I'm looking to start on a hobby project to build a show truck. Already decided on the truck (pre-2001 Peterbilt 379), but have yet to decide on an engine. My primary considerations are:

Mechanical
* Easier to work on (don't need an expensive diagnostic computer, fewer sensors to fail)
* Cheaper to maintain
* Somehow seems to sound better than the electronics

Electronic
* Better fuel mileage
* Real cruise control
* Shops are probably more familiar with these at this point

An additional concern with electronics is that they can be locked out with an engine password. Not sure how hard or expensive it is to have a dealership override that (with proof of ownership, of course.)

Anyway -- opinions?

Being in school, and learning both. If it was me I would get something with a older big cam 855 or something mechanical. Easy to turn up, easy to mess with and work on, and not to difficult to maintain. Electrical engines are a PITA in my opinion.

jmono33's Sig:

1990 Dodge W250, Non I/C Cummins, 727 auto, autometer pod/gauges, 366 spring, ground fuel pin, pump tweaks, 1.5" lift, 35'' bfgs m/ts, and dual 5'' mitres! *HE351, custom 5x.014s, 60lb valve springs, ported head, 4" downpipe and a few more goodies to come*

Electronic
* Better fuel mileage
i will tend to disagree with that i have a int dt 466 mech(275 hp tweeked a bit) and my father has a dt 530 elect. 300 hp and i run about 30-40 ltrs of fuel less than him on the same job daily i would personally go with the old big cam 444 or maybe a 425 kitty but the feul pumps on the kitty are pretty $$$ just my 2 cents
ps i got a buddy with a new pete (kitty powered) only getting 4 mpg and lost his job over it (need 6mpg to stay with the company)

yj junker's Sig:

Mine 1999 24v cummins quad cab l/b ,the BOMBING is out of control 2.5"skyjacker front coils(actual lift 4"),rear spring re-arch 4",custom headache rack,w/fuel/tool box mount, 4" t/b straight pipe , adrenaline w/pulse,315/75/16 nitto terra graplers 4 summer,265/75/16 studded remolds 4 winter(looks little), BHAF,air dog 150,custom front bumper

That sucks for your buddy. I thought for an owner operator it's none of the company's business what equipment the o/o is using, but I guess reality isn't that rosy.

444 crap, cummins only mistake!

get a 425 B-Model cat in an early 379 if you want one of those or get a 359, i have a friend who has one that he has started but need s to sell, already has new rails(295wb) in it and he has been working on the rear setup,rear bumber,wti's etc. he has 2 cabs, 2 hoods(short), does have a 444 in it but it is completely rebuilt and only test run, has rears out of a 96 in it with air-leaf, lots new stuff comes with it. he would take 10K for
it all, ill see if i can get pics if your interested.


This is a real truck, and i drive it everyday, aint nuthin as fine as a 359!!!!!!

Diesel Dummy's Sig:

I wont go on with a whole bunch of stuff we carry, so ill keep it short!

If you think you need it, we can get it, thats it!!!!!

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I wish I had that cash I would love have a project rig!

Kinda had my mind set on a 379, but I definitely wouldn't mind taking a look. Where's he located?