At Blue Bird Corporation, we are pleased to offer ROUSH CleanTech dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel systems in the Propane-Powered Vision and Micro Bird G5. ROUSH CleanTech specializes in adapting Ford 6.8L V10 gasoline engines to run on economical, clean and domestically produced propane autogas. Converting each of our engines in ROUSH CleanTech’s facility maintains the quality of every Blue Bird bus engine.

The Ford Engine

A 362 horsepower, 457 lb.-ft torque three-valve Ford 6.8L V10 engine operates every Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision school bus. Well known for use in Ford Super Duty vehicles, this engine powers the Ford F-450, F-550 and F-650 chassis cabs and other stripped chassis platforms. Ford has produced more than 1 million 6.8L V10 engines since 1997.

The Micro Bird G5 operates on the two-valve 6.8L V10 engine. Built on the Ford E-450 dual rear wheel cutaway, the bus supplies 305 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft of torque.

For propane autogas conversions, Ford’s factory-ready gaseous prep engine package option comes equipped with hardened valves and valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability, as well as a larger oil pump to meet Blue Bird’s standards.

The ROUSH CleanTech Fuel System

As the premier powertrain engineering company for Ford and a Tier 1 supplier, ROUSH CleanTech complies with the high standards set forth by Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) guidelines. In fact, ROUSH CleanTech is the only Ford QVM manufacturer of propane autogas fuel systems.

ROUSH CleanTech’s multi-port, dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel system consists of a ROUSH CleanTech engineered, designed, and manufactured fuel rail assembly, fuel line assembly, fuel tank assembly and the powertrain control system.

Propane autogas, which costs about 50 percent less per gallon than diesel fuel and up to 40 percent less than gasoline, offers significantly reduced operating costs. Propane autogas reduces nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and total hydrocarbons emissions, and virtually eliminates particulate matter when compared to diesel, making it a much cleaner fuel for the environment. On-board the school buses, noise levels are decreased by 50 percent when compared to conventionally fueled counterparts, giving drivers fewer distractions.

Guaranteed and Certified

New Blue Bird buses equipped with the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system deliver the same factory performance characteristics and serviceability, with a five-year, 100,000-mile limited warranty.

All ROUSH CleanTech vehicles meet stringent FMVSS, NHTSA, Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certification requirements.