Low turbo on a DD V-6 in an MC5c

[Craig R]

As I seek the plumbing to put a turbocharged engine in an MC5c – with its low-clearance engine compartment – I'm trying to identify rigs that arrived from the factory with a low-profile turbocharger on a 6V71TA (maybe turbo-6V92 instead). A little research leaves me with the impression that these buses were available, at some point, powered by a 6V71TA:
•   GMC RTS II (slope back)
•    Blue Bird "City Bird" (1985 & 1986)
•   Flxible Metro (model 40102-6TL ?)
•   Gillig Phantom (1980 to 1994)
•   Grumman 870 (model 40102-6-1 ?)

I am, however, unable to find where the turbo was located in any of these applications. Top? Side? Front? Back?

Somewhere I saw mention of V-6 DD engines in Eagle buses having a lower profile than those in MCI buses.

Perhaps somebody out there knows of a truck that carried a DD V-6 with a low-slung turbo -- and how to connect with a parts supplier or salvage yard that might have the turbo & plumbing in inventory.

Again, what I need is the plumbing to mount a turbocharger low on the engine. If it comes bundled with the turbo, that's okay. If one is available attached to the engine, I would consider it – if I can use that engine.

Whether their response is, "yeah, the engines in a [make, model] had a low-slung turbo" or "I know where you can get that hardware. Give these folks a call", any help folks could give me in this scavenger hunt would be appreciated.

[luvrbus]

They mount on the passenger side not a easy task but doable,there is no kit I know of I have the top air horn and y but no manifolds or piping.Eagle used a front mounted turbo but they didn't have a belt drive going from the crank to the blower fan like a MCI

[RJ]

As I seek the plumbing to put a turbocharged engine in an MC5c – with its low-clearance engine compartment

I'm looking for the same plumbing for the same project.

I have a 6V92TA available to me, just need the plumbing to hang the turbo off the side of the engine.

Shall keep an eye on this thread!

[Tom Y]

I talked to a guy in NYC about 15 years ago with a 5C and a turboed 6/71. The engine was out and rebuilt. He wanted to sell, I bought another 5c. Then I saw he was giving the bus away or he was scrapping it. That engine may still be there, but where? He was north of the city, 30-40 minutes from ground zero.  He was not junking it, but I have no contact info. Sorry 

[gg04]

Why not just use your original manifold and weld up the mount you want out of stainless? Then it will go anywhere. rdw

[luvrbus]

Check Brian Evans posts he did all his own fab work on his system for a turbo 8v71 in a MCI 5.when I did my 6v92 in our 5 most of my parts came from Pedco in Ca,you need straight exit manifolds or the middle exit for easier installation   

[lostagain]

My 5C has a 6V92TA. The turbo is on the driver's side. I did not do the installation. A PO had it done. I don't know of any source for the plumbing and parts. You probably have to custom fabricate everything, which is what I did when I turboed the 4-71 in my Courier 96.

JC

[bevans6]

Here, for the idea, is an off-the-shelf turbo install for an 8V-71.  It is out of an M109 self propelled howitzer, and if it's still tuned stock has N80 injectors and 400 hp.  It is a slightly different version of the one I installed in my MC-5C, but I really think this turbo mount would fit in a 5C.  You'd still have to demilitarize it, but the exhaust manifold is perfect.

http://www.flanderstechsupply.com/gallery/engines/Motor%20M109%20detroit%20diesel%208V71T.cfm

Brian

[luvrbus]

I think Pedco did yours JC,I don't see wasting the money turboing a 6V71 but it is his dime  

[TomC]

I can tell you from my experience that turboing the 8V-71 REALLY wakes it up. If you rebuild to turbo specs, you can get 400hp with 1200lb/ft torque with 80 injectors. MTU still makes the 8V-71 for military use (as also the 8V-92TA and 6V-53TI for the M113 [over 80,000 built!]). I use only 7G75 injectors since I still have high compression pistons with boost being at 15psi using a 12.7 liter Series 60 turbo with waste gate. Have had no problems in the 20,000mi I've driven it. Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

You really push a 6v71 over the edge trying to get 280 hp from one they don't last.

[RJ]

I think Pedco did yours JC. . .

Clifford -

Is Pedco still doing two-strokes?  Or, for that matter, are they still around?

RJ

[luvrbus]

They are still around just that Virgil sold out to the Ironman group the Santa Fe Springs shop is still there and Virgil hangs out there sometimes and they still sell new and used parts for the old engines   

[gg04]

I always thought the 6v71's were just as tough as the 6v53's.. I compound turbocharged the one in my 72 f350..drove the wheel's off it ..Didn't know the 71's were weaker. rdw

[christopher]

hi
my 1978 5c has a 692 turbo. The pervious owner installed it. It appears the only thing he did was raise the blower deck about 4 inches. I can send pics if you'd like
Chris