detroit vs. cat

[krminyl@...]

Barry and Sandy,

You can't go wrong considering a Wanderlodge...your friend did you a favor when he made you look at his Bluebird.

I suggest that you look at the Vintage Birds website (www.vintagebirds.com) to see the changes in the BB's, each year they re produced. This will give you an idea which motor came with which motorhome, along with the improvements each year. Typically, the FC's (engine in the front) have used the Cat 3208, in both non-turbo, and later years, turbo'd version. Good motor, but known in some circles as a "throw-away motor", but you'd get as many arguments disputing that, as there are many rebuilders out there. With the FC's, try to find one that has a swing away radiator, which give you easier and quicker access to the motor.

The larger Detroits (8V92 and the 6V92) continue to prove themselves in both the vintage bus market and the marine (boat engine) market. Simple yet ingenious design, they can be rebuilt "in-frame" and parts are still readily available. Some do leak, some more than others, but this can be fixed. My 8V92 will drip a few drops a day, max, from it's "Slobber tubes" (venting tubes), but this is usual and normal. With proper maintenance and inspection,the myth of always leaking Detroits holds no validity.The Detroits are put in the larger PT's (pusher diesels with a tag axle). 8V92's are 475-500 HP, and the 6V92's are 330 HP...both are unique 2-stroke diesels, with both turbos and a supercharger to get the much needed air into them.

I talked to a guy yesterday who told me he put over a million miles on a 8V92, and it is still running strong (in a truck, not a BB).

I know you'll hear differing versions, but do your homework. Both Cats and Detroits have proven themselves to be great motors, and very dependable. The 3208's will get better mileage, but that can be expected with the lower HP and the FC's being much lighter.

Hope this helps...

Kevin McKeown

Yorba Linda, CA

1986 38'PT

8V92 Detroit (8 cylinders, V-configuration, 92 CID per cylinder)

---

Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides.