sam d

Sam, I have been looking for a Dodge pick up with the 5.9 Cummins (they are not cheap) to replace a 2003 gas Dodge that only gets 12.5 mpg.. I have several friends who are really in to these engines and they suggest the 12 valve models built from about 1992 to mid 1998. These engines are very reliable and fuel efficient but I don't know what a 25,000 pound bus woud do to the fuel miliage. When I am ready to convert my Flx I will look for a 5.9, 12 valve retired school bus at an auction. School buses usually get good maintenance and have good records of their care. Diesels run at a lower rpm and are geared accordingly, by buying the bus you get the tranny and all the accessories. I think being able to drive the school bus a little will give you some idea of what to expect and after the transplant you can sell the bus for scrap and recoup a little money. One other thing, the engine has to be turned backwards in the Flx, so the rear axle will have to be flipped to make it work.

That sounds like a good deal to me Sam. Where is that guy? A six speed makes sense for economy and better gearing for hills. A pusher school bus would be ideal for a donor. I wonder what brand bus would have a 97 or 98 5.9 pusher. I read somewhere that a pulling set up will work but you have to turn the axle upside down and reweld everything and relocate the plugs. When I do this I will have to hire it done, hopefully by someone reliable. Have you followed the "where is Ben" vintage bus project, he has a web site called "Creative Cruiser" and is repowering a Flx.