What engine should I use?

[charlie8575]

In another topic, I got directed to the link for RMR, which has some nice offerings for early heavy trucks.

I've been looking for something to use with my auto rack, and I think I might have found the answer.

Although the rack is mid-60s vintage, as was pointed out earlier, it wouldn't be unreasonable to have a (perhaps) much older tractor pulling it.

In short, I think this one, listed as a 1941-46 Dodge COE looks really cool. I could see this being used by a low-budget cartage company with a slightly newer rack.

There is a problem, though. What should I use for an engine? I'd imagine that some version of Chrysler's gas L-head six was available, which means I could probably get something out of a '41 Plymouth engine with a little tinkering, probably.

But, where other options available? I'm also thinking that as this kit calls for an L-700, I wonder if I could just build the chassis and use the 361, suggesting an older truck re-powered with a newer engine?

Ideas? Thoughts?

Here's the links, the second two are pictures of the product.

Race Motor Replicas

Doge COE-1

Dodge COE-2

Thanks in advance.

Charlie Larkin

[highway]

Charlie, I feel the cab in the link, especially since you said it uses the Dodge L700 as a donor, would be fine with the frame and engine from the L700 kit. The auto rack you are planning on using, is it the AMT haulaway hauler or something similar? If so, I think the older cab would look nice with that style trailer, I think those styles were also used in the 50's. A 40's model cab would look fine with it, low budget company or not, just because the truck would be about 10 years older than the trailer, doen't mean it's still not useful. I worked for a local towing company that still used tow trucks older than I was! They were early 70's trucks, one was a Mack R and the other was a White Western Star. They were almost 30 years old when I drove them, but they still did the job!

[Aaronw]

I have a book on old Dodge trucks, it looks to me like they were available with an L head 6 of 228 or 331 cid. Dodge also began to offer a 331 cid 6 cyl diesel in 1939 (no relation to the gas 331).

These motors only put out 90-100 +/- hp so a repower later in life seems quite reasonable to me. If the V-8 from the L-700 fits that would be a possibility, Dodge also used the 226 slant 6 in some of their smaller heavy trucks.

I think Sourkrout has a Detroit Diesel 6-71 which might be a good choice being an inline 6. You could justify the engine and carhauler on the old truck by saying they scrapped a wrecked GMC mounting the salvaged body and diesel on an older Dodge they had on hand.

[Foxer]

I don't know a lot about these COE's, but that body is pretty cool looking!

If you were going for a more original engine, the L-head similar to the one in the '41 Plymouth was used in EVERYTHING Chrysler from 1933 to 1959 with various accessory detail changes through the years. I researched this extensively when considering using the '41 engine to model a detailed '51 Plymouth engine. I have seen this engine used in many Dodge trucks but have to wonder if this workhorse made the grade to power a COE. The L-6 would probably just look too small under that cab.

[charlie8575]

Charlie, I feel the cab in the link, especially since you said it uses the Dodge L700 as a donor, would be fine with the frame and engine from the L700 kit. The auto rack you are planning on using, is it the AMT haulaway hauler or something similar? If so, I think the older cab would look nice with that style trailer, I think those styles were also used in the 50's. A 40's model cab would look fine with it, low budget company or not, just because the truck would be about 10 years older than the trailer, doen't mean it's still not useful. I worked for a local towing company that still used tow trucks older than I was! They were early 70's trucks, one was a Mack R and the other was a White Western Star. They were almost 30 years old when I drove them, but they still did the job!

Hi, Matthew.

Yes, this is the Haulaway trailer. I'm going one of two routes right now:

1. Put an L-700 on the trailer and call it done, loaded with used cars.

2. Pick up another L-700, the conversion and semi-scratchbuild (I'd use the Haulaway trailer's floor and suspension) a 1940s-early 50s style auto rack and load that with new cars of some kind (Mopars, or I might do a mix of independents.)

Actually, both options sound pretty good, and the possibilities floated for what's plausible are giving me some ideas. I like the idea of a 6-71; it seems very fitting for that truck. I saw a picture of the Dodge diesel from a 1941 conventional cab brochure- strange looking critter; it's almost like a gas engine. Actually, I'm wondering if I might be able to dummy it up with a Plymouth 6, maybe two if I need to make a little bigger block.

Charlie Larkin

[MikeeD]

Wow..tough call. I have that truck in a die cast and from what I can tell, even with the hood open, you wouldn't be able to see alot of motor detail, but, nonetheless...

A bone stock new Hemi, or a 383 with dual quads on a cross ram would look really cool. I think the 64 Plymouth has one.

[highway]

Hi, Matthew.

Yes, this is the Haulaway trailer. I'm going one of two routes right now:

1. Put an L-700 on the trailer and call it done, loaded with used cars.

2. Pick up another L-700, the conversion and semi-scratchbuild (I'd use the Haulaway trailer's floor and suspension) a 1940s-early 50s style auto rack and load that with new cars of some kind (Mopars, or I might do a mix of independents.)

Actually, both options sound pretty good, and the possibilities floated for what's plausible are giving me some ideas. I like the idea of a 6-71; it seems very fitting for that truck. I saw a picture of the Dodge diesel from a 1941 conventional cab brochure- strange looking critter; it's almost like a gas engine. Actually, I'm wondering if I might be able to dummy it up with a Plymouth 6, maybe two if I need to make a little bigger block.

Charlie Larkin

I like the sound of both options, too, Charlie.

[Foxer]

Since you still seem to be thinking of the original engine among your choices, here's a link to the mopar L-6. Seems Dodge used the Plymouth engine as the basis for their truck engines with some mods for the heavy duty use. This IS the engine in the '41 Plymouth kit.

The diesel could be cool if it's as weird as you say.

[mistermodel]

I'm liking your plan.What style is your build gonna be, a replica type or a restored type?If your going for something restored any engine would work.I,d say the plymouth engine mated to the L700 transmission would be period correct.As mentioned a early hemi could work.I think there was a dementionally smaller hemi in the 50's as well.Ask some car guys on the forum about them.I saw a L6 in a bit of a newer dodge some where with duel carbs ,I'll try and find what site to send you to

Kevin

Edited May 6, 2010 by mistermodel

[mistermodel]

found some old dodge engines for yeah

http://cgi.ebay.com/1950-Dodge-4-Ton-Model-Y-Tractor-Trailer-Truck-Brochure-/260334814746?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3c9d2a061a

http://cgi.ebay.com/1954-Dodge-G-H-J-K-1-1-2-2-2-1-2-Ton-Truck-Brochure-/370132864599?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item562da34e57

http://cgi.ebay.com/1939-Dodge-3-Ton-Diesel-Truck-Sales-Brochure-/350142610134?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5186203ad6

Kevin

Edited May 6, 2010 by mistermodel

[falcongeorge]

I'm liking your plan.What style is your build gonna be, a replica type or a restored type?If your going for something restored any engine would work.I,d say the plymouth engine mated to the L700 transmission would be period correct.As mentioned a early hemi could work.I think there was a dementionally smaller hemi in the 50's as well.Ask some car guys on the forum about them.I saw a L6 in a bit of a newer dodge some where with duel carbs ,I'll try and find what site to send you to

Kevin

Dodge red-ram, but i dont think it was used in trucks. As far as I know, Dodge trucks used the chrysler hemis with Dodge badging on the valve covers.

[Aaronw]

The Dodge 331 diesel engine was not based on the 331 gas motor, but was roughly the same size so it would fit into the same engine compartments. It might be possible to build one from the L-head but the diesel has the exhaust manifold on the left side, while other Dodge engines had it on the right. The diesel was also an overhead valves design, not an L head.

It looks like the diesel was dropped during WW2, so it is probably not the best choice for a truck in the 1960s although it was apparently a pretty durable engine so it could have been on the road for 20+ years.

If you do decide to give the diesel a try there are a couple of decent photos in the Dodge truck book I have.

[charlie8575]

The idea of an early Hemi is an interesting one; I can probably scrounge one up from a kit someplace, and adjust as needed to make it look reasonable, if not 100% "right." As already discussed, in the world of real trucks, any combination of motors, transmissions, etc. is within the realm of possibility.

Charlie Larkin