 |
Since you don't mention how fast your bus will travel the way it is set up right now it is difficult to know where to start with some suggestions.
To start out, I don't think your bus has an overdrive automatic, particularly if it is an AT500 or MT600 series transmission. If you have an AT500 or MT600 transmission, in high gear you are in direct drive. If you have one of the newer World series of transmissions, you may have an overdrive transmission.
In either case, with a Cummins 5.9L you are limited to 2600 RPM's. At 2600 RPM's, the wheels are only going to go as fast as the gearing will allow. If you want to go faster, you will have change the gearing.
If you have 10-hole Budd wheels and you need to increase only 5-10 MPH, the least expensive fix is to change to larger wheels and tires.
If that doesn't work for you or if the change isn't enough, the only other choice is to change the rear gears.
Understand, when you trade to a higher top speed you are going to sacrifice hill climbing ability.
Some of the 5.9L's were rated as low as 160 HP and others as high as 250 HP. The most common ratings are in the 190-210 HP range. If you are on the low end of the power range you are going to be in the slow lane on the hills because you will be in at least one gear lower on every hill.
The 5.9L is a very good engine. It goes a long way with few problems and great fuel economy. It is built stout enough to take a lot of "hot rodding".
However, if you boost the power to get back your hill climbing ability you will be in danger of melting the pistons.
Only you can determine what will work best for you.
Good luck.
Mark O. |
RV and bus conversion info since 1996.
email Mark O.
reply to message
search forums