Status of my engine repower 14L Series 60 in 1988 Prevost

[buswarrior]

Great work, AND taking the time to take pictures.

The hobby thanks you!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Boomer]

I checked out the S50/730 conversion into a Silverside that Bernie in PA did.  I have to say, that is probably the single most difficult conversion into a bus that I have yet to see.  Proof positive that you can do anything with time and money, eh?  I'll stick with putting the 6L71TA DDEC in my Silverside.  330 hp, nearly the same as the S50 and a whole lot easier and cheaper.  Again, nice work Ken.

[Hard Headed Ken]

I drove many hours to look that bus. I took many pictures and made many measurements. At this point I don't think it's a much more difficult swap than my Prevost repower. It just looks worse. Take a look at the pictures and I'll stop there.

Ken

[TomC]

Boomer-yes the 6-71TA DDEC will be a much easier conversion then the Series 50 and the power is about the same, BUT-there will be about a 2 mpg difference between the engines.  If you're going to drive alot of miles (like Sean at 20,000 miles per year), maybe the hassle of the Series 50 would be worth it.  Plus-anyone can work on the Series 50 compared to an ever reducing number of mechanics that know the nuances of working on the 2 stroke Detroits.
Other engines that have been used with the reverser gear on the V730 is the Cummins ISC/ISL (same block) and the Cummins M11/ISM.  The ISL in its' current form is available up to 425hp and 1250lb/ft torque-much more then the 6-71TA DDEC would put out AND get better fuel mileage.  Good Luck, TomC

[rusty]

Ken, Very impressive. Can't wait to see how you like that Auto-shift. Keep up the good work.

Wayne

[Boomer]

Yes I know Tom, but there is a monumental labor cost to completely rebuild the back of the Silverside as well as changing diffs, suspension, cooling/CAC system, on and on, etc. etc.  I wouldn't live long enough to pay this back in the small fuel savings, even if I drove 50,000 miles a year.  Besides, I want some semblance of originality to the rig. The worn out 160 hp engine in it now gets 8.8 and I fully expect around 10 with the new engine. Check out Bernhard's website to get an idea of just how extensive that conversion was.  I would wager that the cost was in the mid 5 figure range.  Really nice job tho.  Hope the owner is enjoying it.