MCI 9 Powertrain options?

jmblake · September 07, 2015, 12:02:26 PM

I'am seriously concidering ditching the detroit,I hate to do it because I have alot of money tied up in it, but wanting to weigh my options. I'am not a big fan of cummins so I'am thinking cat. So my question is has anybody put a cat in a 9? and also would my 740 allison work with a cat? We love the bus and I really thought the last rebuild would be the last but its not working out that way. I want something that we can jump in and go across country in and not have to worry about if we break down were are we going to find someone to work on the old detroit.
Thanks Jason

chessie4905 · September 07, 2015, 04:37:50 PM

50 series detroit

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=detroit+diesel+series+50&_sop=16

Scott & Heather · September 07, 2015, 05:12:10 PM

Jason, what's in your bus now? Was it the 8v92ta ddec ii?

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jmblake · September 07, 2015, 05:22:48 PM

Chessie, Not real sure if I want to go that route, I know they fit nicely in the 9s
Scott, it is a 8V71Turbo
I was thinking someone said about a cat c12 would fit but not sure that was it.
Jason

kevhal · September 07, 2015, 05:28:12 PM

I can completely understand what you are thinking. I too have the same problem other than my 6v92 is not shot yet. I am thinking of a m11 or L10 or ISM. I like Cummins. Ask on the board who has changed theirs.

jmblake · September 07, 2015, 05:40:25 PM

I wouldn't totally count cummins out but I would preferr a cat, Don't get me wrong I like my detroit but the problems I'am having right now I can't even go on a short trip and enjoy my self without worrying are we going to break down.
Jason

luvrbus · September 07, 2015, 06:03:42 PM

A Cat 3176 is a good fit in a MCI, I like the C-12 pre EGR or about any thing YELLOW I wouldn't even look a L10 unless it was L10E

jmblake · September 07, 2015, 06:32:44 PM

Thanks Cliff, What kinda Hp is a 3176? Will a C12 fit and if so what transmission would you use? will the 740 work?
Jason

TomC · September 07, 2015, 08:19:19 PM

DO NOT USE A CAT 3176. It has an cast iron block with an aluminum space then the cast iron head. That aluminum spacer almost bankrupted Caterpillar. Instead use the excellent C12 pre EGR (like Clifford said). But-Caterpillar is not being used in over the road trucks and buses since 2010-meaning the parts will be more expensive.
Even though I like the Series 60, Series 50, and Cat engines, I would suggest the Cummins ISM that is available up to 500hp and 1550lb/ft torque. It is the lightest, smallest full sized truck engine. Plus was used in many trash trucks and buses with automatic. The ISM will bolt up to the HT740, but have to use a cable throttle control. Good Luck, TomC

azdieselman · September 07, 2015, 09:47:26 PM

I agree with Tom. 3176/3196 can be very costly at overhaul. The C-12 is the replacement, Not a bad engine, Plenty of them around, 350 was a common rating.

luvrbus · September 07, 2015, 10:09:58 PM

I could always get around 15 to 18 thousand hrs out of a 3176 in my equipment I have a friend that has one in a Eagle we went with the CAC instead of the after cooler his has ran since 1999 it's never been a problem yet set at 400 hp they ran for ever in boats set at 600 hp

The 500 hp ISM gives you problems the 400 hp seems to be better just stop at Cummins dealer and see what engine they work on the most in RV's I have a buddy that is shop foreman for Coastal Plains says the ISM 500 is a big mistake he likes the ISM up to 450 hp

chessie4905 · September 08, 2015, 03:32:22 AM

After all the money you will get into to install a different engine, you might want to consider a newer coach without a 2 stroke. Remember that our coaches get older every year.

jmblake · September 08, 2015, 04:03:55 AM

Thanks for all the replys, I got some time to think this over and do some homework. since winter is just around the corner we are done traveling for the year. We love the bus + it does have sentimental value in the family as my father helped me convert it and he is no longer with us, we just can't part with it yet. Either way it needs fixed, it's not worth anything if it doesn't run and I have to much tied up in it to just abandon it. Will the 740 hook up to a C12? Does the cummins ISM just get a software change to change the HP? or is it something internal?
Jason

luvrbus · September 08, 2015, 06:28:29 AM

Yes the 740 will work behind a C-12 but you may need the 748 for length the C-12 is longer than a ISM by 3 inches fwiw same height though,the 50 series is shorter than both but you have the height to deal with

Mike in GA · September 08, 2015, 06:36:24 AM

If you'd like a little more info on the suitability of the DD Series 50, you might check out a story in a recent SE Busnuts newsletter that describes the pros and cons (mostly pros) encountered by seven members who made the switch.
www.sebusnuts.org
Click on 'older newsletters' on the right side, then click on 'Spring 2015'.
YMMV
Mike in GA