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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: xtremjeepn on January 07, 2008, 02:41:19 pm

Title: Cat 3208?
Post by: xtremjeepn on January 07, 2008, 02:41:19 pm
I have a friend that might be able to get me a smokin deal on a Caterpiller 3208.  I have done a little research and found 3-4 references to people putting these in 1 ton crew cabs.

Anyone here know of someone that has done it? Pics? Anything?


This would be for my 1 ton crew.
Title: Re: Cat 3208?
Post by: VileZambonie on January 07, 2008, 03:35:32 pm
I don't know of anyone who has. I'm not so sure it would even fit under the hood line.
Title: Re: Cat 3208?
Post by: xtremjeepn on January 07, 2008, 03:46:05 pm
I have seen pictures of it in trucks. It fits.  Roughly the same size as a big block.
Title: Re: Cat 3208?
Post by: xtremjeepn on January 07, 2008, 03:57:29 pm
Pic of it in an old Ford.  :o

(http://www.rtpaz.com/dsc00477.jpg)
Title: Re: Cat 3208?
Post by: Blazin on January 07, 2008, 06:18:34 pm
I have often thought this would be a cool swap. They are not a huge power house motor though. Don't quote me but I think 310 HP is the top number. Good torque though for our size trucks, and I am sure with a decent turbo, and turn the pump up a bit you could boost the HP #.
Title: Re: Cat 3208?
Post by: xtremjeepn on January 07, 2008, 07:52:13 pm
Found this picture of one in a 77ish crew cab chevy.

(http://www.t-mobilepictures.com/photos/photo19/be/14/6d53083ffa3b.jpg) 

Not as clean as the one in the Ford.

Title: Re: Cat 3208?
Post by: VileZambonie on January 07, 2008, 08:43:28 pm
Not as clean as the one in the Ford.

I'll say :D lol
Title: Re: Cat 3208?
Post by: werewolfx13 on January 08, 2008, 02:03:11 am
I've not seen one in one of our trucks, but I drove a 1 ton chevy van about 360 miles with one of those, or one similar, and it would cruise at 85 mph with GOBS of passing power to spare, and when figured up, it averaged 22 mpg cruising at 80-85 mph. No clue what trans he had behind it, it was a 4 spd auto without overdrive or park. Had to use the parking brake with it in neutral if you wanted to park. It was kinda dissapointing during takeoff, the turbo didn't spool very quick.
Title: Re: Cat 3208?
Post by: Blazin on January 08, 2008, 06:22:45 pm
That was probably an Allison trans. That was the common trans behind them in medium duty trucks.
Title: Re: Cat 3208?
Post by: werewolfx13 on January 08, 2008, 06:37:54 pm
Yeah, my dad has a bucket truck he uses for tree trimming that has an allison 4 spd auto in it, gear selection was the same, even though it was a sheet of paper taped over the van's factory gear indicator.  ;D