Just out of curiosity how old...

1997 379 5EK with a 600 file and 1000hp cam.
I would definitely stay under 1999 if I was looking

 

Does that thing idle worth a flip with that big cam? I've heard they are great accelerating or slowing but they make an engine lope otherwise. What do you say?

 

Idles great has a bit of flutter at higher no load rpm. It was worse with the 455hp factory file in it. The 5ds 600 file settled it down by half or better. It used to get choppy at about 1500 now I don't notice it until about 1650/1700. I hardly ever get that it that high.

 

Hey Americanmade or Hurst. Are there any forums about truck repair and cost. Im looking to get my brakes done all around and wanted to know what a decent price was parts and labor. 97 Century class. Thanks

 

I would pass on anything 2000 or newer no matter how nice. I know people looking for older trucks right now to get around the EOBR mandate. I'm waiting until closer to the time for them to be implimented before I do. All it really takes is for a new court decision and that could be changed one way or another anyways. 1999 and older trucks aren't going anywhere and it remains to be seen if they will command a premium.

All other used and even new equipment prices are dropping like a rock. It really makes no sense that demand would be so high for 99's when more than half the industry is already on EOBR and most of the hold outs will be too. Plus the economy is in a recession with numbers mirroring the great depression no recovery anywhere in sight. People are hoping for government regulations to stifle capacity and improve rates. Absolutely no-one out here is talking about improving economic conditions creating real demand and a truer increase in rates.

 

Yeah, you don't want to turn that thing that much very often. I spin my b model 1700 some just because of the .390s.

 

I'm to the point I can pass up on a hood anymore. I always loved W900L and wanted one but really just don't see it as practical for what I do. In fact a friend of mine is looking at 98 and 99 Volvo midroof sleeper tractors and to my way of thinking they'd be the perfect rig for me. I used to drive Volvo and I know hood guys make fun of them.or whatever but my recollection is they rode good, they drove easy, would turn on a dime, easy to back and not so bad on fuel either. You can get one in those years with a 12.7L Detroit, N14 Cummins, or 3406E so couldn't go wrong with anything there. Figure the Detroit would be the most economical though. You can find trucks like that for cheap. Clean one up really good, new paint, and fix what needs fixing, try to find a southern rust free one, and have myself a new money maker.