extending MCI5

[lloyd]

Has anyone extended the length of the engine compartment of an MCI5 to allow a different engine trans combination? These ideas keep coming into my thoughts so I though I would ask. I am looking at raising the roof also so I would have to do this all at the same time.
Lloyd

[belfert]

I've certainly read about people extending the exgine compartments on MC5s rearward.

If the bus is not converted yet I would consider finding a MC8, MC9, or even a MC102A3 instead.  You won't be spending a ton of time trying to engineer and build an longer engine bay.

Maybe you want the 35 foot length for smaller campgrounds so that would be a good reason to do this.

[tekebird]

lloyd, the only reason to do that or your roof raise is if you need a project to do to keep you busy.

especially if the bus is converted already.

What is wrong with your present engine?

[belfert]

A roof raise can be pretty important if you're tall.  My bus is barely tall enough for me as I am 6'2".  If I am not careful I would hit the A/C covers.

[tekebird]

it's not that important. I am 6'6" and dealt with my 04 for years...and deal with the 08's and MC-8 and even the 96A3.

My view:  when you use your bus......your are standing in it or walking in it less than 5% of the time.....and unless you are fulltiming....that adds up to not alot of time....and in most cases is not worth the cost/effort.

only time I would consider it an option was if it was a bare shell to begin with.

[Ncbob]

I can see a roof raise on a 5 but since the cooling blowers sit so much lower than those of the later model 40'ers there isn't a whole lot of room to accommodate anything other than the 8V71 without putting so much money in the bus you'd be hard pressed to see any of it back.

Good Luck with your plans.

Bob

[Tom Y]

Lloyd, I raised the roof on mine 8.25 inches. I also removed 37 inches from the middle and added 15 inches for a Cummins L10 and 740. I left the roof intact and cut off the rear cap when I was done. I also put in a single radiator on the drivers side.

[Tom Y]

Sorry wrong pic. Also I know most think I am nuts or stupid or both but o well.

[lloyd]

Tom Y
I see by your pictures that you left the rear section intact and just separated between the back and the axle. That would make it easier for finishing. Did you have extra SS to fill in the gap? The reason I am looking at doing this is to get a more modern engine/trans combination. With all these emission laws who knows who they will pick on next.

[Tom Y]

Lloyd, I tried to post a pic of the back but it comes back to large. I removed the stainless, at the time I did not know how I would finish it. If you go to do this I will send my # if you want to talk. I also put MCI 9 engine doors on it, mounted 1 rad down lower. This opened up the rear for me.  Tom Y

[NJT5047]

It'll likely be a long time before emissions laws seriously regulate existing OEM private coaches.
The RV industry is going to assist us with avoiding this sort of regulation.
If stringent emissions laws were passed and applied to private motorhomes, millions of bucks worth of equipment would instantly be rendered worthless. 
They'll probably pass new emissions laws, but like autos, they'll be applicable to new units. 
Old units will just phase out as they pass on due to old age.
A good many states are finding auto emissions testing too costly to mandate.  North Carolina dropped tailpipe emission testing for OBD1 and down.  All OBD II vehicles are computer tested.  No sniff.
Even when they had stringent testing, there were ways around it.  I've always had some sort of stinky toy that I drive (LT4 powered Astro) that was a PITA to get sniffed.  It would pass when first installed...but it's getting a little dirty lately.
Commercial vehicles are another issue totally.  They'll retrofit them, and require such clean air mods.
I do hope that I'm correct on this assumption.
JR
     

[Sojourner]

Caution TomY.....hold your work in regard to adding metal in this extending area.
I am working a cad drawing to point out the important stress areas so you won't have problem later while traveling down the road.
It explain your needs to avoid loose riveting later as well extra torque stress with bigger engine.

I admire you for taking on this project to update your bus.

I have done many phototype cars buildup at General Motor Tech. Center and retired.

Want to help where I can fill in with my pass experiences.

Either I post or e-mail or both in a day or next the drawing with details.

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

[Jeremy]

It'll likely be a long time before emissions laws seriously regulate existing OEM private coaches.
The RV industry is going to assist us with avoiding this sort of regulation.
If stringent emissions laws were passed and applied to private motorhomes, millions of bucks worth of equipment would instantly be rendered worthless. 
They'll probably pass new emissions laws, but like autos, they'll be applicable to new units. 
Old units will just phase out as they pass on due to old age.
A good many states are finding auto emissions testing too costly to mandate.  North Carolina dropped tailpipe emission testing for OBD1 and down.  All OBD II vehicles are computer tested.  No sniff.
Even when they had stringent testing, there were ways around it.  I've always had some sort of stinky toy that I drive (LT4 powered Astro) that was a PITA to get sniffed.  It would pass when first installed...but it's getting a little dirty lately.
Commercial vehicles are another issue totally.  They'll retrofit them, and require such clean air mods.
I do hope that I'm correct on this assumption.
JR
     

I posted the other day about the new regulations governing large diesel vehicles entering London which require secondary filters to be fitted to the exhaust system to remove soot. I know there are all sorts of tests being carried out in other British cities where they are measuing how harmful diesel emissions specifically are both to people and to old buildings. Without wanting to be a doom monger, I think in future that older vehicles increasingly will be required to pass more stringent tests than they were originally designed to acheive, although I am sure the authorities will ensure the tests can be passed by cleaning up the exhaust rather than cleaning up the engine

Jeremy

[Fredward]

Lloyd,
My -5 has an 8 inch roof raise and it really makes the coach nice inside! My PO did the roof raise and left a crawl space above the ceiling for additional insulation and snaking wires through for future projects! Very insightful on his part. I can send you picts of the completed rig if you like.
Fred

[lloyd]

Fred
That would be great, I always like looking at pictures. Always can find new ideas. I know for sure that I want to raise the roof, more storage and room for wiring and insulation. The extending part I may be rethinking.