Do I settle 230HP or do I wait for something that has more horsepower?

[Channelmarker]

I have the chance to purchase a MAN F90 1993 18.232 chassis with an unfinished 18 foot box for less than $70k. But it only has 230 HP that can be increased maybe to 250 HP with tuning and fast axles for a top speed of 60 mph and in the mountains that comes down to 30-40 mph. I'm thinking that will drive me up a wall driving so slow. In 1994, MAN came out with the F2000 that had HP up to 400 HP. But it looks like I can't swap out the engines, because of the engineering and import restrictions into the US - mismatching engine classes with the rig.

So, do I purchase the slower rig now or wait until I find a rig with greater HP so I can drive faster and carry more weight with the cabin in the back?

 

[mog]

My MB 1017AF had an OM352A with 170 hp (+/-) at 13,940 pounds. As an 'AF' with fast axles it had the performance you listed, 60ish (58-63) mph cruising and 30-40mph on hills. Not an issue as it was as fast or even faster than Semi-trucks (class 8), so I was never 'the guy' on the long grade holding up traffic, just creeping up hill with all the other elephants. Just a different (some say relaxed) travel style. My friend's 1220 with more hp is still in that cruising speed range, and maybe a touch faster up grades, but not a world of difference. Another friend with a 1017A did a lot of work to 'upgrade' with a larger turbo, larger injectors, tweaked pump and intercooler and it is still no faster than mine (his is non-fast axles) cruising, and just a little bit faster on hill. Not worth the $$$ IMO. Do I like the fact my Kodiak can go up hill at 80+, yep, but is in necessary, no. I would say regardless of the Euro LKWs that can be imported (>25 y.o.), it will not be a world of difference, so go for the bird-in-the-hand truck. Also check out the cost of 'upgrading' to fast axles if the truck does not have those. That can be a pricey upgraded. As always YMMV.

 

[Channelmarker]

Well, all the fast axle upgrades have been done and I am told through tweaking the engine settings you can get another 20-30 HP out of it. Thank you for all this information. It is quite helpful and I would love to hear other's input and views on this.

I have a 1992 27' C-class gasoline 460HP that only goes 45-50 mph on steep grades. So I don't know what I am really complaining about. Although I can comfortably due 65 mph on straightaways. Not sure this rig will do that. Also, you can't go faster than 67 mph in Europe anyway (and some day I will be there with this rig).

 

[Channelmarker]

My MB 1017AF had an OM352A with 170 hp (+/-) at 13,940 pounds. As an 'AF' with fast axles it had the performance you listed, 60ish (58-63) mph cruising and 30-40mph on hills. Not an issue as it was as fast or even faster than Semi-trucks (class 8), so I was never 'the guy' on the long grade holding up traffic, just creeping up hill with all the other elephants. Just a different (some say relaxed) travel style. My friend's 1220 with more hp is still in that cruising speed range, and maybe a touch faster up grades, but not a world of difference. Another friend with a 1017A did a lot of work to 'upgrade' with a larger turbo, larger injectors, tweaked pump and intercooler and it is still no faster than mine (his is non-fast axles) cruising, and just a little bit faster on hill. Not worth the $$$ IMO. Do I like the fact my Kodiak can go up hill at 80+, yep, but is in necessary, no. I would say regardless of the Euro LKWs that can be imported (>25 y.o.), it will not be a world of difference, so go for the bird-in-the-hand truck. Also check out the cost of 'upgrading' to fast axles if the truck does not have those. That can be a pricey upgraded. As always YMMV.

Also, what is a Kodiak - now you've peaked my interest in what vehicle can do 80 up a hill?

 

[mog]

I have a 1992 27' C-class gasoline 460HP that only goes 45-50 mph on steep grades. So I don't know what I am really complaining about. Although I can comfortably due 65 mph on straightaways. Not sure this rig will do that. Also, you can't go faster than 67 mph in Europe anyway (and some day I will be there with this rig).

It sounds like your experience with your C-class (65ish and 45-50ish) would give you a idea of the speed (just knock 10%ish off), and you should have an idea of if you can live with normal LKW cruising/hill performance. And take your C-Class's coolness were X = its coolness factor and use this formula X¹⁰⁰⁰ for the how cool Euro LKWs are

Also, what is a Kodiak - now you've peaked my interest in what vehicle can do 80 up a hill?

2005-2009 Chevy/GMC Kodiak/TopKick 4500 (17,500 GVWR) or 5500 (19,500 GVWR) with either 8.1 liter (496ci) gas or 6.6 Duramax diesel. Allison 1000 transmission 5-speed (or manual), NV 273C transfer-case, Dana 70HD front, Dana 110 rear w/G80 locker, 4 wheel ABS disc brakes, (note most have 'option-KYW' which limits top speed to 75mph, but I have 42" tires (385/65R-22.5), 28% larger than stock, so a limiter top speed of 96 mph?).

Below is my Kodiak overlaid over my MB1017AF (a triple cab) both with the same 12 foot camper. You can seem the huge advantage the cabover design of the LKWs have over the conventional (although Kodiaks have a shorter nose that 'standard' trucks) layout, and even more so in the wheelbase (LKW-turn on a dime, Kodiak-give me 40 acres).



And in 'specs' (Kodiak on 42s, MB1017 on 46s)

Notes- my Kodiak has a 'wide track' due to using modified Alcoa rims, both truck flatbeds are 'aftermarket', height/length does not include the camper, and a minor +/- measure error possible.