Sling Load asked:
The S-64 and Ch-54 have noticeable differences in the height of each individual engine intake, was there a reason for this that you are aware of?
Nick sez:
I don't think there is a difference in the engines at all, except for the designation, military T73, civil JFTD12. The Army version (CH-54) has no fire walls between the engines, and no support framework for them, the FAA version (S-64) has them. There are other details that differ, but I don't know that the engines are at all. There are two versions of the crane, the A and B, which differ in gross weight (42 vs 50 thousand pounds) and other areas. I can't summon up any specs that explain any of this on the web.
Maybe a Crane driver out there will help out!