What is a Cummins "red top" engine?

I'm sure you could have added the red covers to any engine but I've personally never seen a 370E or 460E with the red covers and I've never seen a 525E(*) without them. I've also personally seen the cummins parts listing for all three variants and the red covers were standard on 525E's per cummins documents.

(The asterisk added because I've seen several 460E's updated to 525E specs without the covers.)

That said, keep in mind the 525E could be ordered in several HP settings starting at 460, with the highest being 525, and would have had the red covers no matter what the initial hp setting was.

 

My 1995 N-14 is a Celect.It was 460 HP new and was bumped to 500 HP on delivery,and it has the red valve covers.I've owned Cummins engines for 40 years,and this is the best dam engine I've ever had.

 

Its either an ISM or ISX, most likely the CM870 version of the ISX. Good engines AFTER you deal with the EGR system. The engine brake is second to none.

 

If it was built as a glider in 06 then it could be a N14. If not its an ISX.

If your buying a truck then yes you are being lied to. At least you need to go into it with that mindset.

Pre-emissons means 2002 and earlier. I've seen it applied to 2007 and earlier as well meaning its made before the next step in EPA nonsense. Truth be told even a 2000 is an "emission" truck. They were not as strict as they are now.

How do you find a good truck you ask. Well.... it works like this good luck = good truck Bad luck = bad truck. It can be a crap shoot. Some swear buy this truck/engine others swear at them. A lot has to do with personal preference and experience. It also makes a difference in what your going to do with the truck and where you will driving it. And the biggie... if your going to modify it.

The best engines in general were built before 2002.

If your going to buy a truck I wish you good luck.

 

I have an 05 ISX the driver likes to brag about how well the jake works. (it is impressive) He doesn't like it when I reply "that's what boat anchors are good for... to slow you down".
I cant complain about it its been a good truck and earned its keep.

 

Well its not really like that I don't trust in luck. You need to do your homework before you buy a truck. There is an immense amount of info out there to help you. This subject has been covered umpteen times on this site alone. If you want specific advice put up specific questions. Which truck/engine combo is best is a bit broad and you will get lots of conflicting info. I not "stuck" on one brand I have trucks with Cat, Cummins and now even a Detroit. My preference and the engine in what I drive is a Cat. An ACERT at that and I like it a lot.

 

Get the Vin and call the dealer, they can tell you what engine is in the chassis. If it was A glider and built by a dealer they may still have the info.

 

I worked in a fleet of 40 kw t600 with celect+ 370/435 hp all had red rocker covers. Quite simply an option as previously stated.