COE engine under or behind cab?

i see most of these trucks when done seem to have the engine behind cab any reason for that? do the common donor ch***is lend itself to that location better? if /when i get to build one or something similar i would like it manual 4-6 cyl turbo diesel but the gear linkage may be a pita? maybe use one from a modern smaller coe?

 

I'm putting my 40 ford coe cab on an Isuzu 4 cyl diesel, so the engine will be mostly under the cab. it's an automatic, so linkage won't be a problem. good luck with your future project. Bob

 

I am new to this group. I have a couple of projects to finish before I can get to my COE, but I have started thinking about it now that I am seeing them around.
The 48 Ford I have has been on the family farm since the mid fifties. It was the truck I learned to drive in and the first engine I worked on. Even that little flathead was a stinker to get to working down over the floor boards around the drivers seat etc. etc. I have a lot of admiration for the guys that m***age the cab to get it over a modern V8. Much much easier to have the engine behind the cab. Especially a big block. A small block or a 4 cyl diesel under the cab may be what I end up doing. Probably use a ford one ton frame.
B

 

I have to ask - is it a true COE if the engine is behind the cab ?

 

Read post #3 of my build thread.

 

i also considered the isuzu or iveco route ( i love isuzu motors!) and would be ok for an under cab motor but il do what evers easiest for build and maintainance. i guess a tilt cabs an option

 

i read the post flowmiester interesting stuff i too await your gear linkage write up!
you may find a linkage from a modern smaller type coe is the way to go.. my build if i can get to it is a little different for various reasons(uk roads) i want a car hauler under 2 tons empty if possible no wider than 6 feet under 7.5 feet high on a pre 73 frame prob 8 lug so i can dually the rear except i dont want the wheels sticking out. and diesel 4/6 cyl manual 5 speed. i may even just build one from a pre 73 cargo van/ch***is but i like the old coe looks. so i may build one or another for u.s roads where the size isnt such an issue i cant wit to get into it but lifes in the way so im doing some homework on it before i need more axle stands and tarps!

 

COE = Cab Over Engine.

 

Flowmeister, can you please provide a link so it is easier to find.

 

If you click on my name, there is a link at the bottom.
But here it is also,
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=698949

 

Thanks Flow.

 

Flow, I have to agree with your daughter that it is not a true COE but it is still a great project.

 

My engine is under the cab

 

Flow I read the rest of your topic and I think you have a great project. It is under the cab. The post about the floor boards led me to believe it was not. I am still laughing at the comments your daughter made.

 

6 reasons we COE guys put the engine behind the cab, or at least the 6 reasons I did.

1) Much easier to work on the engine if you need to, and you will need to sooner or later if you drive it enough.
2) Much less heat coming from under the floor making your a/c work much better. =Interior comfort
3) Much more room inside the cab as you can flatten out the floorboard after getting rid of that big hump. =Interior comfort
4) Much less noise inside the cab.= Interior comfort again
5) Much shorter driveshaft if you are making a car hauler like I did. This eliminates the need for a carrier bearing. If you are not stretching out the frame, this isn't really an issue.
6) Overall just much easier to build the truck since you aren't having to stuff a large modern engine, radiator, condensor, intercooler, air cleaner, etc in that small space under the cab.

There is however a few drawbacks, but are very insignificant in comparison to what the benefits are though.

1) My shifter cable is about about 10 feet long.
2) My accelerator cable is about 18 feet long
3) My power steering hose is about 9 feet long.(These are not problems, just expensive to buy/make)
4) Lastly, unless you put the air filter up in the front and build plumbing between it and the engine, you pick up dust and dirt from the front tires causing you to have to replace the air filter more often. Typically the air filter on all other vehicles is in front of the front wheels and it always picks up clean air before the tires stir up the dust. Again, not a problem.....it just costs more $$$ changing filters twice as often.

It was certainly worth it to me to put that engine behind the cab, but you all may disagree with me........depending on your individual cir***stances.