The C series did not run quite that long, it was dropped in 1993. I have one of the last, a 1990 model. I hear tell by that time they were having to use big rubber hammers in the factory to get the body panel bolt holes to line up. Seems the tooling was that worn out from stamping so many of them.

Apparently the 3208 Cat was designed specifically for this truck (it was called an 1140 back at first, then it progressed through several models to 1160, then Cat renumbered their engines). The 3208 started in the early 70s and was also on its last legs in the early 90s. A bit smoky, but quiet, and nice to drive.

Apparently it was dropped because of the lack of a suitable big V8 to replace the 3208 which was no longer certifiable for road use. Other engines used in the C included some Detroit 2-cycles, the forgettable Cummins "triple nickel" 555, the terrible 8.2L Detroit 4-cycle, and of course the Super Duty gas V8 series. At 10.4L and 250 HP the Cat was the top of the heap. A little sluggish by today's standards but really not all that bad even now.

Birken