Would a trip to the dyno be worth it?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by W Bench Farms, Feb 18, 2021.

  1. W Bench Farms

    W Bench Farms Light Load Member

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    I have an 02 6NZ that was a factory 435 HP engine. Supposed to have had an inframe and be a 550. No paperwork and Cat doesn't have any info. I've been thinking of going somewhere to have the ECU scanned and see where it's set. Thought about putting it on a dyno just to see what I have. Would I get anything out of it? What would be a ballpark cost? Truck runs good, no major problems. Just checking what my options on some upgrades would be. If it's at 550 that'd be fine by me. If not, would like to put it there. I'm about 30 miles south of Youngstown, OH, if anyone has suggestions.
     
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  3. Don379

    Don379 Heavy Load Member

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    The answer to the question no one can answer for you. You said it runs good right. Me personally, i wouldnt waste my time. There are plenty of tuners everywhere that have access to cat software. I paid 900 bucks and had mine tuned up over 500. Was it worth it. Yes every penny. I fet it soon as i got up on the highway. Would i travel to a dyno for piece of mind? HELL no. I didnt need one anyway. i noticed it right away when i picked it up. By all means, if you want bragging rights on paper than go for it if it means that much
     
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  4. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    Does the 435 have higher compression than the bigger hp engines? If so that'll be a limiting factor on how high you can safely go
     
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  5. Farmerbob1

    Farmerbob1 Road Train Member

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    If it runs well and handles hills decently, I wouldn't spend money on a dyno unless you just bought it and want to make sure it doesn't have any hidden issues.
     
  6. little cat 500

    little cat 500 Road Train Member

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    get sombody with a prolink to plug in that will state the hp
     
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  7. W Bench Farms

    W Bench Farms Light Load Member

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    I appreciate all of the suggestions. I was wondering about the dyno just to see what I had. I had heard that it may be able to predict some looming problems. It's not a must have. We do good maintenance, so I'm not too worried about it.

    This is the data I have from Cat on this motor:
    C-15 TRUCK ENGINE
    Engine Serial Number - 6NZ82245 (Build Date - 09/08/2002, Test Date - 09/08/2002, Ship Date - 15/08/2002)
    324/373 BRAKE KW (435/500 BHP) AT 2100 RPM. FREIGHTLINER, JAKE BRAKE

    It's on my list to have the ECU checked and see where we are. Need to check around for some prices, and see who I can get to do it.
     
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  8. KB3MMX

    KB3MMX Road Train Member

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    Yes, 475 and under.
    That's partly why the 550s had terrible fuel economy was the lower compression.
    It's not even needed unless your build is 750+ rwhp , the higher compression piston set will give the truck better spool up, mpg, lower egt and better winter startup..but you gotta be conservative with timing and high compression. Burn rate, pressure rise and ignition are faster
     
  9. W Bench Farms

    W Bench Farms Light Load Member

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    Thanks for the info. So, if I were to do an inframe on this engine, what would be the way to go for parts to handle 550-600 hp? I see there are numerous kits available from many different sellers. This will hopefully be a ways down the road, but it is always nice to have the info in my notes.
     
  10. 6cuda6

    6cuda6 Light Load Member

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    Personally i would find a shop that specializes in these motors.....they might have a recipe of parts that work well at that HP without being finicky to run.
     
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2021
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