Q Recently I purchased a 1970 Bedford
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VAL coach with the 466 engine and five-speed overdrive box. The body fitted to this chassis is a 53-seater Continental, unladen weight 7 tons 1 Bcwt. I find the vehicle is under-powered, and when speaking to other operators and drivers I find that they are of the same opinion.
Could you tell me if it is possible to fit an alternative engine, for instance the Perkins 354 Turbo, or Leyland 401 Turbo?
AWe have been in touch with Bedford on the matter and the manufacturer does not recommend changing to either of the engines mentioned.
The reasons are that the chassis would have to be altered to accommodate the different positions of the engine mountings, and it would also be necessary to change the transmission to get the correct engine/transmission match.