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Best-seller Bedfords get a power boost
Page 51
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BEDFORDS two best-selling bus and coach chassis—the frontentry VAM model and the twinsteer VAL—now have more powerful engines and matching running gear.
Both the VAM chassis (193in wheelbase), and VAL chassis (231in wheelbase) are now fitted with Bedford's new 70 diesel engine. This is the high-revving 466 cu. in. six-cylinder diesel unit that was developed for the Bedford KM range of heavy goods 14-22 tanners, introduced in September 1966.
Gross b.h.p. of this engine is 143 at 2,800 r.p.m., and gross torque 328 lbift. at 1,600 r.p.m. As in all Bedford diesels the cooling system includes end-to-end water-flow in the cylinder head, completely eliminating gasket blow-by.
Also featured in this engine are: linerless, long-life cylinder block, instant-priming, high-capacity oil-pump, and complete fresh air ventilation through the air cleaner.
Matching the power, which is available through a wide speed range, is a 15-in diameter, heavy-duty clutch, and a vertically mounted five-speed overdrive synchromesh gearbox.
Operators of VAM chassis who prefer petrol power can• specify the Bedford 300 cu.in. six-cylinder unit with four-speed synchromesh gearbox, and five-speed overdrive or five-speed direct top gearboxes as options.
Gross vehicle weight for the VAM with the 70 diesel engine is 22,400lb (10.0 tons), while the rating for the chassis with the petrol engine installed is 21,700lb (9.68 tons). The VAL is rated at 24,5001b (1094 tons) g.v.w.
Alternator equipment is now standard on the VAL, bringing it into line with the electrical specification for the VAM.
As before, the Bedford two-speed rear axle is available as optional equipment.
The smallest of the Bedford range of bus and coach chassis—the VAS, wheelbase 164in, gross vehicle weight, 14,500lb (647 tons)—continues to be available with either the 214 cu.in. six-cylinder petrol engine or the Bedford 330 cu.in. six-cylinder diesel unit. When the diesel engine is specified a hypoid rear axle rated at 13,500lb is fitted. The 13,000lb spiral bevel rear axle goes with the 214 cu.in. petrol engine.
, The Bedford SB bus and coach chassis— wheelbase 216in, 18,5001b g.v.w. (8.26 tons) —continues unchanged, with the option of the 300 cu.in. petrol or the 330 cu.in. diesel tints.