V730 to V731 swap

[Cary and Don]

Has anybody changed their V730 out to a V731 on a non DDEC engine?  We are considering doing this swap since our V730 has a lot of miles on it and the V731 is a new rebuild.  We could eliminate the floor shifter at the same time.

Don and Cary
GMC4107
Neoplan AN340

[TomC]

I have the V730 in my bus, and it is so reliable, I just don't understand why you'd want to increase your break down possibility with an electronically controlled transmission?  You need to install a throttle position sensor, run all the wires for the electronic shifter, etc.  If you want an electronic shifter, then go with the Stone-Bennett shifter.  Keep the V730-you'll be pleased you did-especially when the electronics fail on the V731 and you're stuck on the side of the road.  Good Luck, TomC

[chris4905]

Don,

I have a V730, with an electric shifter, in my 4905.

I'm with Tom, don't change your transmission you main reason is to upgrade for the purpose of upgrade, and to get rid of the shift tower.

I got the electric shifter from a bus company who had one laying around, for $100.00.  Then had my father-in-law, who is one of those electrical gifted people, build me a "custom" shifter.  He said it cost him about $20 in parts.  Works just like a Stone shifter.  Has a 3 position [On(mom)-Off-On(mom)] switch, led lamps to indicate drive position, and even a hi/low lamp dimmer.

Works like a charm, less than the Stone unit, and didn't have to buy a new transmission.

Good luck with whatever avenue you decide.

Chris

[gm4106]

I did the samething chris4905 did. I bought mine at NIMCO http://www.nimcobus.com/
Mine is the Stone Bennett are shifter. It's 12 Volts and works great. I had to make the shifter like chris4905 did with a rocker switch and lights to indicate witch gear I'm in. Easy to figure out and getting to work.