Bristol FLF6B “Lodekka” Engine Question

[karl]

I am not sure who here is familiar with these buses. I recently found a converted double decker in my area that has been sitting for many years and I want to fix it up and use it. However, I have researched it and found that it has the original Bristol BVW engine which is darn near impossible to get parts for. I want to find a more modern engine that has parts available and replace it. I have been researching engines and needless to say, I don't know what I am doing. I could use some help understanding which engines will fit this bus?

Any help you can provide will be very much appreciated.

[Jonathan Smith]

Many of the routemaster buses currently in use in Edinburgh have had thier AEC engines replaced with modern cummins engines which are smaller and more efficient.

It is possible to fit almost any sort of engine into most vehicles, but it would require some modification. There are companies who specialise in this type of work.

[karl]

What is the top speed of the cummins engines? Can you direct me to any companies that do modifications? Being that I am in the U.S., I am probably likely to get the engine from the UK. I guess it won't be too big of a deal to use a company in the UK if you know any?

Thanks for the info!

[Jonathan Smith]

If you contact some of the heavy haulage companies in your area they should be able to point you in the direction of an engineering company who could do an engine conversion for you.

Cummins engines are used in all sorts of vehicles and combined with a suitable gear box are capable of high speed 80 - 90mph

[BruceH]

Jan 5, 2009 6:50:12 GMT karl said:

What is the top speed of the cummins engines? Can you direct me to any companies that do modifications?

Karl, be sure that the engine that you select turns in the correct direction. Many of the "classic" British buses's engines rotate backwards to N American engines and some of the moern British engines. I saw a "Lodekka" that had 4 reverse speeds and one forward!