MPH
|
04-24-2005, 08:54
Post: #1
|
|||
|
|||
MPH
Hi I am the new kid on the block and have a question to ask.Two years
ago and many dollars I bought a 1984 bluebird 35footer with a 3208 cat turbo.My wife and I are just now starting to use it starts good and runs good however the top speed was only 62 mph on the flats.Had some adjustments made and can do 71mph on the flats (located in illinois) now.My questions are what is the hp on this model is 71 mph the top speed also who works on bluebirds in my area St.Louis Mo. south central ill.Im not a road warrior but 71 mph still sounds a lil slow for todays use.Possibly this is the best i just dont know but i can live with this speed.Would appreciate any advice on this thanks. Nick Gougeon retired driver. p.s. sure like my bluebird |
|||
04-24-2005, 09:39
Post: #2
|
|||
|
|||
MPH
Hi Nick,
Your top speed is limited by the max rpm of your engine. The CAT 3208 turbo you have is rated at 250hp at 2600 rpm. Max rpm of 2805. You need to determine what your rear end gearing is. This information is listed on the axle capacity plate above the doghouse on the back of the lower dashboard. You likely have a 1:4.88 (4.89) ratio which puts your max speed at about 69 mph. Considering the national speed limit was 55 when your bird was built, it's not bad. Exceeding this speed will overspin your engine and certainly reduce it's life, short term or long. Eating a valve will be costly. What you can do is get new gearing in the rear end, or run larger wheels/tires. Other considerations regarding the engine are how well and how fast it gets you to the max speed, and how well you can climb a grade. Keeping fresh fuel and air filters on it, improving the air intake, and insuring the injectors/injection pump/governor are properly set up will help. If you want to go beyond the standard settings, make sure you keep an eye on other matters like tranny temp, pyrometer, engine temp, etc... You may need add-ons like a tranny cooler, larger engine fan and more. The basic setup was a good one for the time, always room for improvement if done carefully. Gary Miller 83 FC 33 Wauwatosa, WI --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Nelson Gougeon" <1492lost@c...> wrote: > > Hi I am the new kid on the block and have a question to ask.Two years > ago and many dollars I bought a 1984 bluebird 35footer with a 3208 cat > turbo.My wife and I are just now starting to use it starts good and > runs good however the top speed was only 62 mph on the flats.Had some > adjustments made and can do 71mph on the flats (located in illinois) > now.My questions are what is the hp on this model is 71 mph the top > speed also who works on bluebirds in my area St.Louis Mo. south central > ill.Im not a road warrior but 71 mph still sounds a lil slow for todays > use.Possibly this is the best i just dont know but i can live with this > speed.Would appreciate any advice on this thanks. Nick Gougeon > retired driver. p.s. sure like my bluebird |
|||
04-24-2005, 09:45
Post: #3
|
|||
|
|||
MPH
250 horsepower, 71 MPH sounds about right. Probably 4.83:1
gearing. Some guys regear the rear to about 4:44:1, or 4:63:1. Jeff Miller is the rear end gearing guru: http://www.wanderlodge.net/ If you can get into the archives search on "regear" and re-gear". Vintage Birds has a history section with some specs on your Bird: http://www.vintagebirds.com/ Dan, 94 BMC 37' --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Nelson Gougeon" <1492lost@c...> wrote: > > Hi I am the new kid on the block and have a question to ask.Two years > ago and many dollars I bought a 1984 bluebird 35footer with a 3208 cat > turbo.My wife and I are just now starting to use it starts good and > runs good however the top speed was only 62 mph on the flats.Had some > adjustments made and can do 71mph on the flats (located in illinois) > now.My questions are what is the hp on this model is 71 mph the top > speed also who works on bluebirds in my area St.Louis Mo. south central > ill.Im not a road warrior but 71 mph still sounds a lil slow for todays > use.Possibly this is the best i just dont know but i can live with this > speed.Would appreciate any advice on this thanks. Nick Gougeon > retired driver. p.s. sure like my bluebird |
|||
04-24-2005, 11:16
Post: #4
|
|||
|
|||
MPH
Nelson Gougeon wrote:
> > Hi I am the new kid on the block and have a question to ask.Two years > ago and many dollars I bought a 1984 bluebird 35footer with a 3208 cat > turbo.My wife and I are just now starting to use it starts good and > runs good however the top speed was only 62 mph on the flats.Had some > adjustments made and can do 71mph on the flats (located in illinois) > now.My questions are what is the hp on this model is 71 mph the top > speed also who works on bluebirds in my area St.Louis Mo. south central > ill.Im not a road warrior but 71 mph still sounds a lil slow for todays > use.Possibly this is the best i just dont know but i can live with this > speed.Would appreciate any advice on this thanks. Nick Gougeon > retired driver. p.s. sure like my bluebird I'm still in the shopping stage myself but it sure looks like these things had "skoolie gears" at the rear axle. I've seen a few now on the used market where somebody added a secondary tranny behind the Allison to open up the gears. A real axle main gear swap might also be a possibility? Jim |
|||
04-24-2005, 12:02
Post: #5
|
|||
|
|||
MPH
If you need speed go to a 4.4 ratio. Randy Dupree swears the 4.11 is the truth,
but I'm afraid. Running at the red line will cost you a lot as Gary Miller indicated and as our colleague Ralph can attest. Cat refers to continuous cruise engine speed as 2400 RPM. I have the 4.8 in my 83, a change to 24.5 rubber results in 65 @ 2300, as I'm not looking for trouble, that will have to do. My newly installed Cat injector pump only goes to 2550 and that nets 71. I think maybe they "Cat" might be trying to tell me something, like don't blow up your stuff man. If you blow the engine it will cost around 18 grand to repower unless you do it on the cheap, then you will continue to suffer. Mike Hohnstein Germantown, WI 83FC35 ----- Original Message ----- From: Nelson Gougeon To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2005 3:54 PM Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] MPH Hi I am the new kid on the block and have a question to ask.Two years ago and many dollars I bought a 1984 bluebird 35footer with a 3208 cat turbo.My wife and I are just now starting to use it starts good and runs good however the top speed was only 62 mph on the flats.Had some adjustments made and can do 71mph on the flats (located in illinois) now.My questions are what is the hp on this model is 71 mph the top speed also who works on bluebirds in my area St.Louis Mo. south central ill.Im not a road warrior but 71 mph still sounds a lil slow for todays use.Possibly this is the best i just dont know but i can live with this speed.Would appreciate any advice on this thanks. Nick Gougeon retired driver. p.s. sure like my bluebird ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links a.. To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
|||
04-24-2005, 12:05
Post: #6
|
|||
|
|||
MPH
Hi Just rcvd. your msg. on the bluebird changing gears etc. looks to be a bit
much.Looks like 71 mph is going to be it thanks for the info. Nelson Gougeon----- Original Message ----- From: Jim March To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2005 6:16 PM Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] MPH Nelson Gougeon wrote: > > Hi I am the new kid on the block and have a question to ask.Two years > ago and many dollars I bought a 1984 bluebird 35footer with a 3208 cat > turbo.My wife and I are just now starting to use it starts good and > runs good however the top speed was only 62 mph on the flats.Had some > adjustments made and can do 71mph on the flats (located in illinois) > now.My questions are what is the hp on this model is 71 mph the top > speed also who works on bluebirds in my area St.Louis Mo. south central > ill.Im not a road warrior but 71 mph still sounds a lil slow for todays > use.Possibly this is the best i just dont know but i can live with this > speed.Would appreciate any advice on this thanks. Nick Gougeon > retired driver. p.s. sure like my bluebird I'm still in the shopping stage myself but it sure looks like these things had "skoolie gears" at the rear axle. I've seen a few now on the used market where somebody added a secondary tranny behind the Allison to open up the gears. A real axle main gear swap might also be a possibility? Jim ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links a.. To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
|||
04-24-2005, 12:07
Post: #7
|
|||
|
|||
MPH
As has been mentioned, you're being limited by rpm on the flats, not
hp. You can re-ratio the rear end, gain speed or simply slow the engine down at cruise speed. I've found that the original (standard) 4.89 gear in that coach is a bit short for my taste, the optional 4.63 a bit better, and better still if you don't tow is 4.44:1. I had 4.11 in a 300hp coach, liked it okay in 4th gear (1:1) but I'm thinking it'd be a bit tall for a 250hp coach. I have an spreadsheet, will see if I can figure out how to post it. - Jeff Miller http://www.wanderlodge.net http://www.millercoachworks.com --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Nelson Gougeon" <1492lost@c...> wrote: > > Hi I am the new kid on the block and have a question to ask.Two years > ago and many dollars I bought a 1984 bluebird 35footer with a 3208 cat > turbo.My wife and I are just now starting to use it starts good and > runs good however the top speed was only 62 mph on the flats.Had some > adjustments made and can do 71mph on the flats (located in illinois) > now.My questions are what is the hp on this model is 71 mph the top > speed also who works on bluebirds in my area St.Louis Mo. south central > ill.Im not a road warrior but 71 mph still sounds a lil slow for todays > use.Possibly this is the best i just dont know but i can live with this > speed.Would appreciate any advice on this thanks. Nick Gougeon > retired driver. p.s. sure like my bluebird |
|||
04-24-2005, 12:51
Post: #8
|
|||
|
|||
MPH
Hi Thanks for the reply on my bluebird changing rear ends etc. is a bit much i
am reluctent to go that far.Looks like 71mph is going to be it maybe i will pick up a tail wind.thanks again.Nelson Gougeon ----- Original Message ----- From: Jeff Miller To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2005 7:07 PM Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: MPH As has been mentioned, you're being limited by rpm on the flats, not hp. You can re-ratio the rear end, gain speed or simply slow the engine down at cruise speed. I've found that the original (standard) 4.89 gear in that coach is a bit short for my taste, the optional 4.63 a bit better, and better still if you don't tow is 4.44:1. I had 4.11 in a 300hp coach, liked it okay in 4th gear (1:1) but I'm thinking it'd be a bit tall for a 250hp coach. I have an spreadsheet, will see if I can figure out how to post it. - Jeff Miller http://www.wanderlodge.net http://www.millercoachworks.com --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Nelson Gougeon" <1492lost@c...> wrote: > > Hi I am the new kid on the block and have a question to ask.Two years > ago and many dollars I bought a 1984 bluebird 35footer with a 3208 cat > turbo.My wife and I are just now starting to use it starts good and > runs good however the top speed was only 62 mph on the flats.Had some > adjustments made and can do 71mph on the flats (located in illinois) > now.My questions are what is the hp on this model is 71 mph the top > speed also who works on bluebirds in my area St.Louis Mo. south central > ill.Im not a road warrior but 71 mph still sounds a lil slow for todays > use.Possibly this is the best i just dont know but i can live with this > speed.Would appreciate any advice on this thanks. Nick Gougeon > retired driver. p.s. sure like my bluebird ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links a.. To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
|||
04-24-2005, 12:55
Post: #9
|
|||
|
|||
MPH
Hi Just rcvd. your message on my bluebird thanks for the info.Looks like 71mph
is going to be it not looking to blow my engine.thanks again .Nelson Gougeon ----- Original Message ----- From: Mike Hohnstein To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2005 7:02 PM Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] MPH If you need speed go to a 4.4 ratio. Randy Dupree swears the 4.11 is the truth, but I'm afraid. Running at the red line will cost you a lot as Gary Miller indicated and as our colleague Ralph can attest. Cat refers to continuous cruise engine speed as 2400 RPM. I have the 4.8 in my 83, a change to 24.5 rubber results in 65 @ 2300, as I'm not looking for trouble, that will have to do. My newly installed Cat injector pump only goes to 2550 and that nets 71. I think maybe they "Cat" might be trying to tell me something, like don't blow up your stuff man. If you blow the engine it will cost around 18 grand to repower unless you do it on the cheap, then you will continue to suffer. Mike Hohnstein Germantown, WI 83FC35 ----- Original Message ----- From: Nelson Gougeon To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2005 3:54 PM Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] MPH Hi I am the new kid on the block and have a question to ask.Two years ago and many dollars I bought a 1984 bluebird 35footer with a 3208 cat turbo.My wife and I are just now starting to use it starts good and runs good however the top speed was only 62 mph on the flats.Had some adjustments made and can do 71mph on the flats (located in illinois) now.My questions are what is the hp on this model is 71 mph the top speed also who works on bluebirds in my area St.Louis Mo. south central ill.Im not a road warrior but 71 mph still sounds a lil slow for todays use.Possibly this is the best i just dont know but i can live with this speed.Would appreciate any advice on this thanks. Nick Gougeon retired driver. p.s. sure like my bluebird ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links a.. To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links a.. To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
|||
04-24-2005, 13:12
Post: #10
|
|||
|
|||
MPH
Hi Just rcvd. your message re my bluebird thank you very much i appreciate
it.Looks like 71mph is going to be it i forgot about the old 55mph deal.Myself i can live with it and a lil less speed however you got to have somekind of head start for a grade so i think now on what i have heard im in the ball park.I can live with 65 all day long wanted to be sure i was close to what it will do.Im use to DD pushers im happy enough though thanks again Nelson GougeonlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2005 4:39 PM Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: MPH Hi Nick, Your top speed is limited by the max rpm of your engine. The CAT 3208 turbo you have is rated at 250hp at 2600 rpm. Max rpm of 2805. You need to determine what your rear end gearing is. This information is listed on the axle capacity plate above the doghouse on the back of the lower dashboard. You likely have a 1:4.88 (4.89) ratio which puts your max speed at about 69 mph. Considering the national speed limit was 55 when your bird was built, it's not bad. Exceeding this speed will overspin your engine and certainly reduce it's life, short term or long. Eating a valve will be costly. What you can do is get new gearing in the rear end, or run larger wheels/tires. Other considerations regarding the engine are how well and how fast it gets you to the max speed, and how well you can climb a grade. Keeping fresh fuel and air filters on it, improving the air intake, and insuring the injectors/injection pump/governor are properly set up will help. If you want to go beyond the standard settings, make sure you keep an eye on other matters like tranny temp, pyrometer, engine temp, etc... You may need add-ons like a tranny cooler, larger engine fan and more. The basic setup was a good one for the time, always room for improvement if done carefully. Gary Miller 83 FC 33 Wauwatosa, WI --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Nelson Gougeon" <1492lost@c...> wrote: > > Hi I am the new kid on the block and have a question to ask.Two years > ago and many dollars I bought a 1984 bluebird 35footer with a 3208 cat > turbo.My wife and I are just now starting to use it starts good and > runs good however the top speed was only 62 mph on the flats.Had some > adjustments made and can do 71mph on the flats (located in illinois) > now.My questions are what is the hp on this model is 71 mph the top > speed also who works on bluebirds in my area St.Louis Mo. south central > ill.Im not a road warrior but 71 mph still sounds a lil slow for todays > use.Possibly this is the best i just dont know but i can live with this > speed.Would appreciate any advice on this thanks. Nick Gougeon > retired driver. p.s. sure like my bluebird ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links a.. To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
|||
« Next Oldest | Next Newest »
|
User(s) browsing this thread: 2 Guest(s)