What HP/TQ is this detroit 12.7l? How to find out?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Green461, Mar 22, 2019.

  1. Green461

    Green461 Light Load Member

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    I just purchased a truck, 01 KW T800 and it has a Detroit 12.7L. was told by seller its 470HP. I typed the VIN in google and brings up some specs that it could be 330hp up to 500hp. Stickers on the valve cover say 500hp @ whatever timing... But im guessing that is what that engine is rated up to, real HP setting would be what its programmed to. Right?

    Went to KW dealer with VIN and engine serial #. As soon as they found out it had a Detroit in it they were like "Whoa...ya we dont have any information about Detroits". So they couldnt help me. Any way to find out what HP this truck was built with without hooking it up to a computer? Its not a critical issue, just curiosity thats all.
    Thanks.
    Last 8 of the VIN are 1R869782
    Engine serial # 6R0599317
     
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  2. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

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    Being that old it could be set at who knows what.
    Most shops can plug in a laptop and see exactly what you have. Less than $100, maybe even no charge. Best to know what you have.
    Need it reprogrammed Diesel Control service is the best, you can learn a lot about a 12.7 by watching his videos.
     
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  3. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    If say 500HP on the data plate that should be how it come from Detroit. The owner must had it turned down would be my guess. You can have it turned back up real cheap or free. You probably won't even notice any difference because 30HP is nothing. It the torque that makes a big difference.
     
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  4. tnevin225

    tnevin225 Road Train Member

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    I must be missing out on the freebees out here, since when do shops give there services away. These same guys ##### about cheap freight but want someone else to give there service away. You should have gotten an ECM download before you bought the truck but now that you own it I would get one just to check out whats going on in general with the truck.
     
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  5. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

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    Not much saved info in that ecm, but you can see all the settings, I didn’t say ask for free but it takes 5 minutes and they may not charge, my 99 does not have the factory ecm and is not set anywhere near factory, you need to know, if factory tag says 500 then you probably the good pistons and cooling nozzles
     
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  6. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    It’s a 500 hp just as tag says. I doubt it’s been turned down. From what I understand the old 470hp, known for better fuel economy have different injectors than the later 500 hp. Plugging it in will tell for sure, also you’ll be able to set perimeters for cruise, Jakes on cruise, minimum cruise speed and other things. There should be a 800 phone# for Detroit also on valve cover. They’ll tell you everything you need to know.
     
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  7. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Later 500 hp were 1,650 ft-lb torque.
     
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  8. spsauerland

    spsauerland Road Train Member

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    This is what Kenworth shows:
    KIMG1788.JPG KIMG1787.JPG
     
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  9. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    I had a 1998 430/500 hp.
    I only got 500 on cruise, but it's a farce anyway as you didn't get that until 2100 rpm and I never went over 1700 rpm
     
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  10. Green461

    Green461 Light Load Member

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    Thank you, I appreciate that. :)
     
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