I believe the "W" would be wide gauge, as the 9G was available in 60" or 74" gauge, ( center of track to center of track measurement ) and the the "SP" would be special equipment, most likely being different gearing in the transmission, but not limited to that, not sure what other options there were, from what I recall, ususually nothing really significant, but don't quote me. The later D7's after the 9G series were only offered in 74" gauge. I suppose anything can be repowered and have seen some D8's repowered before, but you have to remember that the dry clutch, transmission, and final drives were designed for the output of the 4 Cyl. Caterpillar motor, which is either the motor carried over from the Diesel 50 the D7700 or the next series up the D8800 I'm thinking it's possibly the D8800, an early version of it with external push rods, as the bore and stroke listed is 5 3/4" x 8" which matches the D8800. Varying HP from what I've read between these 2 motors seem to be 66 for the D7700 and 80 for the D8800, straight from the flywheel, @ 850 r.p.m. which are old school technology slow turning motors. I'm thinking you would have to bridge the gap from the bellhousing to the motor somehow, and or use a truck transmission with bellhousing or some alignment that works between the old and new, not sure how that would work with the input shaft, but that is speculation on my part, personally, I think I'd try to keep it original if at all possible. Amongst all the people who are Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club members, and those that frequent the 2 bulletin boards that most of these people frequent, you should still be able to find resources and parts for your original set up, and or suggestions for a repower, nothing like the sound of those old 4 cylinders though !
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