AM General question

[Lin]

I saw a listing for someone selling a 1977 AM General conversion.  From the pictures, it appears to have a V-drive like a GM.  They said it has a turbo charged 6 cylinder Detroit  (which when asked by email, said it was a 6v71), and a 4 speed Allison.  I was curious to know if there were any 4 speed v-drive Allisons, or is this another example of the imaginary 4th gear lockup.  Did Allison make a 600 series v-drive?  The person seems to be selling it for someone else, so much of what he says may be questionable.  Were 6v71's common for a 40 foot transit?

[buswarrior]

Yes, the 6V71 was a staple engine for transit fleets.

Yes, AM General had sidewinders.

Allison V drive only went to 3 gears.

ZF had at least a 4 speed v-drive transmission, but I don't know if they were in the game in 1977.
They were in 1990.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[TomC]

My bus is an AMGeneral 10240B.  They also made a 9640B.  Most 40ft'rs were powered with an 8V-71, or 8V-71T.  I am surprised to see a 6V-71T as they were very rare.  If it is a 6V-71T, you'll have about the same power as a 8V-71 non turbo. It would be a very easy swap to up grade to a 6V-92TA since they are identical outside to the 6V-71.  Make sure the bus has hydraulic steering.  Mine had air assist and had a slow ratio with alot of play-very hard to drive on the freeway.  After I switched to the Sheppard steering, it improved the driveability alot.   Let me know if you have any more questions.  Where is this bus advertised?  Good Luck, TomC

[Lin]

Tom

I don't know that I am all that serious about this as hopefully I will be getting my 5a back soon, but I may give the guy a call to sort out what it is anyway.  As a transit, I assume that there is not much exterior storage.  Is that correct?  Here is the listing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160420625020&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:MOTORS:1123

[wildbob24]

Lin,

It looks pretty good in the photos. On a transit, basement storage is what you build. Looks like they built out the bays for some decent storage.

I'd be curious to know how the rebuilder managed to turn a V730 into a 6 speed as I'd like one for my 4905, and I might be a little skeptical of the 12mpg.

Bob

[bevans6]

I am very taken with that conversion, I must say.  I think it would suit me to a tee.

Brian

[Lin]

Bob,

As mentioned, I think the guy that is selling it has limited knowledge about it.  It is probably a 3 speed.

Brian,

If it's what you want, don't hold back.  I'm probably just in a browse mode anyway.

[Sam 4106]

Hi Lin,
That engine looks like a 6V92TA to me. And since the engine has been changed I doubt that anyone would have put in a 6V71T. Thats just a guess and I have been wrong many times, a lot of times just today.
That sure looks like a very nice conversion.
Good luck, Sam MC8

[TomC]

It is a much more dressed up conversion then mine.  But many things are the same-like creating the storage area behind the front axle.  The Kohler generator in the engine compartment above the transmission is a little bit weird.  But all in all would be worth a look.  Good Luck, TomC