Best route to replace an S60/Alison on an 01 XL2?

[pickpaul]

Hi Guys,

I have a possible option on an 01 Prevost XL2 with 1m miles on the clock. It needs a new Alison now and will need a new S60 soon. What's the most affordable option to repower? What should I allow cost wise to price this thing? I'm not too worried about the 1m coach miles as I won't be using it in revenue service. Is that sound thinking?

It also has an aftermarket slide which I know could be trouble but any ideas if it should be a deal killer?

As always, thanks for the wisdom in advance.

Cheers, Paul..

[belfert]

Why couldn't the Series 60 be rebuilt?  Does it have a fatal problem with the block, or is it just worn out?  I'm not sure you could get a truly "new" Series 60.  Most who need a replacement Series 60 either get a 3rd party remanufactured engine or a Reliabilt from Detroit.

If I ever need to replace/overhaul my B500 I will probably buy a reman from Catco Truck Parts (Recently purchased by Fleetpride).  Price is around $8,000 installed, but I don't have to pay freight as the rebuild shop is local.

[pickpaul]

Sorry, I probably missused repower, yes, I'd include in frame rebuild in that, remanned or a reliabilt? What am I looking at for those options inc labor? Any recommendations on where? The bus is in Nashville right now.

Cheers, Paul.

[belfert]

My local Detroit dealer charges around $11,000 for a full rebuild.  I think that includes a new turbo, but I don't recall for sure.  They would probably charge extra on a bus if they have to pull then engine to do the work.

[RJ]

Paul -

Best option is to find a coach that's been wrecked and has the same S60/Allison, then it's just a swap.

Otherwise, you're probably looking at $20K > $25K for rebuilding the entire powertrain at a BUS garage.  (Choo-Choo in Chattanooga comes to mind. . .)

And that's just the start.  Plan also on suspension, brakes, tires, shocks, etc., etc., etc!

However, once done, it will outlive you with proper maintenance.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[luvrbus]

FWIW I saw a invoice for a out of frame on a 12.7 at WW Williams on a H series was 33,101.85 no transmission work,a mil on a 12.7 bus engine you can bet it has some patch jobs in 12 years lol toss the 12.7 and install a 14L

[TomC]

There is a difference between an overhaul and a rebuild.  Overhaul, you take the engine apart and only replace what's needed-which is more than sufficient for our purposes. Rebuild-the engine is taken down to the bare head and block and everything is replaced with either new or reground-expensive, but will last the longest.
The best years of Series 60 was pre-'98.  They were the most fuel efficient.  The main reason the 14 liter was brought out was to compensate for the power loss of EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) which robs power.  Course you could block off this feature.  The best horsepower for the automatic is the 430-470hp at 1650lb/ft.  If at all possible, have your engine overhauled.  Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

TomC gives you good advice but with a mil on a bus engine it has a lot work done you can only patch one so many times and people I know with fleets of buses like 300 say the 14L will give you longer life and better fuel mileage