Transmission swap

[Bradh]

Hello friends, new to this site and new to being a bus but. I recently purchased the late Me. Gene Lewis's bus, I am in the process of upgrading most of the systems as well as personalising it to my taste. My question is concerning a trans swap, I have the 4 speed manual and I would like to have an Allison automatic, how difficult is the swap. I worked on school busses for the state of SC for 5 years and am familiar with the Allison 1000 paired with the (junk) cat 3116, and have access to such a transmission in my area. My bus has the Detroit 8v71. Thanks in advanced. Brad

[luvrbus]

The 740 with the gearing on a Eagle would be a better choice than a 1000 Allison with electronics and it is a light to medium duty transmission with not much of a torque rating on the older 1000 models,The cost of adapting the flex plate and the transmission to your SAE l bellhousing would cost you a fortune,the 740 behind your engine is a plug and play sorta of   

[6805eagleguy]

Structure wise, you will have to move a frame member but that’s not a big deal. Real easy to do with a torch and welder...

[uncle ned]

Good to hear that someone got Gene's coach.

It has to be a low mileage coach because I do not think he drove it any where but from his house to the rally that he organized.

I think I made everyone of them.

Gene was a special guy and a great busnut friend,

Check with Goodsens bus in Maiden NC  they might install a auto cheaper than you can round up the parts to do it and they know eagles,

Uncle ned
4104 with a 6v92 and v730

[Bradh]

Glad to hear from someone who knew Mr. Gene. I know from what he left behind that he really loved his bus and the bus nuts community. I'm doing a few upgrades and eventually money permitting changing to an automatic is on the list. On a side note do you recall the entry door window being cracked on my bus, in pictures I have from him it seems like it is from the start. May be next on my to do list.
 Brad 68 model 5 8v71