1693 caterpillar

Drove one for several years back in the day. The engine was mostly indistructable unless you got it too hot. Most had pyrometers (exhaust temp at the turbo) on the dash and you needed to keep them under 1200° or you would cook them. I once saw a truck pull into the pickle-park at the top of Donner's eastbound, the engine had a minor glow under the cab. The kid driving it had been hot-footing it all the way out of Sac. The things are very heavy, very expensive, and the only retarder was the Cat Brake Saver that was a whole 'nother assembly between the engine and transmission. It by itself was heavy and it wasn't that great. These engines came from their origin as scraper (earth movers) engines. I'm with the others, unless you like seeing the "kitty litter coming out the stax" and ur rich, go for something more modern. I must admit I used to like listening to the start cold, the pre-ignition used to make a hell of a noise. Good luck!

 

thing of the past where it should stay unless it's in a toy.

 

Well started with 1693 6x4 was a true learning experience,4 miles to the gallon but never really had any issues. 3408 is too heavy and never passed a fuel stop without stopping. I run a 379 Pete with 6NZ Cat,18 speed and 3.55 pulling 40 East end dump gross weight rarely under 87,000. Bought anther truck with same engine different tranny same rears simply because they are harder to fine.
Paccar is a joke around here. Had an N14 red head was an awesome engine, only cummins I ever owned. Detroit engines, well enough said. Ran a Mercedes engine for about 6 weeks wouldn't even put a CB in the truck.