3406E Cat 375hp

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Asphalt Hauler, Aug 11, 2012.

  1. Asphalt Hauler

    Asphalt Hauler Bobtail Member

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    Aug 11, 2012
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    Hey guys, I'm new to the forum. I am fixing to buy a dump truck with a 3406E Cat. The tag shows 375hp and Max 403hp The owner says it is rated at 435hp as it sets. I was wonder how much hp you can really get with this engine, I don't need nothing over the top , but I would like to be between 475 and 550. Is that possible with this engine without spending alot of money. The serial number starts with 5ek if that helps. Thanks
     
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  3. black_dog106

    black_dog106 Road Train Member

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    Welcome to the fourm.
    Cant help you with your question, but there will be members that can answer the question. Great bunch of guys here and many are very knowledgable and willing to help.
     
  4. Asphalt Hauler

    Asphalt Hauler Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the welcome black dog, looking forward to getting to talk to the members on here.
     
  5. underpsi

    underpsi Road Train Member

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    The downfall for you will be if its original pistons then they're probably aluminum and they will become the limit to how much power you can get out of it.
     
  6. Asphalt Hauler

    Asphalt Hauler Bobtail Member

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    Underpsi, I was afraid of that,i believe its all stock from the factory. I asked the previous owner if they messed with it, and he said not to his knowledge. So sounds like i may be spending alittle money,which is fine with me ,but i dont want to break the bank if you know what i mean haha. The other thing that gets me is it says 375hp and 403 max hp,but the owner told me that it was putting out 435hp as it sits,so i would think somebody had to mess with it alittle bit,and i wouldnt think you could get it to 435hp if it says max is 403hp. Any answer to that? I appreciate the reply also Underpsi.
     
  7. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    I had a 3406E that was a 5EK it was a great engine. Mine was 435 hp 1650 torque . Cat rerated it to 455hp with a multi torque rating of 1750. Never ran any different seat of the pants wise. But they would not go any higher because of my transmission rating.#### lawyers!
     
  8. underpsi

    underpsi Road Train Member

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    Its possible that he had it flashed to 435hp, If it really is set at 435 I don't think it would have been from a Cat dealer. I'm not sure what the limitations are on the aluminum pistons but I know Mr.Haney does. If you search around you may find it in a post.
     
  9. Asphalt Hauler

    Asphalt Hauler Bobtail Member

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    Aug 11, 2012
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    I was wanting to pm Mr.Haney about it,but im new so it wouldnt let me. What do you mean by flashed? I'm not familiar with that term. Thanks again with the replys,every little bit helps.
     
  10. Mr. Haney

    Mr. Haney Road Train Member

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    Unfortunately the earlier 5EK with a 410 or lower Hp rating from the factory has aluminum pistons. You need to post the complete engine serial number, because the last of the 5EKs did change to steel top pistons at the lower Hp levels. You also need to go to a CAT dealer with the serial number and look up the past history of the engine. 75% of the time the dealer will install the steel top pistons and there corresponding piston oil jet coolers during a rebuild. If it was re-rated by CAT to a 435 than it would have steel top pistons in it. If this is the case CAT won't rate it above a 455, but it can be bumped up to the 550 Hp range without any problems with a different file in the ECM. The reason CAT won't do it is the engine has the wrong injectors in it to achieve this power level. But with a file from a different serial number engine the power level can be achieved
     
  11. flc120

    flc120 Heavy Load Member

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    i had a 97' 5EK 435HP CAT engine but 435HP was the base so i must have gotten one of the first of the non aluminumed pistoned 5EK's
     
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