Repowering a MCI9 from 6V92 to a Cummins 400BC?

[davidr225]

My 6V92 is tired and I don't want to spend money on it when I can gain touque and HP with the cummins for pulling a trainler.

I need any info I can get on this repower?
Cost, Availablity, Difficulty, Assembled Kits?

HELP....

[TomC]

Unless you have had the 400BC given to you or you already have the engine I'd highly recommend you NOT use the engine.  It is a good engine, but the size is difficult to use.  The NTC400BC is about 800lb heavier and quite a bit taller than the 6V-92TA, facilitating both reinforcing the engine cradle for the extra weight, and punching a hole into the floor because of the much taller block.  Also it is at least 10 inches longer.  The engine I'd use is the Cummins L10 (mechanical and the same horsepower as the 6V-92TA-up to 350 hp and 1100lb/ft torque), M11/ISM-all three the same basic block, weighs the same as the 6V-92TA, will fit under the floor, and is not much longer either.  The electronic M11/ISM version can be built up to a 500hp with 1550lb/ft torque engine-just about on par with a Series 60.  Check out the pictures recently of the L10 postings.  Good Luck, TomC

[buswarrior]

Question on the big power boost:

When it comes to electronic engines, DDEC does not let you simply boost the power. You have to have the high power donor in the first place. Detroit won't help you unless you have the right numbers.

Is Cummins any different?

I suspect some liability on the manufacturer's part in regard to laws and bypassing emissions and the like...?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[blue_goose]

There are a lot of MCI with the Detroit 50 conversion.  I am just about finished up now with one.  It dose fit you can get one for a good price and it is 320 hp with 1150 tork at 1200 rpms. 

[plyonsMC9]

That's a beautiful sight Blue Goose!  What's a good price these days for the Detroit 50?

Best Regards, Phil

[blue_goose]

From about $3,500 to $8,000.  There are lots now from City Buses.  Always some on Ebay.
Jack

[TomC]

Except for the tallness of the engine block, I think the Series 50 is the perfect engine for our conversion.  Can put out 350hp and 1150lb/ft torque, is about the same weight as the 6V-92TA, is a short engine, 1 million mile life expectancy to overhaul, and is extremely fuel efficient.  The only down side is that it has a bit of vibration at idle.  Just make sure you use the soft engine mounts made for the Series 50 and the vibration will be minimal.  I've ridden in transit buses with the Series 50 and thought the vibration wasn't that bad.  Personally would put one in my bus in an instance if Calif did outlaw older engines-can do it with a reverser input gear on the V730.  Good Luck, TomC

[Dallas]

No matter what the nay sayers are apt to say... stick that sucker in there.

Ain't it amazing that if they haven't done it, they decide it won't work?

Sure, you'll have to do a bit of modification, but, that old engine is bullet proof, fuel efficient and very upgradeable.
Another plus to it is that if it quits while going down the road you can always get out a screw driver and set it to "manual"

[Brian Diehl]

From about $3,500 to $8,000.  There are lots now from City Buses.  Always some on Ebay.
Jack

I looked extensively for a S50 last spring when I was starting my repower project.  ALL S50s I found were from transits and limited to 280hp.  Sure, you can get 350 out of the motor, but it requires extensive parts replacements to get that.  Just be prepared for significant tear down/rebuild costs to get the 350 hp.

[blue_goose]

You can get 320 hp and 1150 in tork by just reprograming the ECM.  This can be done at your Detroit dealer.  I paid 1150. for the upgrade inc. program for Jake brake.  Now I have someone that will do it for about one fourth of that.  If you need one upgraded I can put you in touch with him.
Jack

[uncle ned]

   Jack

   Now that you have put a series 50 in an  eagle and a mci are you about ready to put one in a gm. One more set of cooked heads and we will be ready to try.

   How is Jerry's MCI coming along.


Uncle Ned
"Huggy Bear"

[Tom Y]

I found the same as Brian when I was looking. The 50s needed more than a program change, or so I was told by Detroit.  Tom Y

[makemineatwostroke]

320 hp just requires a programing change like Jack said but 350 hp thats another deal and FWIW that engine is still manufactured today for off road use set at 350hp and it is scheluded to go away for good in 2009 but I look for it to last till 2010

[TomC]

If you can get 320hp and 1150lb/ft torque without any modifications, the extra 30hp would not be worth the effort.  320hp is about what a standard 6V-92TA will put out. Good Luck, TomC

[donnreeves]

Pittsburg Injection has a new power modual that should add another 100HP or so to the 320. It's a dial-up so you only have to use it when you need it.    Donn