MCI 102C3 - To sell or not to sell?

[JT4SC]

Hey everyone,

Merry Christmas!!!! I've been thinking about how to handle the fact the State of CA clearly doesn't want my 2 stroke 1993 MCI 102C3 registered here anymore, and what the chances are most other state/federal govt's follow suite over the next 10 years, as well as the shrinking pool of 2 stroke mechanics, parts, etc.   

So I'd like to ask people's opinions - if you were me would you bite the bullet and move on to a 4-stroke bus (I'm thinking a non EGR S60 or C12 J4500 - total budget including converting approx $100,000), or keep my C3 and possibly re-power to an 8v92TA to get her up hills a little quicker (I plan to tow an enclosed trailer most everywhere I go). 

[muldoonman]

I imagine the  2 Stroke 8v92TA is on Commiefornia's chopping block also. If keeping the 2 Stroke,, Move to a State where they don't give a darn. Yeck, those Idiots want the whole State in Electric Cars by 2035.

[JT4SC]

I imagine the  2 Stroke 8v92TA is on Commiefornia's chopping block also. If keeping the 2 Stroke,, Move to a State where they don't give a darn. Yeck, those Idiots want the whole State in Electric Cars by 2035.

Yes, I can work on registering in a different state, but still concerned about the ability to find mechanics who can competently work on 2 strokes, and eventually I would think parts may get difficult to find.  Is that something I should be worried about or am I overthinking it?

[luvrbus]

 Cooling is problem with the 8v92 in a C3 with the side radiators,people bump the HP up from the 360 hp MCI used in C-3 to 450 and they run hot, go with a J or DL with the series 60. The 8v92 is not a cheap engine to rebuild now with BMW in control a set of pistons and liners from DD now cost over $10,000.00 for a 8v92 ,I have seen bills lately on rebuilds on the 8v92 from over $30,000 using aftermarket parts to $55,000.00 using DD OEM parts it's not worth it a engine costing more than a bus is worth IMO.The series 60 is your best option they don't have the problems as the C-12 in bus but Cat will still work on the C-12 in a bus. You living in CA emission testing is still going to be a problem with a series 60,they want all diesels to be after a 2010 year model you are dealing with CARB ,both the 60 and C-12 left the market in 2010.We get a big influx of pre 2010 passenger buses here in AZ from CA ,it is crazy a running bus and CA wants it hauled out of the state, people I know that has bought one drive it out they are not going to pay a hauling fee that cost more than they paid for the bus     

[JT4SC]

Cooling is problem with the 8v92 in a C3 with the side radiators,people bump the HP up from the 360 hp MCI used in C-3 to 450 and they run hot, go with a J or DL with the series 60. The 8v92 is not a cheap engine to rebuild now with BMW in control a set of pistons and liners from DD now cost over $10,000.00 for a 8v92 ,I have seen bills lately on rebuilds on the 8v92 from over $30,000 using aftermarket parts to $55,000.00 using DD OEM parts it's not worth it a engine costing more than a bus is worth IMO.The series 60 is your best option they don't have the problems as the C-12 in bus but Cat will still work on the C-12 in a bus. You living in CA emission testing is still going to be a problem with a series 60,they want all diesels to be after a 2010 year model you are dealing with CARB ,both the 60 and C-12 left the market in 2010.We get a big influx of pre 2010 passenger buses here in AZ from CA ,it is crazy a running bus and CA wants it hauled out of the state, people I know that has bought one drive it out they are not going to pay a hauling fee that cost more than they paid for the bus   

Thanks Cliff, that's great info on the 8V92.  I was hoping to avoid both the gold bricks relays in a J/E4500 and the EGR, but you can only avoid both with a C12 as far as I can tell.   The S60 came with EGR starting in late 2002 and the Vansco multiplex system was added in the 2003 model year.  Maybe there's a unicorn 2003 with a pre-EGR S60, but I haven't seen it. 
Should I not worry too much about either the gold bricks or EGR??

I have my eye on this bus - https://www.imperialluxurycoach.com/product-page/2004-mci-renaissance

Obviously I'd have to finish the conversion to a MH but I think I can get the price down from what they are asking to stay within my finished budget.  I know the E4500's had a lot more issues than the J's, but my understanding is by 2004 the gremlins were worked out.  Is that accurate? 

[luvrbus]

The D4500 has less electronics than the J is why I like a DL or the renumbered D 4500 they are a workhorse of American HI ways,lol I do like the J they have all the bells and whistles ,I have a buddy that has a J with spiral stairs it is nice only problem he has had is with computerized suspension and ZF 10 speed he had to have