Best non epa truck engine to try and make 600hp

7CZ C16 if you can find one.

 

Any 3406 up to c-15 to 16. Set right also old k series cummins. Old v- 8 macks, guys had fun with. Let your wallet be your guide. Common sense with your right foot, as heat and fire in the 6 holes will have severe consequences .

 

Only 600? Why not try for 1000+ You might be able to shove one of the nice 1000's out merry old england into a 20 foot box delivered to your shop. At least the old ones over there know how to get horses.

 

1500 or stay home

 

Saw a glider Pete with a C-18 awhile back. That’d probably be able to handle it.

 

Lot of folks tell me the pre-EGR 14L Series 60 is a solid platform for pushing big power.

 

What are you going to be running for gross weights? 600hp trucks are kind of a waste on anything less than 140,000+

Any "King of the Hill" CAT comes from the factory at 625hp/2050lbft. They aren't cheap though.

 

Are you talking at the flywheel or at the wheels? Just look for an old E model 600 or a C16. If you’re a Cummins fan there’s always the Signature 600 too.

 

If we’re just talking about building a motor from scratch. Budget will be your guide. You can start with any cat 3406 whether it be a E series motor. Or mechanical B series motor. They can all be built to produce/handle 600. 600 is like the first step into “big” motors being you can order a new production motor from factory spec at 600. Cat motors being your easiest to build with many factory and aftermarket parts readily available. If you got the money and have a reputable builder, a Detroit V12 or Cummins KT series motor would be an awesome power plant.
I personally drive a 93 Pete exhd with a mechanical cat with that was built with parts rated for 525hp. Pump wide open. I’d say she’s not the full 600. But she’ll keep up with the best. We have trucks in our fleet that are E series motors and ISX’s that are Pittsburgh powered that are in the 700+ club. But make sure if you spending all that money one a motor build, that you upgrade your driveline and transmission as well. I’ve seen many people skimp out on there driveline and spin universals and tear clutches apart.