cummins bc vs. cat

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by papamoonshine, Feb 2, 2016.

  1. papamoonshine

    papamoonshine Light Load Member

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    Ok I know this is more than likely going to come down to personal preferance. But how do the big cams compaire to the 3406 as far as common issues and common repairs feom my understandings the bc is a low flow coolant and can run in to temp issues if they are turned up. I have very little time with them. I ran one cat that was from late 80s that was turnes up a good bit. What kind ofmileage can they do? I am looking at buying a 359 379. One I called on dontknow the gear ratio but had a 15sp bc 3 400 don't know what hp really was or any pump work but was told they only got 5mpg with tall rubber running hopper.

    That normal?
     
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  3. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    CAT !!!!! Hands down. I get 7.0 mpg per tank fill up on my 3406E and it ain't stock.
     
  4. papamoonshine

    papamoonshine Light Load Member

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    Ok I'm going to be in a a or b model all mechanical...
     
  5. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    I can't speak for the B models but I know they do well. To be honest, the E models are the way to go for higher HP and MPG's.
     
  6. papamoonshine

    papamoonshine Light Load Member

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    What years were they made do you know off had? If I buy a 379 its gonna have a screamin d 60s or a kitty in it... don't know why but cummins just don't catch my eye
     
  7. Cory wood

    Cory wood Medium Load Member

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    All cummins big cam are not low flow only the BC4 the last series. B model cats are excellent and they are capable of good power. A nicely tuned big cam will run just fine as well. The older mechanicals are good but don't expect high mileage
     
    papamoonshine Thanks this.
  8. slickWillie1980

    slickWillie1980 Medium Load Member

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    I averaged 6.5 on my big cam but I also would treat it like a infant.
     
    Diesel Dave Thanks this.
  9. papamoonshine

    papamoonshine Light Load Member

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    Thanks Corey. why do people say thet have say a big cam 400 when its not a 400horse motor same with cat I hear " oh I got a 425b modle cat" and its not at 425.... I found another thing on here but that was more the n15 c15-16

    I want a motor with as little electric items on it so I can do all the work on my own. I've hear that the older motors can't make the tq the new ones can. I don't need so much power I blow the leaves off the trees as I pass by... just want somthing that will hand hills good and its not like your pulling the hill in a stock pickup... if you know what I mean
     
  10. slickWillie1980

    slickWillie1980 Medium Load Member

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    They rate cummins and cats differently. Tha BC requires a lil more attention at different intervals and is cheaper to work with while a cat will bust your pocket book wide open. You will also get a better pull with a cat however if you build a BC it'll ride. Shiny 290 is a good example.
     
  11. papamoonshine

    papamoonshine Light Load Member

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    What has to be done to make power with a bc and have some what decent fuel. I'm personally more a 3406 guy dad had a l9000 ford dump truck that cranked right along... fist day he put it to work we were load pulling a decebt sized hill he was all smiles and said "she's got way more power than the old truck" don't know what his old truck had for a motor can he was company at that time then went solo with this one. I'm looking at trucks to run a semi local flat bed. Lot of lumber and steel at some points maybe even some hopper bottom.

    I'd like to have a 48in flat top...

    Thanks for the help. Are the older motors fussy about whar rpm your running going down the road? I've heard the c15 is picky about this when it comes to mpg.
     
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