whats tbe best practical 450 hp and up

There is a reason they used to be called driptroits. One of the first trucks I drove had a 238 Detroit. I'd put a bucket under it at night if it was cold and had to idle. Every morning I'd have a gallon of oil.

Any of you guys ever seen a Detroit powered truck with ten reverse gears but only two forward gears? might only go five mph forward, but you could back up at 75!

 

No matter WHAT you drive, the OEM shop can look your truck up by its VIN and sell you the right part the first time. Outside shops and OTHER manufacturer shops MIGHT have that ability, but probably won't have access to the info. In that case, you need to have the old part in hand (or know the part # to cross reference) in order to make sure you get the right part...otherwise, if your luck is anything like mine, you end up making a second trip to the parts store once you get the old part off and realize it ain't the same as the one you bought.

 

REAL open question. Light to be shed will depend on the vintage you are talking about and emissions control level. Can you narrow it down? Read the thread to date and you have got some real entertaining answers.......

 

Your dad never owned a 500 HP motor, yet you disagree. That's interesting...

 

The best, all around engine Ive ever owned was the 12.7 500 Detroit. Great power, good economy...everything was great except for ear wrecking, screaming turbo.

 

Hi spyder, the 318's weren't any better. I drove a IH 4200 with a 318, had to get a load 75 miles away. Boss said check the oil and take some with you. Nothing on the stick, put 3 gallons in, got to the pickup place, checked oil, nothing on the stick, put 2 gallons in and still a gallon low. And yes, I have seen Detroit's run backwards. ( Mack too)

 

To the OP: this is exhibit "A" in what I meant by entertaining answers to an open ended question. Comparing a 20year old Mack E7 400 (presumably 4valve) to a gagged up new one. Give a better target and you'll get some better answers.

To Brettj: Mack and discussions of HP above 450 really don't belong together per se; but if they did it would revolve around the old V8s. THOSE made some power; and still do.....but there are not many of them left; with good reason.

 

Hi TripleSix, I hear ya'. I drove a Century with a 500 Detroit, 13, 3.55's and even with 830K miles on it, never opened up, that thing ran 70 down and up and still got 7 all day. I don't remember the loud turbo , though.

 

[QUOTE="semi" retired;4448896]Hi spyder, the 318's weren't any better. I drove a IH 4200 with a 318, had to get a load 75 miles away. Boss said check the oil and take some with you. Nothing on the stick, put 3 gallons in, got to the pickup place, checked oil, nothing on the stick, put 2 gallons in and still a gallon low. And yes, I have seen Detroit's run backwards. ( Mack too)[/QUOTE]


Well you probably remember when horse power was how many 4 legged beasts you hooked up to the wagon.

 

[QUOTE="semi" retired;4448903]Hi TripleSix, I hear ya'. I drove a Century with a 500 Detroit, 13, 3.55's and even with 830K miles on it, never opened up, that thing ran 70 down and up and still got 7 all day. I don't remember the loud turbo , though.[/QUOTE]

Had a 370, 430, 470...all Detroits and I didn't like them. Got a 500 with a 10 speed, and was amazed. There was so much difference between the 470 and 500. Had everything...strength, reliability, fuel economy. I have a 625 Cat right now, but I pull over 100000lbs. 625 is overkill for 80k and not very economical until you get over 14ft wide or 100000lbs. If I pulled a reefer and was normally around 78-80k loaded I would reccommend the 500 Detroit as the best all around motor for an owner operator who wants fuel economy and still avoid big truck dragraces.