1982 MCI M9 Engine update

Larry Payne · January 12, 2021, 10:08:07 AM

was wondering if anyone has any info on what it takes to up grade a MCI M9 from a 6v92t to a L10 Cummins, or should I stay with a Detroit 6v92T, I got the Bus at a good price but it has a bad engine, was thinking it would be better to up grade to a newer diesel, let me know thank you

buswarrior · January 12, 2021, 10:53:24 AM

Get out your tape measure.

6 in a line vs 3 in a line, front to back.

Bunch of stuff, engine mounts, all new plumbing, driveshaft, compatible interface with transmission, dashboard gauges interface.

Lots of fun, or lots of headaches, depending on what you want to be doing with your time.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

Larry Payne · January 12, 2021, 11:07:36 AM

have you done this before, I'm just trying to make the bus a little more power and was told that that transmission would bolt right up, but things I'm worry about is the cooling system cause of the two radiators, I know the L10 Cummins is a very good engine, and the Detroit 6v92T is a good engine to but it's a two stork, just wondering if there was anyone who has done this and if there was any parts made for a job like this, thanks

hogi6123 · January 12, 2021, 04:04:17 PM

There's a lot of history of posts on this board where people did swaps and people contemplated swaps, press the 'Search' link next to 'Forum Rules' and then try different terms like "replace cummins". That is probably the best way to start on your project.

I'm pretty sure there aren't any pre-made solutions, you would have to fabricate all the new parts yourself.

Larry Payne · January 12, 2021, 05:01:24 PM

Okay what diesel engine is the easiest engine to use to replace the Detroit 6v92 I would like to stain on electrical not hoping to use a Cummins but if there's better choices than easier fits I'd like to know what people think and what they've used

hogi6123 · January 12, 2021, 05:16:04 PM

Someone else has to chime in.

This post is in the wrong category. I'm not sure if the moderators can move it or you should re post.

6805eagleguy · January 12, 2021, 05:20:48 PM

what can i say. There are going to be no premade parts for you. You will have to make everything yourself, likely including motor mounts. likely and inline 6 will be too long for comfort. BCM used to have a mci for sale that had 40" hacked on the back to make the cummins fit. was not pretty. In my eagle i was able to stuff in a s60 and b500 but my pulley is 1/2" from my back bumper. And i have a lot of tools which made it relatively easy for me.

also check out my project thread which has some details

https://eagles-international.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=4786&sid=59db96fd674b790a03d6a1a2af68a194

i think s50s are popular in mcis but all your interface is going to be made from scratch

dont forget wiring on an electronic engine

DoubleEagle · January 12, 2021, 07:48:49 PM

If you want a lot of miserable problems to solve, go ahead and switch, but if your means are modest your best solution is to find a good take-out 6V92 and do a straight replacement. Paying someone to overhaul or put in something newer will be very expensive and likely more than what you paid for the coach.

buswarrior · January 12, 2021, 08:51:22 PM

And if you want power, the 6V92 can be built to factory specs at 350 HP.

By far the most straightforward way to proceed?

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

Larry Payne · January 13, 2021, 08:28:14 AM

thanks all here is another question, I found 1989 102c3 with new 6v92t with 28000 mile, is that an electric or mechanical engine and will it work in my 1982 MCI M9 even if it was electric

Jim Blackwood · January 13, 2021, 10:15:37 AM

This bus is already converted? If so your only realistic choice is to R&R the engine. But is that what you want? It could be time to step back and reconsider.

In a bus conversion these days it may be best to determine the preferred drivetrain first and buy accordingly.

Jim

Larry Payne · January 13, 2021, 12:11:55 PM

no it's not converted yet

Jim Blackwood · January 13, 2021, 02:39:31 PM

Well that opens some options. Since you said you got an excellent deal on it then presumably you can get your money back either by reselling or scrapping it, so that allows you to consider getting a bus with a 4 stroke as a starting point. There are many reasons to do this which we can get into but the target years for MCI should be about '94 to '98. That should get you the DDEC 3/4 series 60 and the B500 automatic, and should come with some nice handy extras. Right now is a good time to buy.

Jim

Larry Payne · January 14, 2021, 09:40:26 PM

The MCI M9 is a motorhome and has been since new MCI 102c3 is just an shell some one was gonna convert but gave up on, but has a new motor and low mileage transmission

Handyjim · January 14, 2021, 10:05:05 PM

Quote from: Larry Payne on January 12, 2021, 05:01:24 PM
Okay what diesel engine is the easiest engine to use to replace the Detroit 6v92 I would like to stain on electrical not hoping to use a Cummins but if there's better choices than easier fits I'd like to know what people think and what they've used