There seem to be a few folks here who have F-5 (or similar) trucks with the original engines & transmissions. Anyone have feedback on how they drive, empty and/or with a load? My F-5 came with a (busted) 292 Y-block, and I'm debating between a couple engine choices right now... one of which is a Mercedes OM617 with a manual transmission. It seems to line up pretty well with the original engine (in terms of hp, torque, etc), hence the question of how well the original engines did.

Any feedback/ thoughts would be appreciated!

 

I'm not familiar with a Mercedes OM617, but the torque curve will be of more value than Hp. You may already know that though. But the overall gearing with the "smaller Hp/torque" of these trucks, and why they are limited to slow speeds, is what allows them to move.

Do you have more specs on the Mercedes OM617 to share?