Best skoolie engine. Each engine has its own HP and torque ratings. 3 (rated 250 HP) and it definitely has a lot more "go" than the other one had. Selling a Skoolie? Sell on Skoolie Livin Classifieds today! IN THIS SERIES, follow along as I build a skoolie for myself, sharing my knowledge of buses and off-grid bus conversions along the way. This has been the Here are the best school bus conversion ideas to inspire your skoolie ideas including short bus, mid, and full-size skoolie conversions. 8L. 4. Im looking at a 1999 7. When I picked it up I cruised at 65-70mph all the way from Atlanta to Greenville, SC (3hr drive) without any overheating. How can I check oil pressure required at injectors? What else? This is a blog post about choosing the right skoolie for you. Good luck! If you were looking for a donor with diesel and auto, what would you get? The most reliable, gets the best mileage, makes the best power (maybe contradictory), etc. I understand the combo isn’t great for highway and mountain travel? Put fuel gauge at shrader. Are there better places to shop for a school - dt466 is widely considered the best skoolie bus engine because of longevity, durability, and readily available parts; "best medium-duty engine ever built, bar none"; an excellent cold-starter; "Pretty much any variant of the dt466 should serve you well. Im thinking i want a Standard Truck chasis bus, Not as Flat engine. Low miles. Not Doing Research/Buying the First Bus In your humble or not humble opinion, what are some of the best engine / transmission combos for driving a big bus in the Rockies? I want a beastly 40 footer that can tow a Subaru. 9 Cummins. 9 or 8. Paint it red and suddenly you see the The cummins 5. Thanks! Best engines for wvo and best engines for biodiesel are two different categories. I actually have a T444e and AT545. Otherwise i could do the older common Thomas FS-65. From my experience and research I understand that some of the fuel lines and gasket/ seal materials can chemically react with the bio and eat them up causing leaks. I thought length would signifcantly make it hard to manuver. Hey all! I have recently become engulfed with the obsession of getting my own skoolie, and over the past few weeks I have been slowly shopping around and doing bits of research, to start developing some knowledge about all the factors involved with owning and using a skoolie. Hello all I was wondering is the DT466 engine a good pair with the Allison AT545 transmission our would I be better off with the T444E engine with a Allison 2000 transmission :Thanx: As the title suggests, I would love some generic info on short bus engines if anyone is willing. For the transmission, it suggests the Allison MD3060 or 2000 series, and advises against the Allison 545 due to its lack of lockup. This is just a compilation of skoolie owners opinions. Getting 60+/- psi now. New engine - move-in ready rv school bus: Short, spacious, cabin-style GrandHorizonCaptain May 27, 2019 skoolie 1 2 Next ••• When it comes to choosing the best bus engine for your skoolie conversion, there are several options to consider. I would bet you will get better performance, hill climbing, and top end speed with the gasser. What are your preferred bus year(s)? 3. Skoolie Engine Database Member Only Content Become a Member Already a Member? Login Here Caterpillar Chevy / GM Cummins Ford International What's the best school bus engine & transmission? Whether you’re looking around the skoolie forums doing research or on a marketplace looking for used buses for sale, you’re going to see several different engine and transmission options. 12. They all seem to have different names. What are the main ones you'll find? Are there some that are held as the best? Are there ones that everyone avoids? I was hoping you all wouldn't mind answering a couple questions: 1) what are the best bus models? 2) what are the best engine's and transmissions to look for and avoid? 3) any other "types" to avoid or look for? (brake type, model year, engine size etc) 4) could you offer a list of questions that would be best to ask a seller? Buy a Used School Bus, Bus Conversion Project, or a Finished Skoolie for Sale. What engine and transmission do you prefer? 4. Best engine for a bus? I think this is the most overwhelming part. It gets way better fuel economy than the dt360 (both are exactly the same displacemennt 5. 9 diesel. The whole mechanical versus electronic comparison usually relates to those who turn their own wrenches because with at least a basic understanding of diesel engines any mechanical issues is just that - mechanical. F is clear and doesn't stink. So to compare "apples to apples", would it be wise to compare hp ratings not just then engine itself in raw form? For example, engine A is a 5. What is the best bus model to purchase? 2. Which Models/Engines Are The Most Reliable? I know basically no one have done it but im liking the idea of a Thomas SAF-T-LINER C2. Engines from 2003 or earlier (2004 T444Es excepted) DT466/DT466e, T444/T444E, Cummins 5. 1. I know nothing of Cats, Detriots I think the options are: replace the engine with a new diesel engine replace the engine with a rebuilt diesel engine sell her at a loss (she's fully loaded with solar, mifi, a full kitchen and bathroom with composting toilet, and able to bookdock for about 2 weeks thanks to the 75 gallon freshwater tank) The document provides tips and recommendations for choosing an engine and transmission for a school bus conversion. Guides to school bus engines for purchasing, common problems, specs, comparisons, and more. now that I am looking with a bigger selection, what engines are sought after, and which one should make me to pass it on. There is some sound reasoning for our choice of diesel over gasoline engines. The preferred transmissions are made by Allison. Lets look at what makes for a great skoolie floor plan. The bus has a little over 200K miles. 0L Powerstroke engine school bus and skoolie listings for sale on Skoolie Livin Classifieds. 9 and AT-545, a duo that seems to have very mixed feedback in the skoolie community. We are a supportive community with a first rule of "Be Nice". There's probably no 'best' engine, only the devil you know and love. Learn how to build a school bus conversion, find a finished skoolie for sale, school bus to convert, short bus I don't know much about the 366 gas, except that the mechanics at the bus garage said that their fleet mileage doubled when they started using diesel engines. Hi Everyone! I'm looking at a Ford B800 5. I have no idea which is better engine wise or more reliable. Fanatic and unique skoolie up for sale. The list of skoolie build tips for building a school bus conversion we wish we knew before starting a skoolie build, including planning and budgeting tips! I did this to my bus (Thread: Transmission Options in this forum) If your bus is converted already and you are def keeping the Vista the very best thing you could do is look for a 2002 IH bus with T444E/2000 combo and swap it into your chassis - Before you start sinking money into your Build, you need to thoroughly go through every system; Engine, Transmission, Drive Train, Brakes, Suspension, Frame, Electrical, Heating and Cooling, Fuel Lines, Brake Lines, Air Lines, Air Canisters, etc. Definitely more expensive, But they have optional 360 Cameras and more modern efficient Engines. Skoolie Research from SoCal in Riverside, CA Hello all, I'm looking at buying a bus to convert or converted bus. 9 Cummins which everyone I’ve spoke to has said is a top tier classic engine that’s easy to service. Deciding what your skoolie floor plan is going to look like will take some planning. Got low fp. Use solar generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply. 3 powerstroke 38ft bus and I'm also looking at a 1991 dt360 22 ft bus. The complete breakdown of skoolie heat options on how to heat a skoolie in fall and winter. 9/AT545, but that's only because I'm somewhat familiar with those two brands. I think you about have to have a 2 tank system to run straight with it, otherwise things get gummy when you turn it off. Do any of you have experience with these? What are Ford schoolbuses like? Thanks in advance! Demystifying the Skoolie Conversion Process: A Step-by-Step Overview is a high altitude guide to building or converting your skoolie. 3 diesel engines as the best options. I’ve slowly been Hi friends! My partner and I are officially on the hunt for a skoolie and have gotten lost in the world of engine / transmission combos. New starter. Most reliable will be a International with a t444 V8 diesel (most any year) ,or DT466 diesel 1980s to 1995, before the 1996 DT466E (Electronic no bueno) Or the Ford with a Cummins 5. Feb 2, 2024 ยท KEY Ratings - The ratings are based on typical individual responses to the question "what engine/transmission is the best" in multiple Skoolie groups and forums. There's a lot to think about when converting a short bus skoolie. - Anything you're not tearing out needs to be inspected, and repaired or replaced as needed. Considering a short skoolie bus conversion for van life? Checkout these 10 amazing short skoolie conversions and see why vanlifers love them! There are several engine manufactures that are used in these buses. 9 is my favorite skoolie engine. 9 engine ("rated" 180 HP, I think?? but who knows what it was delivering). What is the best engine for a Skoolie? What is the best transmission for a converted school bus? What is it like staying in a house again after RV Living for a year and a half. I have visited a many buses and have come up empty. With wvo/svo there are a whole different set of issues and considerations. With proper maintenance 300,000+ miles without major problems is common. They are cheaper to buy, easier to get parts for, easier to find people to work on them, they cost less to work on, and the fuel is cheaper. There was no rust found during the removal of the seats. 7l engine was GM's bread and butter and if the price were right, and you had the ability to swap in an RV cam, some heads (vortec on a tbi is a good, cheap upgrade) and some headers than it wouldn't be all that bad. It was designed to start every morning and survive teenagers. 3. Those are thee most reliable engines in Skoolies. A skoolie owner might break down 3 states away from their preferred/trusted mechanic, where as a bus driver will typically only operate in a single city/county and has a company or dedicated team of mechanics servicing a whole fleet. Almost every bus we’ve found has had a Cummins 5. General consensus among Skoolie builders is to stay away from engines with DEF requirements, and limit your search to pre-DEF buses. New f filter. Edited to add the details you asked for: unsure about my transmission besides it being an Allison. 3L 200hp. What are you opinions? I know to stay away from (generally) an engine under the 6. This skoolie heating guide has everything you I'm getting ready to purchase my first Skoolie and in doing so I'm thinking it would be easier to ask "what should I avoid" engine and transmission wise? As opposed to asking what is the best. New injection harnesses connected. 9 liters = 360 cubic inches) and is available with more hp than the dt360. Partial conversion for the weekend warrior, summer adventurer, festival headbanger or those looking to start a full conversion. Converting a skoolie can be a daunting process, but after building a bus of my own and talking to hundreds of other bus and van dwellers on the road, I’ve compiled a list of the most common mistakes that people make, and why and how to avoid them. Skoolie Conversion Guides + Marketplace. Pay attention to space optimization and ensure practicality. But the HDX was built for institutional endurance: rear engine, air ride, heavy cooling, thick rub rails, LED lights, flat body panels meant to be repaired, not admired. We are an inclusive community primarily surrounding Skoolie and Bus life (and we even love on the Vanlifers). In this video, we'll dive into the top RV e A point worth mentioning if you are planning on doing your own repairs and maintenance: rear engines get FILTHY! Everything in the engine bay typically has 1/2" of grime build up 6. Clean screen. There are no mechanical issues with the bus. Review of the best skoolie battery options for an off-grid skoolie including deep cycle AGM, sealed AGM gel, and LiFePO4 Lithium batteries How to design skoolie floor plans: 1. What would would you say are the top years for engines and manufacturers of well made buses for regional travel? Thanks in advance! Todd BlueFish-SKO Thread Dec 15, 2017 best brand bestengine skoolie top brand top engine Replies: 11 The best school bus for conversion is a short bus like our Thomas MinoTour Ford E-450 which offers more maneuverability, easier driving and parking, and better gas mileage than it’s larger counterparts. 3, or Cat 3126 Any transmission except the AT545 No rust RE (rear engine), FE (front engine - flat-front bus with engine beside driver) and CE (conventional engine or dog nose) have their advantages and disadvantages, no clear winner. Green Typically highly rated and recommended engines. I lean towards a 5. Now I have a 2000 24-valve ISC8. parts are available everywherebut again, who's working on bus engines? Hi skoolie fam!!! I am in the works of purchasing a school bus. The best engines for straight wvo/wmo are the mechanical engines with inline injection pumps. We discuss different styles of school busses and their advantages. Hi! I own a 1996 International 3600, short nose. Avoid all made by Voigt. When it comes to choosing the best bus engine for your skoolie conversion, there are several options to consider. However you may buy a bus with a different engine and never have problems. There seems to be just about infinite information on full size bus engines, but I can't really find much for short buses in particular. It wasn’t designed to be charming. 2. Consider the bus dimension. Can you believe that this skoolie cost $45k to build?! Jalen and Daniella built their dream bus together! Need Lithium Batteries, Solar Panels or a Minisplit for your rig? I've found the best Ok, you guys have sufficently talked me into full size buses. Best place to purchase Skoolie For Sale Thomas School Bus Make: FREIGHTLINER Year: 2005 Style/Body: THOMAS School Bus This is an amazing bus. Replaced ipr spring. I’m looking to swap the engine and transmission, I’m looking for the most powerful engine I can fit in there and the best tranny that would fit with this said engine. We talk about everything and give the best short bus conversion ideas! Here are the best skoolie generators including gasoline, liquid propane, and deisel generators including budget, backup power, and full off-grid generators. 7 v at battery. What are you guys thinking? Ps: don’t This bus is what I believe is the best option when looking to convert a bus into an RV My opinion is based almost entirely on the engine and transmission combination. 9L 250hp, engine B is a 7. I had a 1991 B5. Forum software by XenForo The average fuel economy of a skoolie with a diesel engine is far superior to a gasoline-powered skoolie. Rotary injection pumps will work, but the thicker fuel wears them out faster. So. I’ve had the bus inspected, and the mechanic praised it for its exceptional integrity. Create zones and flows in the floor plan. The 5. In this video, we'll dive into the top RV e Most people just see a skoolie. The engine is a 5. However eventually as older buses become scarce we will learn to adapt to buses that require DEF fluid. From your experience: 1. It recommends the International DT466e or Cummins 8. The Cat C7 engine is described as adequate but expensive Gas engines are probably a good idea for smaller busses. tlcc, gs7d, ruiq, uljqo, us8ie8, bhmd5s, y5te9, hqhnh, jaaga, shxlh,