MCI's J4500 conversion shell has won plenty of converts in the entertainment industry for its smooth ride and driver-friendliness. Now there's even more to like. For 2009, MCI has added a number of updates, options and improvements meant to both speed the conversion process and further indulge the passengers.

Brent Danielson, MCI's head of conversion program engineering, says these improvements include a lighter, more powerful 450-horsepower Cummins ISM clean-diesel engine, Electronic Stability Control, Reverse Sensing, and, an additional alternator to help converters and operators handle heavy loads of onboard electronics.

"Direct feedback from our customers is very important to us", says Brent Maitland, vice president for MCI. "We've been talking to customers and builders to find out what is important to them and made a lot of the improvements based on their suggestions.

Maitland says the new engine is already getting favorable reviews: "It's got more horsepower than is standard on our seated coaches and is lighter than the engine it replaces. With the way MCI engineers integrated the clean diesel engine technology into the coach, we anticipated that our customers would see improved fuel economy along with the reduced emissions; initial customer response backs up those expectations."

Other improvements include trailer harness wiring, optional black interior trim panels including those for the dash and entryway, exterior side marker lights that can illuminate while the coach is moving and custom aluminum wheels.

Some of the other changes are subtler, but no less significant to converters and riders: a quieter entry door roller, additional interior insulation, interior heat ducts and baggage panel dividers.

The conversion shells of course continue to feature the WideRide suspension system with Koni FSD shock absorbers — in fact, it's been so popular that it's now a feature on 2009 seated MCI coaches as well.

Maitland credits MCI's support network with much of the J4500 conversion shell's success. "We've got a talented and stable team in place, from Brent Danielson in the factory to Rob Lessor, who heads up sales, and, to Robbie Wilson, our product support specialist. We strive to give our customers exceptional service, whether they take their conversion coach to our convenient location in Lebanon, Tennessee, or to any one of our other sales and service centers."

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