MCI7 hill climbing ability

[bevans6]

Bob, in an MC-7 reverse is actually taller than first gear.  The manual has the gear ratio wrong, it is not 6:1, it is actually 4.28:1

edit:  I just counted teeth again ( I was out there anyway, and putting off starting an obnoxious job I have to do) and reverse is actually 4.2:1 in the spicer, which if that isn't useless trivia I don't know what is...

Brian

[robertglines1]

was just going off what he posted in beginning..6 to 1..I have backed up hills before I couldn't climb in foward..happy bussing Bob

[RoyJ]

Tom, I read a post you wrote a while back on the other board regarding another MC7, saying the 7 speed sucked because it was non synco and to run a 10 speed? Is the 10 speed easier to shift without clutching? Is there even enough room for an 871 with a 10 speed in an MC7? What about a 6V71? Probably a bit slow but yould have plenty of gears to play with???

I don't think any heavy truck / bus transmissions in North America are syncronized. Even if there're are, it'll be pretty rare.

If you want to float shift (clutcheless), then definitely get an un-syncronized transmission, or you'll ruin the syncros pretty quick. I find on a coach, float shifting is a little harder, as the stick is not directly mounted on the tranny, and thus don't have the "feel" as on a rig. But with practice, it's certainly do-able.

I wouldn't go with a 6V71 on a thriple axle coach. I've got one on my 35' Prevost, probably as high a hp tune as they come in the NA form - 4V heads, N70 injectors, A timing, 2500 rpm limiter. Even then, I'd describe the power as only "adequate".

[Rick59-4104]

 I have been "float shifting"  (both up and down) the 4 speed in my 4104 more often than shifting with the clutch, for me it works better than double clutching......
Rick

[artvonne]

  Blame Rick, but after being around his bus and toolin around in it, im still really hooked on a 4104. An MC7 is a very nice ride, there is no doubt, but im asking myself why I need 15 tons of 40 foot of bus with 8 tires and 33% more engine. Does any of this make any sense? The only real benefit I see with the 7 is the ability for an extra bedroom, and more cargo space to carry more gear we probably dont need. Im not so sure I want to drive 4 hours to look at something I'm not interested in. Why is my interest waning?

  Oh well, at least we have choices and the freedom to own a bus. Life could be worse.

[TomC]

The big difference is a 4104 is 50-57 years old with a V drive that while it is reliable, you have no options in gearing except to go with an Allison automatic.  The MC7 was built in the 70's, so 10-20 years newer, has an inline T drive that has almost limitless possibilities as to engine and transmission choices.  While the 4104 is nice, I would choose a 4106 (better and stronger transmission and engine) or even a 4107 or 4109 if you want to stay with a 35ft'r.  I have a 40ft'r, and it really isn't that big of a deal to drive, but then again it is a transit that turns sharper then a normal bus.  If I were doing another bus, my choice would be a MCI 102C3.  My bus is a 102" wide, and that extra 6" is really noticeable for inside space.  Good Luck, TomC

[artvonne]

  I know the 7 is about as good as they come, I was just trying to talk myself out of it. Never heard an 871 V drive was tougher than a inline 671 V drive before, thought it was the opposite way around, ya learn something new every day dont ya.