BlueBird FC Schoolbus 5.9L ---> 83 FC 35

[davidkerryedwards]

I think the 5.9 is a better engine than the 3208, but depending on the version,
they do
have their problems. I think the conversion should be doable. I know of a
couple of
Dodge Travcos where the original 440's were replaced with the Cummins 5.9. So
if they
can fit in the space of a 440, they should be able to fit inthe space of a 3208.
What is the power curve of the 5.9 compared to the 3208? Are there going to be
gearing
issues?

Kerry
82 FC 35
Denver-

-- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Thomas and Valeria Eastham"
wrote:
>
> Firstly I have some biases I should admit to. IMHO Caterpillar
> engines are overpriced, medium quality product. Cummins engines are
> some of the best engines around. DD's are as good or better but I'm
> not going to try to put a DD next to the driver seat of a FC 35.
>
> With that in mind I have been watching these BlueBird Schoolbuses come
> up at auctions down here in Texas. They are usually 88-90 models
> with FC style setup and 5.9L Cummins Turbo engines. Often the entire
> bus can be bought for $3000, sometimes less.
>
> I'm thinking... why can't I take the engine guts out of that
> Schoolbus and put it in my 83 FC35? Should be an easy conversion as
> the 5.9L Cummins is narrower than the 3208. Also the 5.9L will make
> some serious power with a little tuning (Allison trans might be a
> problem).
>
> Has anybody done this or looked into it?
>
> Have a nice holiday weekend!
>
> Thomas Eastham
> Houston, TX
> 83 FC35
> 84 FC33 Shell
>