Comments needed on a Bluebird puller conversion

[Jim March]

Hi all.

There's an EBay bus that failed to meet reserve and is now open, I can
get it for $13k:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...=1&ss\
pagename=S
TRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
<http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...d=1&s\
spagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1>


It turns out the thing is exactly 6'4" tall inside, which means a lot to
me 'cuz that's my height. (It's some sort of "adult model" versus
skoolie maybe.) It's taller inside than most 70's vintage Wanderlodges.

One of my main goals is to end up with a "mini garage" the width of the
bus and 6" or so long (adding to the bus length). I could have such a
full 6' long (by 8' wide) garage "tacked on" no problem with this thing
given it's current short length (29' and minimal rear overhang -
stretch it to 35' and it would be just like a 35' Wanderlodge in terms
of drivability. This would net me the best possible garage and living
layout in a 35ft overall platform.

I *really* like that.

Flaws: tachometer doesn't work (all other gauges do thank God) and the
fridge is wonky (maybe an easy fix, maybe not). It also needs a better
battery bank and inverter/charger but that's a given with any older
conversion or even a Wanderlodge in my opinion. The propane genset is
mediocre.

The biggest real flaw to me is that the milage is only about 8mpg and
according to the owner, does that regardless of standalone or towing up
to the 6,000lb he regularly pulls. Top speed is 72, it's more
comfortable around 62 - 65. As it was probably a gasser at one point,
odds are the rear axle gears haven't been changed (5.36 per frame tag)
and the Cummins in front of an Allison 4sp is almost certainly straining
(maybe even over-revving?).

So...first, does anybody know exactly which motor this might be and know
anything about it's reliability?

Second, am I right in thinking this bus would benefit big from 4.11 or
so gears in the rear?

Third, would I be better off with a gearvendors thingie behind the
tranny, or just swap the rear end gearing?

The bus is currently at 20,000lbs and I doubt I'd be adding more than
2,500 complete with add-on box in the rear (aluminum tube frame,
aluminum skin), better batteries and a bike. What are the odds I'll be
able to nudge 10mpg with gearing changes?

Any other comments about this puppy?

My alternative is to hollow out the back bedroom of a 4104 or similar
into a garage (with side hatch) or empty the rear bedroom of a 35'
Wanderlodge FC and either way turn the front couch into a dedicated bed
with pillows for daytime "couch use". That gives me a smaller main bed,
less choices for guest bed, etc. This Bluebird 29' does have a
queen-size rear bedroom (a bit tight, but decent) and a pretty good
overall front living area, and THEN I'd add a garage without messing
with any of that.

Anybody know anything about this drivetrain and gearing options?

Jim