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Dream classic powertrain ....

crane operator

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2009
Messages
8,275
Location
sw missouri
Cabovers are kinda the "in" thing right now in some of the custom/ restored/chromed rigs. Primarily because they are something different from all the pete 359/379 or kw w900's. I've driven old international and kw cabovers and you can take all of them and drive them in a river for all I care. Driving them down freeze/ thaw cycle rough concrete roads, when you're sitting on top of the front axle, is no way to enjoy life. I want a hood.

That said, I've never been in one of the newer scania/ man/ volvo cabovers like you see all over in europe, I think those cabs may be roomier.

As a aside- I'm a little bigger than some guys, and I think that's mostly my problem with old (USA) cabovers. I should clarify that I actually didn't drive the old kw cabover except around the yard, because I had to open the door to get my knee beside the 55gal drum sized steering wheel to put my foot on the clutch. The wheel wells on the internationals didn't leave much room for my boots, but I could actually drive them.
 

Nige

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2011
Messages
28,985
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G..G..G..Granville.........!! Fetch your cloth.
I just briefly googled the opticruise gear box - does it make horrible noises when it shifts or does the video make them sound worse?
Inside the cab you can hardly hear it. In the video the mike was mounted on the back of the cab roof to capture the exhaust note, I think that made it worse.
The Scania exhaust breaks are pitiful in both effect and sound.:D
Obviously not equipped with the Scania hydraulic driveline retarder that we had on all ours then - all 700HP's worth. Three positions, and believe me in position 3 that thing will stop you in your tracks.
That said, I've never been in one of the newer scania/ man/ volvo cabovers like you see all over in europe, I think those cabs may be roomier.
I think you may well be right. Not to the extent of a US truck but certainly more than adequate for the even the largest driver not to feel cramped for space. Smaller (by US standards) European truck cabs also seem to have better ergonomics because designers have less space in which to work. And what has to be remembered is that European laws regarding overall truck/trailer length are what requires the use of cabovers. As I said before a conventional truck would never be able to manouevre in 99% of European urban delivery settings on roads that were orginally built probably 2000 years by the Romans and designed around a horse & cart.
 

crane operator

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2009
Messages
8,275
Location
sw missouri
I have a 6-71, a big cam cummins, a 3406b and e model, maxidyne mack, 6v92, and a late 90's 60 series detroit, and I think the 60 series is probably the best overall package. It doesn't have the down low grunt that my 3406's have, but its only 12.7 not 14.6 liter like the cat is. The 60 series gets better mileage and has way better engine brakes.

The 6v92 is the one that everyone talks about though. Its in one of my truck cranes, and everyone is like "what's that engine", "it sounds like a beast" etc. Nothing quite sounds like a two stroke revving up. But in reality, it sounds pretty hot rod, but it doesn't make much power. My old 6-71 sounds pretty mean too, but you just have to think "hill" and it starts slowing down. Torque is not their strong suit.

You said all mechanical, so that leaves out my 60 series. So I guess if I'm stuck mechanical, I'd go 3406b or big cam if I have to drive it all the time. If you want something that just makes noise that everyone asks about, 2 stroke detroit is the way to go.

I did pull some 16v92's out of a boat some years back, and if you built a really long hood, that would be something no one else had.
 

Tones

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 15, 2009
Messages
3,062
Location
Ubique
Occupation
Ex land clearing contractor, part-time retired
Obviously not equipped with the Scania hydraulic driveline retarder that we had on all ours then - all 700HP's worth. Three positions, and believe me in position 3 that thing will stop you in your tracks.
I don't think Scania made those retarders when my truck was built in 85. Its got one of those flappy do dads on the exhaust manifold
 

colson04

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2016
Messages
2,057
Location
Delton, Michigan
You're right on one thing. "Never late with a \8/", but I'd pick what's arguably the best truck engine ever built, the Scania V-8 as fitted to the 80s/90s 143M. And conicidentally still going strong 30 years later in the R-Series but now with up to 770HP.


I've never seen a Scania truck, but saw this and had to share
s-l400.jpg
 

Truck Shop

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2015
Messages
16,560
Location
WWW.
For a 16V92 this is how long the hood would be, But very heavy and very impracticable. The only cheap light engine that will make noise with straights and a jake is the 855 Cummins.

228093819_1964HendricksonHiggins.jpg.63f19832d2221315df232229e16058e9.jpg
 

Truck Shop

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2015
Messages
16,560
Location
WWW.
Build a BCIII using a CPL of 1193-It's 14:1 compression, uses the standard top stop injector, same cam with a HT3B turbo. It will produce 450 factory HP, if you use a charge air cooler it will
bump it to 475 hp. Cheaper than most and reliable.
 

Truck Shop

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2015
Messages
16,560
Location
WWW.
Build a BCIII using a CPL of 1193-It's 14:1 compression, uses the standard top stop injector, same cam with a HT3B turbo. It will produce 450 factory HP, if you use a charge air cooler it will
bump it to 475 hp. Cheaper than most and reliable.

Forgot to add that 1193 CPL will use a piston/liner kit # FP3801823 for standard liner #3801824 for a .20x.40 over sized liner/counter bore plus the piston will be Dual Ni Resist so it will take some
heat and boost. Use Holset Turbo #3529040
 
Last edited:

skyking1

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2020
Messages
7,467
Location
washington
I'd go 8v92T for the sound alone. I do love the way the 3406 drives, but that two stick pumped Pete really impressed me.
 
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