cat motors

[rayne]

does any body know any thing about a cat 3408 motor I've got one in my 75 ihc and was just wondering what quality it was compared to a detroit or cummins etc....

 

[rayne]

auto to manual

also my bus has an auto trans and I would like to convert it to manual...........any tips, been searching high and low for some kind of repair book to no avail
peace

 

[vonslatt]

Sure it's a 3408 and not a 3208 ? A quick google tells me the 3408 is a 4-500 hp over the road truck engine, if you've got one in a Skoolie that would really rock.

I've got a 3208 NA with 210 hp, it has a rep as a really solid motor, it's kind of dirty though which is why it is very rarely found in buses newer then 1989.

 

[frank-id]

Kitty engines

Most buses, because of the initial cost, use a small "Cat" engine know as a 3208. This is what is called a car engine in as much as, the HP is limited and the engine does not have sleeves. Most of these engines are limited to 210HP... This engine is a v-8. The bad boy Cats are usually in line 6 cylinders. There is a real nice Cat engine called a 3406, and this bad boy makes about 350HP....
I would very strongly advise not to change the auto trans for a manual. The auto trans is a great unit and will last a very long time. But if ya want to do the deed, I want an Allison and will do some trading. I have a few 5 speeds and a 10 speed. I di not have any clutch parts or linkages. Frank

 

[lapeer20m]

.....i'd use a hydraulic clutch pedal instead of actual linkage......

if i ever get a bus i don't plan to sell, i'd like a 10 or 13 speed trans. but i think the auto helps with resale value.

 

[rayne]

right on

yeah ..right after I posted I went and looked at it ....3208
does anbody think I should change it out for more hp?

 

[Jarlaxle]

Keep it...not a bad engine, though kind of smokey. Just don't ether it! My uncle's hauler has a 3208 turbo, and it had seven broken rings thanks to someone getting ether-happy.

IP timing is hard to get right...it'll run funny if it's off. A real Cat guy can get it. If you need this done, go to a Cat shop & ask to talk to the oldest guy there.

 

[rayne]

what about the added weight? once done I'll have added about 8000- 10000 lbs

 

[lapeer20m]

that's not enough weight to gain any real advantage. Fuel economy is not significantly affected by a couple thousand pounds. In both of my buses i get about the same mileage with the 400 gallon jacuzzi full or empty.