TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVERS... ER BUSES

[Mex-Busnut]

As I stated previously, I am in the process of saving up for our bus. The bus we had originally selected is still available.  I described it here, close to the bottom of the page:

http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=2547.371

There is a second bus available, which was just retired from the military and has had very good maintainance. Same company as the first (MASA = Mexicana de Autobuses). It is seven years older, 1985. Instead of a 6V92T and 7-speed, this one has an 8V71 and a ten-speed standard. The tires look like new. The reason it is tempting is that for the first bus I have to save up about another $5,000 U.S., and for this older bus, I have enough now.

Both come with Jake Brakes. #1 has a recent overhaul, and is owned by a long-time friend.

Here is a pix of a bus similar to #2. Notice the factory raised roof half-way back.

[TomC]

If you're going to travel in the western US around Colorado, Wyoming, explore the Sierra Nevadas, then the 6V-92TA would serve you better with its' turbocharger.  Then again, if you don't mind going up hills a bit slower, the 10spd on the 8V-71 would work well too.  I say get the bus NOW and get working!  Good Luck, TomC

[bevans6]

it's a very nice looking bus!  I like it a lot.  nothing wrong with an 8V-71 that a ten speed should fix, or sure help with!  Said he with a 8V71 with a 4 speed...

Brian

[steve wardwell]

how about bus #2 and add a turbo

[Busted Knuckle]

Steve took the words right out of my mouth!

I really like bus # 2 better!
  BK 

[Dreamscape]

I'll vote for #2 also! We have an 8v71N and a 4 speed box. I like the 10 speed, get it!

Paul

[kyle4501]

Driving the 10 speed may not be much different than the 7 speed - all depends on how the ratios are split & how they fit the motor's power curve.
Turbo won't loose as much power at higher altitudes as the non turbo.
If you keep the conversion light weight, the 8V71 will do fine.
You can always add a turbo or propane injection at a later date to the non turbo.

Drive both, then get the one that drives the best. The second one looks more classic, so that's the one I like. 

decisions, decisions . . . . 

[Mex-Busnut]

Thanks to all of you for your ideas!

Kyle4501:
I understand the non-turbo engines lose 4% of their power for every 1,000 feet of altitude. Is that correct? How do yo add propane injection? What does it do?

TomC:
I am located in the heart of the Mexican Republic, at 6,800 feet above sea level. I live in San Juan del Río, Querétaro, 100 miles North West of Mexico City.  I do a ton of driving all over central and southern Mexico between 5,000 and 11,000 feet altitude, where the American Rockies end in a huge knot. So yes: Mountain-climbing ability is a definite plus.

[Highway Yacht]

I also cast my vote for Bus #2.... Nice classic styling..

[kyle4501]

I understand the non-turbo engines lose 4% of their power for every 1,000 feet of altitude. Is that correct? How do yo add propane injection? What does it do?

I have no details concerning how to add it, I have only heard from others that they had done it & it worked. I would think that if you asked around the truck repair shops, you would find someone who knows . . . . I would try to find several shops that have done it & then chose one to use.

Good Luck!

[Busted Knuckle]

I've heard Utah Claim Jumper here on the board has done it and loves it!
  BK 

[TomC]

I would add a Jake Brake too!  That was one of thee first things I did with my bus before I brought it home from Kelso, Wa.  Personally-like the 10spd better then the 7spd.  The 7spd, although it doesn't have a splitter, can be a bit cantankerous to shift at times.  Get the 8V-71-I have one in my bus and added a turbocharger, larger injectors, air to air intercooler bumping my power from 300hp and 800lb/ft torque, to 375hp and 1125lb/ft torque that really flatened the hills.  Course, in Mex, you can't really go that fast on the hilly two lane roads anyway.  And lots of buses there still with 8V-71's!  Nice thing about the 10spd, you can also skip shift-use every other gear most of the time and have all gears available for the steep hills.  Good Luck, TomC

[Busted Knuckle]

I would add a Jake Brake too!  That was one of thee first things I did with my bus before I brought it home from Kelso, Wa.  Personally-like the 10spd better then the 7spd.  The 7spd, although it doesn't have a splitter, can be a bit cantankerous to shift at times.  Get the 8V-71-I have one in my bus and added a turbocharger, larger injectors, air to air intercooler bumping my power from 300hp and 800lb/ft torque, to 375hp and 1125lb/ft torque that really flatened the hills.  Course, in Mex, you can't really go that fast on the hilly two lane roads anyway.  And lots of buses there still with 8V-71's!  Nice thing about the 10spd, you can also skip shift-use every other gear most of the time and have all gears available for the steep hills.  Good Luck, TomC

Tom I think he said both already have the Jake, and I also agree on the 10 Spd.
  BK 

[BG6]

In the pics, it looks like the first bus is a transit, the second an intercity.

If this is true, the second would be my choice.  I would NEVER buy a transit to do a conversion.

For most driving, you need gears more than turbocharger, so the 8V71 with the 10-speed will do as well as the 6V92T with 7-speed MOST of the time.  You will notice the difference on long uphill pulls, but unless you plan to spend a lot of time going over steep grades, you will probably be just as happy with one as with the other.

[Mex-Busnut]

While the second bus may LOOK like a transit with that strange boxy front end, it is a highway bus currently licensed and working in federal (nation-wide) tourism service.

Yes: BOTH buses already have the Jake brake installed.