is there much difference 1980 mci and a 1990

[scottie]

hi everyone
got another newbe question 
is there "much" difference between a mci say from the early to mid 80s  (1980 to 1985 ) and a mci from the early to mid 90s. (1990 tp 1995)
i know some are auto some are standard,some are 96" and some are102' and they come with different size engines (all DD) etc etc ....
but are there much difference in technogely....ops spelt that wrong 
scottie

[tekebird]

engine wise yes.

[Hartley]

A subjective answer would be based on the model and how equipped.

A 1980 MC9 would be similar to a 1996 MC-12 in a few small ways which can be cosmetic and or electrically. Engine and Transmission may be the same or different.

Some things evolve while others stay pretty much the same. The prices for a 1980 will be a lot less typically than prices for a 90's and up similar model.

Other than that, I dunno... Depends on what you want and have to spend....

[scottie]

so would it be safe to say the new the bus the better?
i dont mean easier to convert ,or "looks",but just more modern...engine/transmission/stearing /brakes etc etc just like a new car conpaired to one from ...even 10 to 15 years ago
scottie

[captain ron]

I have a 1978 MC8 with a 1991 8V92 DDEC and Alison 740 A ATEC. Very solid bus that was well taken care of. Compared to most Jersey Transit buses I feel it is a much better bus even in some late model buses. I just got lucky but you really need to go over and under any bus your looking at regardless of model year.

[Kwajdiver]

Scottie,

The only input I can give you,,,is don't buy an ex-greyhound and buy a bus with a 740 transmission.  Do Not Purchase a 741 Electronic Tranny.

Bill

[Jerry32]

there are changes made as the the years pass. sometimes it cold be things like suspension system but mostly alike in design. Jerry

[TomC]

Going from the MCI9 to the 96C3 or 102C3 is a big difference in that on the newer model you have 6'10" headroom, redesigned air suspension that doesn't feel like the bus is going to tip over on a curve, rides much better, and instead of a 6V-92TA or 8V-92TA, it will most likely have a Series 60 with a 6spd automatic.  Personally- If I were buying a bus today, I'd look for a 102 wide with a Series 60 Detroit, Cummins ISM, or Cat C12 in it.  Try to stay away from the 2 strokers, while dependable enough, mechanics are getting scarce to work on them, the 2 strokers get 2-4 mpg worse fuel mileage, and the 4 stroke engines will generally last twice as long in between overhaul, without all the preventative maintanence in between that a 2 stroke engine requires.  Good Luck, TomC

[belfert]

Just to clarify, I don't think MCI went to the Series 60 until the 102D3 and 102DL3.  There are 102C3s out there with Cats or L10s though.  The first models with the Series 60 had the older Allison 4 or 5 speed transmissions and even some manuals.  The B500 was a little behind the first Series 60 engines.

[tekebird]

older engine...simple but harder to find a Detriot guy who has seen one.

newer engine, more electronic crap to go wrong.......a poorly running older engine will get you down the road...and electronic one might leave you along side the road.

electroninc engine and tranny combo.......they can have sympaty pains if the other one is sick.....ex tranny shows a fault because something is wrong in the engine....yet the engine will say it is fine.

older bus is cheaper......if you get a solid good older one you can put more money into the interior or a contignecy fund

[Green-Hornet]

I think the steering system changed around 1983 also. Later model had an automotive style power steering while the earlier ones had an assist system.

[Tom Y]

Scottie, Green Hornet is right. My 80 5C had the old slave steering when new, it was updated before I got it. A big plus if you read this board.  Good Luck  Tom Y

[tekebird]

integral power steering =was an option as early as 1975 on MCI's

[buswarrior]

Integral steering showed up between 1981 and 1982 in the MC9 series.

Someone chime in with the unit number...

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[scottie]

once again thank you for your input....good points!
i guess all the dd mechanics are now working on all the newer stuff these days ,4 stroke electronic etc..i guess i would have to find a "older" guy to work on the 2 stroke.
so what year/model did mci switch from 2 stroke to 4 stroke with all the electronics.
bill, is that what you ment when you said get one with a 740 transmission not a 741 electronic transmission??
thanks
scottie