Bus Specs Start
Original Bus Specifications
TAG #1
- MFD. BY CARPENTER BODY WORKS, INC. : 3-88
- INC. VEH. MFD. BY: FORD 10-87
- G.V.W.R. : 28000 LBS.
- G.A.W.R. FRONT : 9000 with 265/75Rx225G tires 22.5x7.5 rims, 120 psi cold SINGLE
- G.A.W.R. REAR : 19220 with 265/75Rx225G tires 22.5x7.5 rims, 110 psi cold DUAL
- VIN: 1FDXB70K4JVA01204
- 1988 Ford B-series chassis cab, 429, built at KTP.
Engine Identification
Displacement and configuration
The engine is a Ford 429 (7.0L) V8, 4V induction, Lima-built. Confirmed by three independent on-vehicle sources:
- Air cleaner lid stamping: Template:Code
- Valve cover tag: Template:Code / Template:Code
- Intake manifold casting: Template:Code (prefix obscured by coolant hose)
The Template:Code prefix dates the valve cover to the 1987 engineering year, consistent with the October 1987 chassis build date. The engine is believed original to the chassis.
Induction hardware
- Mixer: Impco CA425 — 4-barrel-flange mixer, correct for a stock 4V 429.
- Mount: cast-style, no obvious aftermarket adapter plate. Photographed for the record.
- Fuel: LPG. Believed factory or ship-through conversion; see Fuel system status.
Intake casting
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Family code | Template:Code (intake manifold) |
| Suffix | Template:Code (4V revision) |
| Prefix | Obscured — partially read, ambiguous |
| Location | Top surface, rear of carb pad |
| Status | 4V confirmed; prefix to be re-read at teardown |
Fuel system status
Believed factory LPG — pending Marti deluxe confirmation.
Supporting evidence:
- Cast-style mixer mount with no obvious aftermarket plate
- DSO special order tag (Template:Code) on firewall
- Factory fleet options: built-in traction sanders, front tow hooks
On confirmation, upgrade to fact and cite the Marti invoice line. If the invoice shows a ship-through or upfitter conversion, log as "factory-ordered LPG conversion."
Blower build notes
- Single Model E vaporizer is insufficient for boosted volume — plan on dual Model E vaporizers, boost-referenced, parallel coolant feed, equal-length reference lines from a common manifold source, and a lockoff sized for combined flow.
- Single CA425 mixer is insufficient at target power — plan on dual mixers into a common plenum with a fabricated dual-plate adapter.
- Compression and cam to be measured by the shop before boost selection; do not assume gasoline-spec figures.
- Heads to be checked for LPG-spec hardened seats at teardown.
Documentation
Photos filed: air cleaner lid, valve cover tag, intake casting, mixer and mount, engine bay overall.