are inheriting a good job well done, then you will be in good shape regardless. If it;s rough, then it will cost a lot to get it up to snuff.
Brian
It depends on what you are planning to do with it. If you are planning on putting rv windows in then the windows dont matter. and if you are getting it cheap enough integral stye steering is 1500.00 other than that would just be the motor most MCI 8 came with 8v71 and 9 6v92 as noted in previous post. Other wise they are the same for baggage compartments and interior room.
I don't think you would have any issues with parts on either the 8 or 9 since most all parts are interchangeable between both models. I'm not sure if it is exactly true or not but I was told that everything below the floor line was the same. As others have stated, the only noticeable difference that I know of are the passenger side windows.
Jimmy
If you have a chance for an MCI 8 at a great price. Buy buy buy! If you dont buy let me know I would be interested if the price is right.
Some say that the MC-8 has a dated roof line vs the MC-9. Many 8 converters resort to adding a cap on the front roof to modernize its appearance. IMHO a newer look bus might hold its value better. Of course, in the end, we seldom if ever get our money out of them!
Mike in GA
I seem to remember from driving them in the '70s (35 years ago!) that the 8s rode quite softly from side to side: they leaned easily to the outside going around curves. The 9s were stiffer. Is there a difference in the suspension?
JC
Here is a little history I found on the 8's and 9's..
1973 – 1977
MCI introduced the MCI-8 (MC8) also called the "Crusader" which utilized the more modern looking front end similar to that used on the MCI-5C (MC5C). This coach was mostly built with rear engine Detroit Diesel 8V71 engines and the same Allison HT740 4-speed automatic and 4 speed mechanical transmissions used in earlier MCI8 models. There was such a strong demand for the MC8's that a new production plant was built in Roswell New Mexico, which built buses under license from MCI by Transportation Manufacturing Corporation (TMC) name. Buses models built at the Roswell production plant were then called the TMC8 (TMC-8), TMC9 (TMC-9), etc. These buses were very similar to the buses built in Winnipeg and Pembina.
1978 – 1990
MCI introduced what would become the most popular coach ever of all the models it built, the MCI-9 (MC9), also known as the "Crusader 2". The MCI9 coach was very similar to the MC-8 except for the streamlined roof, increased headroom and rectangular side windows. Detroit Diesel 8V71, 6V92TA and 8V92TA engines were offered along with Allison HT740, HT754 and 4 or 5 speed manual transmissions. 1982 brought a few well-needed changes by offering integral power steering, which was a big improvement over the Ross power steering used in the earlier models. Other significant improvements were the use of Carrier 05G air conditioning compressors and Reliance Electric HVAC blower motors. In 1989 – 1990 the MC9 received some special options to the interior like overhead parcel rack doors and MC12 suspension upgrades with rolling lobe type suspension air bags were added and the result was the highly desired "MC9 Special". More than 10,000 MC9's were built!
So with that being said if you were going to convert one to a motor home then most of differences would be changed any way except for the integral steering being a plus in the MCI 9.
Quote: the highly desired "MC9 Special".
Desired by whom? The 102A coaches were out, and that's where the market stampeded to, once they were sure that they wouldn't get ticketed for the width. There continued to be a small market that made it worth building the MC9 at a somewhat discounted price, compared to the A models, so MCI kept building them until it wasn't worth it.
Note that there were not the viable competitors for a cheaper coach in the field that there are today.
Be wary, those write ups are of little value, written by a bedazzled fan, not someone knowledgeable about the industry or the product line.
As for which coach to convert, pick the chassis that is in the best shape for the money.
Or, the best chassis of the model that you like the looks of.
I like them both.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Great info guys, thank you!
Paul -
Go to Google Images and search for pics of MC-8s and MC-9s, so you can really see the differences.
Interior roof curvature on the 9s is more square, something not often noted when comparing the two. No interior hump up front, either. This gives a little more cabinet space, important when you're trying to squeeze a quart into a pint pot like the sailors do.
From the floor down, they're identical, except for OEM powertrains - 9s had more options.
Driver's compartments are identical. 9s have slightly bigger radiators, tho still marginal except for the OEM 8V92TA installs.
MC-12s, special order for Greyhound, are essentially 96A3s below the floor, and MC-9s from the floor up. 99% built with 6V92TA/HT-740 powertrains. Some repowered to S-50/B500, but those are rare. All have been run very hard and put away wet. OTOH, MC-12s that were built for prisoner transportation would be a good find.
Best bang for the buck, if you can find a decent one at a decent price, is a 102C3: 3" more headroom, 102" wide body.
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
Most noticible differences are the roof curviture, as RJ mentioned, and in 1978 (last year for 8's) the square windows were available (although not near as large as the 9's, they were square and eliminated the Z bar in the center of the coach). If one skinned over and added RV windows, a '9 front cap, and squared off the front of the belt line like many do, other than the roof curviture one would be hard pressed to spot the difference. Earlier '8s also had a different AC condenser fan set up, usually long gone in the conversion process. 9's also had entirely different parcel racks and interior lighting, a nice upgrade from 8's, but they usually have gone to the scrap heap also.