What compares to the epicness of a Ford e450 7.3L diesel?

robp · July 25, 2021, 01:57:35 PM

We are in the heat of passion researching the right bus for us for our first purchase. We love the size and openness of wheel chair access class B shuttle buses, as well as the interior height of 6'7" as I am 6'4".
DO any skoolies come w high flat ceilings and legendary engines?
Should we open our search to Chevy diesel? So excited

hogi6123 · July 25, 2021, 04:58:13 PM

The International T444e is the same as the 7.3 but with different tuning (for torque more than power). A lot of school buses use this engine though I think they're usually larger buses.

How long of a bus do you want? This site focuses more on Greyhound type 40' buses than skoolies, you will probably get more complete answers to skoolie questions on a site dedicated to skoolies. Look through the buses on this site's buses for sale page to get an idea what this site is all about. It may give you some ideas

Jim Blackwood · July 25, 2021, 07:00:58 PM

You might consider the MCI 102DL-3, an excellent platform to build an RV on.

Jim

CrabbyMilton · July 26, 2021, 07:07:50 AM

There hasn't been a 7.3L diesel engine option is the E SERIES since 2003. They offered the 6.0 diesel until 2012 but they were no good.

DoubleEagle · July 26, 2021, 05:46:30 PM

Quote from: CrabbyMilton on July 26, 2021, 07:07:50 AM
There hasn't been a 7.3L diesel engine option is the E SERIES since 2003. They offered the 6.0 diesel until 2012 but they were no good.

Or the F series. It is a good engine, I have two. You had best let your heat of passion cool off a bit before you spend any money. When your eyes are glazed over with desire and the excitement of something new (that is old) you can make hasty decisions. A converted shuttle bus might not be accepted for entry into some campgrounds, if that is where you intend to park it. You might be better off with an existing Class B RV on a 450 Chassis with the 7.3L, but, the van version is a bit more cramped inside when you need to work on it.

hogi6123 · July 27, 2021, 11:18:55 AM

International dt466 and Detroit Diesel Series 60 are two more very reliable very long lasting diesel engines.

CrabbyMilton · July 27, 2021, 01:14:56 PM

NAVISTAR(owned by VW) seems to have gotten out of the engine business for the most part. Their skoolies offer CUMMINS as the sole diesel engines for the last 2-3 years now.

luvrbus · July 27, 2021, 01:37:53 PM

Quote from: CrabbyMilton on July 27, 2021, 01:14:56 PM
NAVISTAR(owned by VW) seems to have gotten out of the engine business for the most part. Their skoolies offer CUMMINS as the sole diesel engines for the last 2-3 years now.

They still build engines for AG farmer equipment. I heard this was the last year for that too,Navaistar is owned by the Traton group the owners of VW.Scania and Man trucks,I saw a Navastar truck being tested with the Scania V8 engine,Cummins won't be around long in Navistar trucks and buses