Prevost vs MCI and motors

[Bryan]

Hello Fellow Bus Nuts!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I have not been on the forum in a few months besides a few private messages that some of you have sent to check on me. I had a major engine and transmission repair for those of you that remember the big ordeal that so many of you on here were giving me advice on. I'm back on the road again and feeling blessed.

I've been keeping my eyes open for a newer bus and boy do I know a lot more now than I did went I bought my first one. I'm positive I want a 4 stroke this time. Now I know some of you 2 stroke lovers may try to convince me otherwise, especially with the incredible sound. I didn't understand until I had one :-) But I'm thinking about better fuel mileage, lower repair costs, easier to find mechanic type stuff now. I'm on the road a lot, and it's very important that I get to where I need to be going on time :-)

There are also some things we need in a newer bus such as a shower (that I don't have now) and more space, I believe the extra 10 feet will help a lot! So here are my questions...

1. First and foremost... the motor, many mechanics have told me to stick with the series 60. I've gotten some mixed advice on WHICH series 60, because it's my understanding that according to the year, they are slightly different and/or better (one mechanic told me 1998 and newer)... what are you thoughts on that?

2. I know for sure I want to stay away from having a unit with ERG, so I'm thinking I need to stay 2004 or older, correct?

3. Here is the biggie... I have always had my heart set on Prevost, maybe it's the name? maybe it's the chrome sides? But I have also been told recently that the MCIs are better in some ways? I also see that they are cheaper in most cases... so I'm sure there will be lots of opinions, but Prevost vs MCI in the late 90s-early 00s... which one? why? why not? pros and cons?

Thanks in advance! You guys are great!

[TomC]

Series 60 of 1998 and older will not have any smog devices. 1998 to 2002 will have programming and possible cam and turbo differences. 2002 and newer will have cooled EGR. Then 2007 will have DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). Series 60 never had 2010 certification since the DD engines took over. Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

I think what your mechanic is trying to telling you is the 11.1 wasn't available in 1998 any longer for a bus engine and was replaced with the 12.7 DDEC IV you see a lot of Prevost,MCI and other bus with the 11.1 DDEC 111 up to 1997 fwiw the 12.7 L non EGR engine is the way to go JMO   

[TomC]

You can still get a non smogged, no EGR Series 60-just have to be in the military. Good Luck, TomC

[scanzel]

If I had to do it now I would go with the MCI D, series 60/B500 trans. I like my Prevost but trying to frame in the curved side windows is a big challenge. Plus the MCI D has a high ceiling compaired to the Prevost XL.

[lvmci]

Hi Brian, MCI 102C3, C3 for short, is a great platform, wide, tall, 8V92 versions, 2 different setups for radiators, Transitional design from 9s & As to the Ds and modern bus line, lvmci...

[gg04]

Why didn't you put a series 50 in your bus?  rdw

[Bryan]

Thanks guys! I appreciate your input.