3126E conversion

[lloyd]

Hello everyone, has any one heard of installing a 3126E 330 HP 860 torque with an Allison transmission from a 38' Triple E motorhome into a 35' MCI that has a 8V-71 a four speed standard transmission?
Lloyd

[RJ]

Lloyd -

The initial answer is no, haven't heard of that swap.

OTOH, get out the tape measure.  If the overall Cat/Allison package is the same length as the Detroit/Spicer combo, it might work.

The most popular swap to an automatic in a 5C is a 6V92TA/HT-740.  The 8V coupled to the HT is too long.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[Tom Y]

Lloyd, No to your question. The Allison may be one of the short World models, but keep in mind with a 5 and dropbox the tranny is not straight in there. So being shorter may not have an advantage, there is only so much room between there so the tranny may not go in as far as you would think.  Good luck.  Tom Y    

[TomC]

While that sounds like a good swap, the torque, while appearing to be the same, just isn't there compared to the big Detroit.  Also-with the Cat being electronic, and the transmission also being electronic, you're going to have all that electronics and wiring to contend with. Plus- the Cat 3126E is not the most reliable engine-usually have injection pump failures around 100,000 miles-which means a tow to the shop.
The suggestion just to change it out to a mechanical 6V-92TA with an Allison HT740 is a good, sound one.  You'll then have a real hot rod that is VERY reliable. Good Luck, TomC