2009 Supernova 6372 build thread

[CTMICH5]

Any updates on this post?

 

[pwerwagn]

Any updates on this post?

Just been using it! Stayed in it 38 nights so far this year, put about 5k more miles on it.

Next upgrade is the cab stereo, it’s terrible! Then at some point I hope to do something similar to what slimtim has done but I might go the dt466 route.

 

[CTMICH5]

I have been doing a ton of research into this it may all depend on your budget. Looking around the Cummins shops are doing the swaps to 6.7 ISBs for school busses, I have seen prices from $18k-30k reported. I am going to drive mine for a few years and plan to pay a Cummins shop, they do everything including programming…. With warranty on the engine… worth looking into, I have been looking at engines and for a good shape used engine it can be $8-10k alone plus labor parts pieces and still had to be programmed…. Food for thought..

 

[pwerwagn]

I have been doing a ton of research into this it may all depend on your budget. Looking around the Cummins shops are doing the swaps to 6.7 ISBs for school busses, I have seen prices from $18k-30k reported. I am going to drive mine for a few years and plan to pay a Cummins shop, they do everything including programming…. With warranty on the engine… worth looking into, I have been looking at engines and for a good shape used engine it can be $8-10k alone plus labor parts pieces and still had to be programmed…. Food for thought..

I have been doing tons of research as well, and talking to Tim a lot on his thoughts during/after his swap. I have done ~12 or so 6.0 to Cummins swaps in trucks (and a few chevy's, some older dodges, etc). I actually have a 6.7 short block with a 12v p pump head I was originally going to put in the supernova, but the transmission poses another problem as even a mild 887/913 pumped 12v will make far more than the 2500mh is rated for.

My second thought was a mid 90's 8.3/MD3060 combo. I had actually found one, but again, after thinking thru all the other little ancillary details with Tim small items like cruise control, hvac, etc might end up posing as large of a challenge as doing something like an ISL.

My original thought was a DT466/530/570, but most of them are low power and nobody made a tuner other than an MP8 or similar. However, now that there is a tuner for all of the 2 box ECM/IDM IH's, a 466 swap is feasible with benefits. The issue with the 466 is finding one with low miles. I have found a few in trucks (box trucks, etc) with low miles, but the few I have found are 6 speeds and not auto which just adds to the complexity of the swap.

My end goal is simplicity. I have plenty of other vehicle projects, including a cummins swap already in the shop, and the last thing I need is a motorhome tying up a bay for a year haha. Plus we use the heck out of it even when the kids are in school so I'm hoping something easy will pop up! An ~04ish DT466e/ally 3K out of a 4300 IH would be awesome, and should be a simple-ish swap! (Famous last words...)

--Jeff

 

[bhplumber]

I called Cummins and they told me the repower will only work on buses, not our truck chassis. No explanation why just that it wont work. I may try calling again to see if I can get a different answer from a different person, May say it's a bus and give them my VIN to see what happens then. I just cant believe IH would go to the trouble of making a bus chassis different from a truck chassis as far as engine/trans. Let me know if you find a shop that will actually do the swap with warranty. I leaning that way if it can happen. The repower is still WAYYY cheaper then upgrading my coach. Plus I really like my SN I just hate having the worry in the back of my head of engine failure.

 

[CTMICH5]

Anyone ever find a shop that will unlock 6th gear? Called every shop around Reno while traveling I-80, nobody would do it..

 

[Vinnie-GSO]

Finally got some news today - NOT GOOD.

Turns out the lift pump was fine, they just didn't prime it correctly the first time around. These tandem pumps are still not available either from International nor the used market so a backup replacement is a good idea, as long as it can meet the spec. I had purchased an AirDog kit but they took a second look before installing it.

Worse news, when they started looking at it this week they found metal and coolant in the oil pan, so it looks like replacement engine time. So much for Bulletproof. Hopefully, the service contract will cover a big chunk of this.

At long last, "The Beast" is back at home. Ended up getting a replacement engine ordered through Albuquerque International dealer (Robert's?) and installed by the shop in Gallup. Engine turned out to be a Reviva reman but seems solid so far. The shop was able to re-install the Bulletproof oil cooler without voiding the new warranty. Mechanic did a nice job reinstalling the engine and accessories including rerouting the BP oil hoses in a much cleaner fashion. A new radiator and intercooler were included.

Drove back to Colorado Springs last Friday; coach ran great and seems to have plenty of go.

Warranty covered most of the cost so we are only out-of-pocket about $1800 for the repair (phew!). Engine alone was $16,600 from OEM.

Looking forward to some end of summer use and attempting to repeat the Thanksgiving trip that started this adventure. And now back to fiddling with everything else on the coach....

 

[Gary C-GSO]

Jeff,

One other idea you may want to look at with your SN is enabling 6th gear in the transmission. To get the most benefit from this modification you could lower your rear diff ratio for off the line starts and pulling hills. But with 6th gear enabled you can still keep your top end speed. I spoke with my local Allison service center (Pacific Power Group) about doing this with my 6400, and they said yes it could be done. They had to check with the Allison factory to confirm as some vehicle OEM's restrict doing so. Apparently International did not put any such restrictions on my chassis so Allison had no issues with enabling 6th. I also have contact information for an Allison technician that can supposedly open up 6th gear remotely if you connect your vehicle to a computer. Or you can send him your TCM.

Hi Tim, I know this is an old post, but I am looking for an Allison/International dealer that is familiar with allowing/removing the restrictions for the 6th gear. I'm in Florida and so far, I can't find someone, but you posted Pacific Power Group as someone that was familiar with the process. Can you give me more details about your dealings and contact information. My 08 SN has a vt365 w/6.17 rear gear ratio. Thanks Gary appreciate any feedback/help. I am looking for anyone who has had this done and the Dealer they used.

 

[[email protected]]

TCM Reflash

Thanks for the info Tim! I had suncoast lined up to reflash my TCM but at the last min they said they couldn’t. I talked to Matt Lazier at Allison and he said I can go thru a local Allison shop to get it done.

Just gotta decide where I draw the line and do a motor swap. ;-). Either way 6th enable will be of benefit.

Jeff

I spent months working with my local International dealer trying to get approval from corporate to allow Allison to reflash my TCM. In the end they said my 6331 was to old and they would not approve my request. I did find an alternative though. There's an outfit by the name of PCM Performance that will sell you a new TCM with the correct flash for the Supernova which unlocks 6th gear. I've been running it for over two years now with no issues.

 

[[email protected]]

Hi all! Been a lurker for YEARS, as I have a 2005 Gulfstream 6316 Conquest Super C with the 8.1 with a whole bunch of mods/upgrades (fixing to be for sale). I learned a ton reading on here about the issues with the Kodiak Chassis Super C, and I have read a bunch about the shortcomings of the 4200 chassis as well, and I am comfortable taking on the challenge!

My Parents bought this 2009 6372 Supernova a few years back when my Dad retired. It was his dream to own a Supernova for many reasons. He recently passed away unexpectedly so I purchased it from my Mom to keep it in the family and keep my Dad's dream alive. We use our current Super C to tow our boat, our truck that we desert race, etc. We spend a lot of time in the dirt and absolutely love our current Super C, and we are looking forward to many good times with the new one.

I was a diesel mechanic for a few years, so I am very aware of the 6.0/VT365 short comings. I have already done studs and new HG's, new oil/egr cooler, TS MP8 pressure box, etc. I have checked the FICM, and voltage is good. I am currently talking to a few FICM tuners about a FICM tune, because mine is grossly underpowered. I was hoping the FICM was weak, but unfortunately its in good shape. My 8.1 in the 6316 loaded to the same weight will run circles around this VT365 on hills and in town. I also have an issue with the fan clutch as many others have. Mine is purely mechanical unlike the truck 6.0, and even after replacement it will never shut off. I recently readjusted the engagement temp on the clutch, and it still runs 100% of the time. I will adjust it a few more times, and then might bite the bullet and throw in a Horton EC450 clutch instead of elec fans.

My Dad and the previous owner also addressed some of the other shortcomings. My Dad replaced the main slide controller with one that can control the motors independently in case they get out of synch. The rear suspension was replaced with a rubber shackle mount setup (I'm drawing a blank on the name). It has Road King shocks all around. The RV drives like a dream, other than the noise from the fan and the lack of power.

Anyhow, just wanted to say hi. I know a few of you have done cool things like exh brakes, egr delete, water/meth injection, etc. that I will probably inquire more about!

--Jeff

Thanks for all of the great information, I own a 2008 SN. I'm interested in your oil cooler installation. I talked to Bullet Proof about it and they don't offer one for our specific application. I assume you fabricated a mount for the oil cooler that you chose. Can you provide more details about this install? Thanks.

Steve