Is it posssible to plug and play replace an Acert Cat with 6NZ

I am getting back into trucking after 20 years away... never could get it out of my blood...

As I search for a truck, I have decided to buy a high mileage pre-emissions Cat powered Peterbilt of Kenworth that is near/ready for a re-build and priced accordingly. I am planning on investing money in a re-build/ reman, rebuild clutch etc.... The goal is to end up with a rebuilt driveline that will run without (major) trouble for a long time.... without spending the cost of building from a new glider. I look at it as a glider build off a used million mile chassis.

There are plenty of 387's available that could fit this bill.... (and T600's) I like the roominess of the 387, but then I tried out a 386.... and I really like this model. It reminds me of the old 359 I used to drive, but updated in a way I like. It feels right from the drivers seat, but is still slippery without the bling-bling do-dads hanging off of it. Been there, done that with the 359 in 1990's when fuel was $1.05 a gallon. Problem is... the available 386's are all post emissions trucks.

How hard would it be to put a reman 6NZ into a 386 that now has a worn out ACERT? Does the wiring harness need to be changed?... I'm guessing having to re-wire makes it cost prohibitive.

 

Thanks for the replys... too bad the 386's didn't come out a few years earlier.... but at least its a possible option.

 

Thanks, KustomTruck.

If I go with a high mileage 386 donor chassis, I'll take heed of your '06 or '07 advice coming from such a fine builder of sexy trucks as yourself.

If I were to come to you requesting a glider build from a new 386 chassis, but wanted to spec a re-manufactured pre '04 engine, I guess re-wiring applies. Starting from a new chassis though.... its a bigger investment in the project overall, and the re-wiring can be monetized over a longer period of useful life of the truck, and so the cost of the rewiring may be practical. Fitzgerald must think it is with their cookie cutter bread and butter (ugly) glider builds.

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