Diesel or Gas?

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Diesel or Gas?

Home > Discussion Forum > Bus Conversions - School

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All Messages in Thread	Author	Date
Diesel or Gas?	Mark L.	11-9-00
I purchased a 1972 Blue Bird RV conversion this summer which was beautifully done. The only drawback with the whole package (and it may not be a drawback at all) is that it came with a 391 Ford V-8 gasoline engine. I intend to pull a trailer with this rig, and I know that on hills, it's going to be kind of slow. Does anyone have any insight as to what the best way to get a few extra HP and ft*lbs? I'm not sure whether to turbocharge what's there, or convert to a turbodiesel. I am considering the fact that the generator is almost brand new, and it has a gasoline engine, and that it may be difficult to adapt to the existing transmission, currently some sort of manual 5-speed (which I like). Any thoughts are appreciated. As for the rest of the bus, I'm really pleased with what I found - feel free to take a look. Cheers, Mark L. Lansing, Michigan USA
Re: Diesel or Gas?	Ryan W	11-10-00
I have a 77 Ford Buss with a 391 in it. It blew a head gasket last summer and dropped exhaust seat reacking the motor. Not telling how many miles the engine had on it to begin with. I took it out and rebuilt it for under $800. New pistons, cam, gaskets and a head job. I was going to go Diesel but the cost would be three times the rebuild. Keep it gas and you'll be fine.
Re: Diesel or Gas?	Wrench	11-10-00
I got the same engine, and so far what I found is to port the intake/head, head/exhust, and a high torque cam if sticking to the 391. An other way,is to drop a powerstroke in it, 300HP is available and quieter &smaller than the 3208 big time!! I will go with the powerstroke on mine as soon the budget allow. good luck Wrench I purchased a 1972 Blue Bird RV conversion this summer which was beautifully done. The only drawback with the whole package (and it may not be a drawback at all) is that it came with a 391 Ford V-8 gasoline engine. I intend to pull a trailer with this rig, and I know that on hills, it's going to be kind of slow. Does anyone have any insight as to what the best way to get a few extra HP and ft*lbs? I'm not sure whether to turbocharge what's there, or convert to a turbodiesel. I am considering the fact that the generator is almost brand new, and it has a gasoline engine, and that it may be difficult to adapt to the existing transmission, currently some sort of manual 5-speed (which I like). Any thoughts are appreciated. As for the rest of the bus, I'm really pleased with what I found - feel free to take a look. Cheers, Mark L. Lansing, Michigan USA
Re: Diesel or Gas?	FAST FRED	11-10-00
The 391 was a great engine , if it is in good shape , so what if it wont pull the hills at FLANK speed. Diesel conversion is lousey. LOTS of noise , engine noise bounces off road surface and into your ears.NO insulation can help. Wouls only consider diesel if traveling over 25,000 miles EVERY year. Otherwise newer gas engine {after you wear out the 391} still makes most sense. Fits same motor mounts, uses same rear axle ect. Cheap at wreckers. QUIET to lisen to for hours on end! FAST FRED
Re: Diesel or Gas?	Mark L.	11-10-00
Will either 6 or 8 cylinder PSD just "drop in" without too much trouble, i.e., do they have the same bolt pattern as a 391? If only I could be so lucky... At this point, I will still use the 391 to get a feel for whether or not I like it. It DOES run, and that's quite an advantage! Diesel will always be an option that I will consider. Thanks for your input. An other way,is to drop a powerstroke in it, 300HP is available and quieter &smaller than the 3208 big time!!
Re: Diesel or Gas?	Wrench	11-10-00
Powerstroke is a 8 cylinders engine and bolt to a bellhousing SAE no 2 same that a 391 CID. After re-reading your post, I notice you go a 5 speed tranny, you should not have any problem to find cluch parts to match a powerstroke. Powerstroke and allison auto tranny fit together, that I am sure!!! Also a 6 cylinder cummins fit in there, but more modification and more noise. Wrench Will either 6 or 8 cylinder PSD just "drop in" without too much trouble, i.e., do they have the same bolt pattern as a 391? If only I could be so lucky... At this point, I will still use the 391 to get a feel for whether or not I like it. It DOES run, and that's quite an advantage! Diesel will always be an option that I will consider. Thanks for your input. An other way,is to drop a powerstroke in it, 300HP is available and quieter &smaller than the 3208 big time!!
Re: Diesel or Gas?	Mark L.	11-10-00
This is a very good point. As in my other reply, I will at least try out the 391 for a few more months before I decide, but I am leaning toward keeping it and fixing it up. I can always go diesel later, anyway. Thanks for your insight. The 391 was a great engine , if it is in good shape , so what if it wont pull the hills at FLANK speed. Diesel conversion is lousey. LOTS of noise , engine noise bounces off road surface and into your ears.NO insulation can help. Wouls only consider diesel if traveling over 25,000 miles EVERY year. Otherwise newer gas engine {after you wear out the 391} still makes most sense. Fits same motor mounts, uses same rear axle ect. Cheap at wreckers. QUIET to lisen to for hours on end! FAST FRED