‘79 359 Short Hood 350 Big Cam Day Cab

Cost more in fuel or general maintenance?
I heard CAT inframes are pricy just for parts

 

I would say both. On my experience knowing others with a B or C model they get 5 mpg coming or going.One can squeeze about 6.5 with a BC depending.
Others may have a different experience with their B models with different variables.
Comparing parts between the two hands down the BC is the cheapest.

 

I know Pittsburgh power has gotten 800hp out of those big cams with some mods. They have a dual line fuel kit that adds 40 hp I think. Dad had a big cam 3 turned up 10% fuel over stock. In 1986 that truck was getting 6 mpg rollin pretty fast with a 13 speed and 3.73s on 24.5 tall with a flattop international 9370.

 

I can't say I've heard the best things about Pittsburg power

What kinda wagon was your dad dragging?

 

Back then it was all types. Van, flatbed, rgn, and a 33 foot frameless dump. The owner of Pittsburgh power has written some articles about those motors, you might be able to get the necessary info without paying his marked up prices. Bruce Mallinson is his name.

 

Having never been around these motors of yesteryear I can't say which way I'm leaning.

I don't know if it's better to buy the motor you want in a truck you're ok with, or vice versa.

I'd like to hear someone chime in with N14 power. I think the 3406E was an ok motor comparable to the N14

 

Never owned one, but driven them. Plenty of power, pretty reliable. The n14 plus 525 seemed to be more problematic than say the 435,460 and 500. Found this

Cummins N14 review

 

Mechanical motors are the way to go. I'm a younger guy and at 37 I love the old iron. There is a reason they are still here and still rollin

 

If I'm not mistaken the N14 had the same block as the BC with different heads