8V71 swap to 8V92

[jmblake]

Well I have been planning on turboing my 71 Detroit this winter when I got a lead on a 92series about 30 mile from home. It was in a 78 MCI 8, It was installed in 04 when it was totally rebuilt with 70,000 miles on it now, He is installing a 50 series in his bus now. It is pretty much complete including the cradle, alternator powersteering pump, Jake's,and aircompressor. I already have the big radiators installed and I would have to change my muffler and air cleaner anyway. I know I would be much happier with the power of a 475hp 92series over the turbo 71. I should be able to pick this engine up for $3500.00 do you guys think this would be a good decision to do, and what am I missing that I may need to switch to the 92 series. Thanks Jason

[kyle4501]

Isn't the cooling system on a MCI 9 limited to 435 HP even with the oversized radiators?
The 2 strokes need to dump a LOT of heat.
If you go with 475 HP, you will probably need more cooling capacity to take full advantage of it.

GOOD LUCK! 

[jmblake]

Kyle,
Not sure about that, He had it in his 8 and didn't have any problems, I could also get the smaller pully for the fan drive to help out.

[Geoff]

I think if the previous owner had no problems with his 8V92TA he wouldn't be thinking about going with a Series 50.  To keep an 8V92TA cool in an MC8 you need a good radiator water spray system.

I would pass on this deal unless you paid core price and took the 8V92TA apart to check for overheating damage.

[jmblake]

He got a good deal on a wrecked transit bus at the local salvage lot with the 50 series, He thinks he will also double his milage over the 92.

[luvrbus]

If you have heating problems turn it down to 435 hp there are tons of MCI's on the road with 8v92 engines in the 400 hp range they do fine I maintain 2 that are set at 400 hp one has 435,000 miles on the engine came from MCI at 400 hp

Just have it checked for heat damage one way you can do yourself is pull the air box covers and look for black streaks inside the liners you see those it has been warm fwiw

[jmblake]

I would have liked to have heard it run but he already has it out and putting the 50 series in. I will be taking my mechanic friend with me to look at it, he has been working on these old detroits all his life, he is now 74 years old. Thanks for the replys, I just think I would be much happier with the 92 vs turboing the 71 with a lot less work.

[hargreaves]

Unless he is only getting 4 miles per gal with the 8v92 he won't double his milage with the series 50. Cheers Gerry.

[luvrbus]

Yep and he will miss the 1300 to 1500 lbs of torque from the 8v92 me I am a huge fan of the 8v92

[jmblake]

Gerry,
Thats what I thought but Ill let him believe what he wants.

Cliff,
I to am a fan of the 8v92s my dad had them in his trucks back in the day, and my mechanic friend keep him going for years.

If it checks out does $3500.00 seem like a fair price?

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Jason,

My 102C3 started out life with an 871. It was converted to an 8V92T in 2003'

If you say you have the Big 92 rads installed, I wouldn't worry about cooling issues.

At most, you may have to install the radiator air scoops that R&M sells.

Good Luck
Nick-

[kyle4501]

If it checks out does $3500.00 seem like a fair price?

I would think so since it comes with the goodies you need for your coach.

I don't remember ever having too much power.  
I also think fuel mileage is overrated     Especially when you heed just a little more power.

This setup will be fine as long as you don't abuse the power.  

[luvrbus]

If it checks out 3500 is fair offer him less Lol the jakes are worth 1000 bucks if you could install a air to air and do away with the inter cooler that helps a bunch reducing the heat and really makes a big difference in performance on a 8v92

[jmblake]

Thanks Nick
I installed the new radiators about a year and a half ago, with all new seals so it should be as good as it gets, Did you have to use the air scoops on yours? Thanks Jason

[jmblake]

It does come complete since all the goodies don't fit the 50 series and he has a old cradle that he is using on the new engine.