Caterpillar 3406E 15.8L Custom Reman

[vincen47]

Though it’s not part of a completed truck build yet, I think an engine can be a model in itself. I’ve started my next truck conversion, a 1/24th scale black and chrome Peterbilt 379, and I’ve built a Cat 3406E for it's power. The resin engine is from Moluminum. It wears real Cat yellow, and includes several scratch-built extras. Further detailing will be added when it’s in-frame.

While most of Caterpillar’s 3406 line was 14.6L, It represents a ‘99 15.8l E-Model 3406. Factory rated at 600 horsepower (and often up-rated higher), the final generation of these 964 cubic inch beasts were the precursor to the C16. This one has been remanufactured and up-fitted with chrome and ceramic parts, to boost the performance and style. It’s representative of the custom engines from diesel shops that outfit gliders and other owner-operator rigs. Big Cats like this are highly sought-after for their power and pre-emissions reliability. They often find a second life in a glider or show truck.

it’s coupled to an 18 speed Eaton Autoshift transmission that’s been up-fitted with a trans oil cooler. The build was detailed using Ken Smith’s Car Modeller 3406E article and online photos for reference and inspiration, many from Kustom Truck, an Oregon-based glider and diesel shop.

I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Next step is the rolling chassis.

[Jim B]

Holy cow!  That is detailed!  Fantastic job.  Almost a shame to hide it under a hood.

Edited October 11, 2020 by Jim B

[PappyD340]

Outstanding detail, well done!

[Dutzie]

Gorgeous!

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Looks awesome Vince! Top notch detail work!

Question; you seem to be knowledgeable of these engine. Dimensionally is there any external size difference between the E engine, the C16 and the C15? Also the C12 has a similar design but having not seen one in person I’m not sure if there is an external physical size difference. I realize that the C. I.D. Is different but I wasn’t sure if it was just bore and stroke. I thought if they were externally the same size that it would open the door for slight modification to convert Jamie’s E engine or his C15 to a C16 or a C12. 
Thanks,

Brian

[kilrathy10]

That looks awesome... I've said it before, and I'll say it, again....Y'all are something else with these engines... AWESOME!!!!

[vincen47]

Thanks guys!

[vincen47]

12 hours ago, DRIPTROIT 71 said:

Looks awesome Vince! Top notch detail work!

Question; you seem to be knowledgeable of these engine. Dimensionally is there any external size difference between the E engine, the C16 and the C15? Also the C12 has a similar design but having not seen one in person I’m not sure if there is an external physical size difference. I realize that the C. I.D. Is different but I wasn’t sure if it was just bore and stroke. I thought if they were externally the same size that it would open the door for slight modification to convert Jamie’s E engine or his C15 to a C16 or a C12. 
Thanks,

Brian

Yes, it’s just a difference in displacement. Externally, the 3406E, C-15, C15 Acert and C16 are dimensionally the same, and share most of the exterior components, with subtle differences in details like the valve cover logos. Like the C-15, the C15 Acert is 15.2l, but has twin turbos as it’s biggest spotting feature. The Acert also shares the block with the Maxxforce 15, but the similarities end there. 

Jamie sells the Acert, and also has the 3406E and C-15 single turbo. So, there’s a lot of flexibility in our modeling world in what we put in our trucks. Especially being how this era of engines are 10-20 years old and many of them have been modified over the years with many parts interchangeable between models.

The C12 is a different block, though, and the valve covers are different. KFS has a C13 if you’re looking for something in that range.

Thanks!

Edited October 12, 2020 by vincen47

[extmcdriver]

Fantastic job!!! I can't say enough about what you have done here. Excellent work on the CAT!!!

[Mopar - D]

Awesome engine detailing! I agree with you in that you can this as a model just by itself. 

[TECHMAN]

???

On 10/11/2020 at 9:40 AM, Jim B said:

Holy cow!  That is detailed!  Fantastic job.  Almost a shame to hide it under a hood.

X2

DJ

[vincen47]

Here’s an update. Sometimes you don’t notice things until you look at photos, it seems. I did some needed touch-up painting.

I added the lifting brackets to the front and rear of the block.

I wasn’t happy with the valve covers, so I refinished those, and they look much better now. This time I did the Molotow first, then added the black.

Thanks for looking!

[kilrathy10]

Absolutely amazing.... This is one very nicely done engine...

[AmericanMuscleFan]

That's an amazing engine sir!   So nicely done and detailed, it might be mistaken with the real one.   The first part of a masterpiece in the making!!!

[vincen47]

20 hours ago, kilrathy10 said:

Absolutely amazing.... This is one very nicely done engine...

Thanks JT!

6 hours ago, AmericanMuscleFan said:

That's an amazing engine sir!   So nicely done and detailed, it might be mistaken with the real one.   The first part of a masterpiece in the making!!!

Thanks! I sure hope the rest of the build goes smoothly. I always have to remind myself to take my time, and not rush things.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

It looked great before! Now it looks even better!

[vincen47]

11 hours ago, DRIPTROIT 71 said:

It looked great before! Now it looks even better!

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[truckabilly]

Awesome job on the CAT 

[landman]

What a beautiful engine.

[vincen47]

On 11/9/2020 at 3:18 PM, truckabilly said:

Awesome job on the CAT 

 

12 hours ago, landman said:

What a beautiful engine.

Thanks, guys!

[vincen47]

It’s been a while. Here’s an update of the engine installed in the chassis.

[Gary Chastain]

Wow, wow, wow, man that is something to look at, very well done. 

[vincen47]

12 minutes ago, Gary Chastain said:

Wow, wow, wow, man that is something to look at, very well done. 

Thanks! I should make a WIP thread for the chassis and what’s been done on the project so far.

[Gary Chastain]

2 hours ago, vincen47 said:

Thanks! I should make a WIP thread for the chassis and what’s been done on the project so far.

You should, like to watch this build. 

[Muncie]

Thank you for posting, I was remembering this one a couple of days ago.  Awesome work!