Underfloor engined Ford is so much quieter
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A DEMONSTRATION run in the first underfloor-engined Ford R-series coach soon convinced me that this Tricentrol modification is a vast improvement on the standard chassis, writes Martin Watkins.
Noise from the front engine in Ford coaches has always bee a problem, but now it's been dramatically cut. A perfectly flat floor is not quite possible. However, now there's only a 2in hump right at the front. It would hardly notice if the entrance were to be angled further back.
The engine is tilted by using the sump and bell-housing from the D Series truck range and is covered by full Ford warranty. Access is greatly improved to all engine components, especially the compressor, injection pump, and turbocharger. Other differences are an improved oil capacity and full hydraulic clutch.
Tricentrol has been working on these mods since the beginning of this year. The company found it was possible to fit the R-Series engine between the axles but decided to retain it in the front after consulting operators.
Tricentrol seems convinced that Ford will soon offer all R-Series with the tilted front engine. Ford certainly did engineer such a change four years ago but never thought it an economical proposition to carry out. "We often discuss it, but there's been no decision on when to start," a Ford spokesman told me.
The flat front floor has great advantages for coach use and is of course ideal for buses. Duple is very interested in this and is to build a demonstrator on a Tricentrol modified chassis.