i tried to search but "8.3" is too small so it just turns up a BUNCH of threads with "cummins".

i seem to remember from a couple other threads that its basically a bigger version of the 5.9 and thus a good engine.

i found a freightliner local for a good price with a 6 speed and a flatbed that im thinking of goin to take a look at.

so lets hear it-the good,the bad,whatever. anything i should watch for if i go look at this truck? its a 95-will it have electronics or be a good ol' fashioned P pump?

thanx for any info :)

I have a 8.3 in my '98 motorhome, and it's P-pumped. It looks just like a big 5.9(except for the valve cover). One thing I'd check though is the exhaust manifold. Mine had a single piece manifold that will shrink just like the one's on a 5.9. The one I had shrunk so bad, it cracked the head at the exaust port on #6. I ended up putting another head on it ( great fun to work on in the back of the motorhome). I did some of the standard mods that you can do with the 5.9 as far as exhaust and fuel, and I'm happy with the mileage and power output. I also like the fact that it's p-pumped. One last thing I will say though, the parts are way more $$$ than they are for the 5.9.

It will not be electronic. They did not make these engines electronic until 1998.

mechanical motor as noted, can easily do some bolt on mods, turn the pump up, etc and get 400hp and 1500 TQ from that motor, of course more can be had with more mods..

install boost and temp gauges, probably a low RPM motor, so you may want to look at pump mods if you want or need the RPM dep on what you are doing..

Scheid can build a 700hp/2000 foot pound monster out of it for about 30 grand :D

I have a 8.3 in my '98 motorhome, and it's P-pumped. It looks just like a big 5.9(except for the valve cover). One thing I'd check though is the exhaust manifold. Mine had a single piece manifold that will shrink just like the one's on a 5.9. The one I had shrunk so bad, it cracked the head at the exaust port on #6. I ended up putting another head on it ( great fun to work on in the back of the motorhome). I did some of the standard mods that you can do with the 5.9 as far as exhaust and fuel, and I'm happy with the mileage and power output. I also like the fact that it's p-pumped. One last thing I will say though, the parts are way more $$$ than they are for the 5.9.



this. my neighbor has one with the same problem.