460hp any good

If it's euro spec D-12 460 then it's propably the most reliable engine ever made. Usually a little bit lazy in stock form but with tuned ECM very strong and responsive and good on fuel. We pulled 60+ tons B-train with 560 hp D12, went over million Ks without any problem.

 

The Volvo D12 460 is a great motor.
Still plenty of them here pulling 125 lbs B trains.
Most popular stock motor on oversize lowbed work for many years here.
Had less issues then the Cat's, Cummims and Detroits we worked with.
Those weren't bad but the Volvo's needed less attention.
This was Euro spec Volvo , the others were American trucks.
They are usually more expensive to repair but not by much anymore as there are many parts importers here.

 

Yes I think euro origin engines are euro spec in Australia, meaning no EGR or other crap.

 

what about d12 500

i know that volvo could not use veb because scania hold rights for engine brake on turbocompound engine , so only exhaust

but some of them can be seen puling even triple road train in australia when volvo stoped production of fh16

 

Too many problems, stay away. Turbocompound is very sensitive and works only if driving at max power all the time.

 

I'd advice you 460 HP E3 D12D (no EGR, no Turbo compaund. no DEF, no DPF). EPA D12D got more expencive injectors and two EGR valves.

Pre EGR D12C is more durable and reliable thing.

 

More hp/tq pulling heavy will keep fuel costs down. Less hp/tq will keep fuel costs up, bad for blood pressure, makes for a long day, etc.. Best go with a C15 but that opinion is not completely unbiased..