Caterpillar 3408.

Thanks for the info. I googled "caterpillar engine retarder" and found some info on the hydraulic breaksaver as well. Seems like a simple system , interesting thing to learn about. I really like the older trucks, they seem so much simpler than the modern offerings. To me that represents a good way to start as an o/o.[/QUOTE]
one more thing you got to watch the oil temp when using one or you can cook your oil.

 

If your looking at that 79 k100 aerodyne on truck paper, I would pass.
They can't even take the time to mount the pipes straight, and honestly it's really rough. For almost the same money you can get that 82 three posts down. It has a 3406 in it, and is in awesome shape. Original paint never driven in the salt. That truck is worth the money. That 3408 will break you with the price of fuel. That 82 flat top is a way way better buy!

 

Ya dude, I would steer clear of that v8. That 82 is in hundred times nicer shape, look at the interior pics of the flattop, it's like new. Then look at the pics of the inside of that 79. There still asking a perty penny for it too.
If your thinking of pulling tridem of even trains, the 4:11 rears with the 15 speed would work good also. You can make those 400 cats pull good too and as reliable as hell.

 

They aren't that much different. The cummin's is 903 CID and the 3408 is 1098 CID. Both are rated for about the same HP rating of 450-550 class.

Lot of guys I have talked to about either engine didn't like them because they were maintenance intensive compared to a L6 like the 3406.

One of the reasons an inline-6 is used so much is that it inherently by design produces better torque for doing work. And in your case, you want more torque than you do HP.

the old hot-rodder's rule still applies to trucks though...

"there's no replacement for displacement."

 

Gotta tell you to pass on the V8. They're mainly parade trucks and show n shine trucks now. It would end up breaking you or at best keep you in the poorhouse. If you were on the other end of your career and had it as your summer toy it might be fun but not for a daily runner that's supposed to put food on the table. You could still get away with it if you were doing a local heavy haul or something like that but... There's a nice '98 W9 on BC Kijiji with a N14 that you could likely get for 20k. It's going to need a rebuild soon but you'd have a great truck in the end. My mechanic says buying a mechanical motor these days is like buying a car with a carburetor. Yesterdays technology. Trust me I'm not a fan of the new stuff either. Hence I'm running "old" (read 95 and 00) trucks myself.

 

Looked at the '79 from Indiana. I'm guessing that's the one you're thinking about. Did you notice the rating on the rears. Too light for out here. If you've actually got 30+ K to buy a truck, then do yourself a favor and leave 10 - 15 K in the bank and use the rest as a healthy downpayment on something newer that's been recond. You'll have a very manageable payment and money in the bank. Can't tell you how huge it is to have money in the bank...!!!

 

Very few 903s made it into a truck at much more than 400hp, they didn't need them at 450 because thats where the K series started at, most were rate at 350hp and were naturally aspirated.

The only thing I worry about on the 3408 is crank longevity, it would take a different driving style to keep one of them alive for a long time.

I saw someone mention adjusting injectors, not sure how that works being they use nozzles just like the 3406.