8v71,740 trans from firetruck

[artglass]

I  have a mc 8 , am looking at putting a  factory remanufactured 8v71, 740 trans  out of a fire truck in it,checking to see if any knows if they are the same rotation on the engine , if they are usually the same horsepower rating, on the trans is there different tail housing, if so are they a big project to change?

[TomC]

Same rotation-just a matter of moving the accessories from your old engine to the new.  As far as horsepower, take one of the valve covers off and see what the tag on the injectors say.  Sometimes they installed N70's on firetrucks for a little extra oomph.  On mine, I have brown tag N65 that will give what was commonly called the "318".  Actually, it was more like 305hp at 2100 and 320hp at 2200 and 335 at 2300.  Will be a good replacement power plant.  Good Luck, TomC

[NJT5047]

Is your apparatus 8V71 turbocharged?  If so, that would light a fire (figuratively speaking) in the rear of your coach. 
You'll have to lose the PTO that powered the pumps...otherwise...As TomC sez, it should make a great motor. 
What trans did your bus have as orig equipment?  You can change (exchange) flanges, and drivehsaft length.
Does your coach have a retarder or Jake brake?  If so, the retarder is mounted on the rear of the HT740 and will make it a little longer.   If you have a Jake, you'll want to keep that and install it into the engine you plan to use.
Post a pix of the fire apparatus engine and trans...
Best, JR

[NJT5047]

, if so are they a big project to change?

It's a heavy, but doable job.  You'll need an engine dolly..or build one.  I can send pix if your wish.   I'm a 60 yo geezer and R&Rd my engine last fall.  Installed a rear main seal.  You could do whats necessary to change engines and trans.  They both come out together.   Mo major mojo nuts or such used in the job.  It's just a lot of medium fasteners...lots of them . 
Got a flat hard suface to work on inside would be nice?  As long as you can air up the bus, and have room to pull the engine out, you got it. 
BTW, my engine is back in and running perfectly...lucky me!  For now!
Best, JR