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Originally Posted by Oso
Here's a few more questions:
1. If you're interested in a used truck that doesn't have side fairings (ie. fuel tank covers) how easy is it to have these retrofitted? (And if you're a fan of fairings and other aerodynamic aids, is it generally worth it?)
I would not think it would be difficult to retrofit fairings. You just mount your brackets then bolt on the fairings. I was thinking about replacing a couple of fairings on my International several years ago. I believe that each panel cost about $700 each. I have 6 panels on that truck. The cost could vary from one brand to another. You may also find panels in a junk or salvage yard for less. Fairings are supposed to boost your fuel mileage but I don't recall how much. The down side to having fairings is that it is more difficult to get underneath to check or do things to the truck.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oso
2. Are there any advantages to dual exhaust stacks vs. a single?
I don't know if there are any advantages to having dual stacks other than the look. I think the last truck that I had dual stacks on was a Peterbilt. You need to consider that it costs twice as much to replace your mufflers when the time comes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oso
3. I understand that Mack & other proprietary engines are more expensive to repair than a Cummins. Could someone offer an opinion about how much more a Mack engine (MP8) would cost per year - or perhaps over the lifetime of the engine.
I doubt that I would ever buy a truck that had a proprietary engine. I considered buying a Mack truck several years ago. The reason I decided against it was due to the Mack engine. It was a good engine but I knew that if I ever had a problem that I would most likely need to find a dealer. Dealers usually have higher labor rates and there may not be one where I need them. It can be difficult to find mechanics who will work on Mack, Volvo engines or Mercedes, for example. Another problem can be parts. At least that was a problem when I was thinking about buying one. Mack is a French company and may not have all parts available at the dealer or parts distributor. They could need to order them from abroad. That can cost time plus additional costs. It is much easier and less costly to buy Cummins, Detroit or Cat.