Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 11, 2025 ...

6v92

May 13, 2011, 09:43:25 am

how loud are the 6v92 when you drive. i have someone that has a 6v92 that he will give me to repower my gv with and i was wondering how loud they are. i know in the old trucks you had to wear ear plugs to drive them

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Re: 6v92

Reply #1 – May 13, 2011, 09:50:35 am

Mike, 

Have you verified that this engine will mate up with your transmission? 

RPM range the same or close enough that you would not need to change rear axle ratio?

Cooling system adequate for the larger engine?

Yes, it will be louder than your 8.2.  But with an appropriate muffler, it should be acceptable-- remember, the Foretravel U300 was fit with the 6V92.

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Re: 6v92

Reply #2 – May 13, 2011, 10:22:54 am

brett it is still in a truck and was told it was running when it was parked. (body is rusted out) so im going to get it fired up first and see if i realy want it. as far as the trans goes i would have to find a flex plate for it and do beleave it well bolt up

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Re: 6v92

Reply #3 – May 13, 2011, 10:51:41 am

Those detroits are governed at 2100 or a little more, check your final drive ratio

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Re: 6v92

Reply #4 – May 13, 2011, 11:28:22 am

I have a '93 GV 40'
Can really not hear the 6V92, electronic engine during normal cruise.
When pulling hard ( mountians ) I can hear it rumble.
Have a 2 stage jake brake, great in northwest last all

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Re: 6v92

Reply #5 – May 13, 2011, 11:32:20 am

Mike,

Is your old engine mechanical or computer? How about the new (free) engine? The two types won't mix well. Not that you would get caught but some states require same year engines or newer. Like Brett said, how about transmission/rear end ratios? Turbo 6V-92? Engine accessories are usually in different locations for different applications. Are you prepared for 10X the little changes that you thought you would have to make? How much is your time worth?

All the engines that Foretravel installed are excellent. Unless you are really skilled and have the facilities, you would probably be happier in the end finding a like engine on Craigslist, etc. None are expensive used and could be cheap in the long run. Even if you had to drive to pick it up, it would be time well spent. An air impact could switch manifolds, accessories and have you up and running in a fraction of the time of a conversion.

I absolutely love my Detroit but...

Pierce & Gaylie
'93 U300/36
6V-92TA

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Re: 6v92

Reply #6 – May 13, 2011, 11:40:50 am

I also have the 6V92 in a 1994 GV300 also. Not loud at all. You did not say what year the engine was? I know that  pre Penski or prior to 1988/89 they did have some problems with oil leaks and bearings. I think that the silver 6V92 & the 8V92 were some of the best heavy duty engines built, in the time period between 1990 & 1995. 

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Re: 6v92

Reply #7 – May 13, 2011, 12:43:52 pm

Hey Gerry and Brenda,

Was looking at your profile foto. Do you have the recessed ICC lights? Talked to a guy going into Yellowstone with slick recessed lights in his 94. Any other changes for 94?

Pierce & Gaylie
'93 U300/36

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Re: 6v92

Reply #8 – May 13, 2011, 12:50:29 pm

Mike, I too love my 6V92 and when I picked up the coach it was so quiet compared to my Cummins B5.9 that I tried to start it when it was already running.

However, like the others if the free engine isn't a Silver DDEC I wouldn't go to the effort. My Silver is dry as a bone after 140,000 miles. My understanding is that the old Detroit Truck engines were very wet and noisy and probably not really suitable for a motorhome. 

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Re: 6v92

Reply #9 – May 13, 2011, 01:11:37 pm

In defence of the Detroit Diesels, the Silver Series certainly had many upgrades, mostly were the newer gasketing materials like silicone vs cork or paper in some sensitive areas, better seals, cast aluminum covers in place of stamped steel which were subject to improper installation causing leaks etc. bypass roots blower system, better crankcase breather control, check valves on the drip tubes etc, etc and etc...
Operators that used the 40 wt oil in the 6V and 50 wt in the 8V series, had much better luck overall.
Also as to installing this engine in the older coach, from my experience, I know with a grinder, welder, drill, hacksaw and some moxie, anything can be made.
How do you think the 12V got into the MCI, certainly not by asking how on a forum. Just getter done.

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Re: 6v92

Reply #10 – May 13, 2011, 04:48:11 pm

I think it will be too tall for your coach.  I have a Unihome (high floor - tall basement) and the turbo is right up against the bottom of the bed.  I remember that boat builders prefered the 3208 over the 6V92 for this reason.  Here's a previous unrelated post with pictures of my engine area:
Engine Compartment insulation

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Re: 6v92

Reply #11 – May 13, 2011, 09:21:36 pm

IMHO, If I where to consider going to all the work of an engine swap, I would look toward a mechanical cat or Cummings they are bullet proof. Replacing the 8.2 with a 3126 cat or 5.9 Cummings will give alot more power than you already had. The old 6V,8V Detroit's used to be cheep to buy and rebuild but they are obsolete. I drove a semi in the early- mid 70s we had 12V's, 8V92's, and Cats while the buzzing dozens where fun to drive, they died about 4 times sooner than the Cats. Also the 6V is going to be a good bit heaver than your 8.2 I would imagine. Good luck

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Re: 6v92

Reply #12 – May 13, 2011, 09:42:14 pm

Hi Pierce,  Nope there not recessed, The exterior of this coach is as it left the factory, except for the murals and pin striping. We love our Coach and with only 47,500 miles on it would have a difficult time replacing it..

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