01-02 ISX CAT or Detroit.

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by LoneRanger, Apr 20, 2020.

  1. LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    Guys I’m on a fact finding mission, I might forgo my plans completely of leaving the industry and just go deeper into trucking.

    Since I’ve come to realize California is not going to get better on rates I mind as well get rid of my Def truck and go into something like a 01-02 Pete or Kw.


    I like Detroit but was told ISX is better.

    my questions are:

    what’s the best engine to have under the hood?

    Would a Cat be better?

    I’m looking for something that’s easily maintained, parts are cheap to come by, and most work can be done by me.


    I don’t want to spend 2 days to change a air compressor or have to tear down the engine for an oil pump, or a fuel pump.


    Thanks for the help.
     
    singlescrewshaker Thanks this.
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  3. Crude Truckin'

    Crude Truckin' Alien Spacecraft

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  4. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    I got an 02 Cat
    Its single turbo 6nz,475 10 speed.
    It gets excellent fuel mileage and pulls great.
    1,140k miles
    I like the old Detroits but I’d lean towards the cat.

    seen one in Covington TN for around 18-20k used to pull a hopper bottom locally has around the same mileage.


    International 9900
    34DDC993-A8B5-4F4E-AA49-A7219416A736.png
     
  5. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

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    Not sure who in their right mind told you an ISX is better than a Series 60..?

    They ain't painted green for no reason. Them things is money makers..
     
    Brettj3876, kwswan, lwlevens and 3 others Thank this.
  6. RERM

    RERM Road Train Member

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    Cat is more power, longer lasting, but, more expensive parts.

    Detroit is like a 350 Chevy....everyone can work on it, great fuel mileage, cheap parts.....lotsa noise...so so power......old reliable....

    ISX.....nah......
     
  7. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    500hp Detroit tuned by a professional is the best choice. Parts are cheap and every Joe knows how to work on them.
    Second in line Cummins N14
    Third would be CAT, because parts are more expensive and is a rare engine nowadays.
    And finally the 4th would be Cummins ISX.

    Why 2001? Get yourself a 99 engine in case you ever need to run paper logs
     
  8. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    The Series 60 seems to be a proven, reliable platform. CAT is reliable but its also got nearly 2L more displacement, which means more power but more fuel too. CAT parts are typically more expensive than Detroit. I've never been much of a Cummins fan. The EGR ISX's-newer don't have a very good rep. Supposedly the pre-EGR ISX were better.

    Personally I'd take a Series 60 if I wanted good economy/cheap to run and fix. CAT if doing jobs where power is important and fuel economy isn't.
     
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