Quick Answer: Remanufactured school bus engines cost $3,000–$9,000 depending on the model, saving school districts 40–60% compared to new engines. The most common school bus engine is the Cummins ISB 6.7L ($4,500–$8,500), followed by the International DT466 ($3,500–$7,500) and Cummins B5.9 ($3,500–$7,000). All engines are dyno tested and come with warranty protection.
School Bus Engine Catalog
Browse our complete selection of remanufactured school bus engines. Every engine is rebuilt to OEM specifications and dyno tested.
| Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Common Buses | Price Range | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cummins ISB 6.7L | 6.7L | 200–325 hp | IC Bus CE, Blue Bird Vision, Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 | $4,500–$8,500 | |
| Cummins ISC / ISL 8.3–8.9L | 8.3–8.9L | 260–380 hp | IC Bus RE, Blue Bird All American, Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX | $7,500–$11,000 | |
| Cummins B5.9 / ISB 5.9L | 5.9L | 190–275 hp | IC Bus CE (older), Blue Bird TC/2000, Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner MVP | $3,500–$7,000 | |
| International DT466 / DT530 | 7.6L / 8.7L | 210–300 hp | IC Bus CE/RE (2006 and older), AmTran | $3,500–$7,500 | |
| International MaxxForce 7 | 6.4L | 200–300 hp | IC Bus CE Series (2007–2015) | $4,000–$8,000 | |
| International MaxxForce DT | 7.6L | 210–300 hp | IC Bus RE Series (2007–2015) | $4,500–$8,500 | |
| Caterpillar C7 | 7.2L | 190–330 hp | Blue Bird All American (older), Thomas Built | $4,000–$8,000 | |
| Ford 6.8L V10 Triton | 6.8L V10 | 305–362 hp | Blue Bird Micro Bird, Collins Bus, Starcraft | $3,000–$5,500 |
Why School Districts Choose Remanufactured Engines
Remanufactured engines deliver the reliability your students deserve at a price your budget can handle.
Student Safety First
Every engine is remanufactured to OEM specifications and dyno tested to ensure reliable, safe operation for student transportation.
Budget-Friendly Pricing
Save 40–60% compared to new engines — critical for school district budgets. Get more buses on the road for less.
Warranty Protection
Comprehensive warranty coverage gives school districts peace of mind and protects taxpayer investments.
Minimize Bus Downtime
Most engines ship within 24–48 hours. Get your buses back in service before the next school day.
OEM Specifications
Every engine meets or exceeds original manufacturer specifications for performance, emissions, and reliability.
Fleet Support
Dedicated fleet pricing and account management for school districts with multiple buses needing engine replacements.
How to Choose the Right School Bus Engine
Identify Your Bus Type
Type C (conventional) buses like IC Bus CE and Blue Bird Vision typically use Cummins ISB 6.7L or International MaxxForce 7 engines. Type D (transit-style) buses like IC Bus RE and Blue Bird All American use larger Cummins ISC/ISL or International MaxxForce DT engines. Type A (cutaway) buses often use Ford V10 or smaller diesel engines.
Check the Model Year and Emissions Tier
School bus engines changed significantly in 2007 (DPF requirement) and 2010 (SCR/DEF requirement). Make sure the replacement engine matches your bus's emissions tier. Pre-2007 buses use simpler, mechanical engines. 2007–2009 buses have DPF systems. 2010+ buses have full aftertreatment (DPF + SCR/DEF).
Consider Your Route Requirements
Flat terrain routes can use lower-horsepower engines, while hilly or mountainous routes benefit from higher HP ratings. Longer routes may benefit from the fuel efficiency of newer Cummins ISB 6.7L engines. Stop-and-go urban routes put more stress on the engine and transmission.
Call Us for Expert Guidance
Not sure which engine fits your bus? Our specialists work with school districts daily and can identify the exact engine you need based on your bus's VIN, model year, and configuration. Call (631) 991-7700 for a free consultation and quote.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a remanufactured school bus engine cost?
Remanufactured school bus engines typically range from $3,000 to $9,000 depending on the engine model and size. Cummins ISB 6.7L engines (the most common in modern school buses) range from $4,500–$8,500. Older Cummins 5.9L engines start around $3,500. International DT466 engines range from $3,500–$7,500. Call (631) 991-7700 for an exact quote for your specific bus.
What is the most common school bus engine?
The Cummins ISB 6.7L is the most common engine in modern school buses (2007–present), powering IC Bus CE, Blue Bird Vision, and Thomas Built C2 models. For older buses (pre-2007), the Cummins B5.9 and International DT466 were the dominant engines. For full-size Type D (transit-style) buses, the Cummins ISC/ISL 8.3–8.9L is most common.
How long does a remanufactured school bus engine last?
A properly remanufactured school bus engine typically lasts 200,000–400,000 miles or 15–20+ years of school bus service. School buses average 12,000–15,000 miles per year, so a remanufactured engine can easily outlast the useful life of the bus body. Regular maintenance following OEM intervals is key to maximizing engine life.
Do remanufactured engines meet school bus emissions requirements?
Yes. Our remanufactured engines are rebuilt to original OEM specifications, including all emissions components (EGR, DPF, SCR/DEF systems). They meet the same EPA emissions standards as when the bus was originally manufactured. This is important for school districts that must comply with state and federal emissions regulations.
Can you supply engines for an entire school bus fleet?
Absolutely. We work with school districts and transportation departments across the country. We offer fleet volume pricing, scheduled delivery to match your maintenance windows, and dedicated account management. Whether you need 1 engine or 50, we can accommodate your fleet's needs. Call (631) 991-7700 to discuss fleet pricing.
What warranty do you offer on school bus engines?
All remanufactured school bus engines come with our comprehensive warranty covering parts and labor. The specific warranty terms vary by engine model — call (631) 991-7700 or visit our warranty page for full details. We also offer extended warranty options for school districts that want additional coverage.