Mid 90s Engine???
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 21
Mid 90s Engine???
I am getting a Pete, but it needs an engine. I am torn between a 90s Cummins N14 500HP and a Detroit 60 Series 500HP. I am looking for reliability and ease of working on. I work on my 95 Cummins B-series in my RV, so I do have a bit of experience. The Detroit I think sounds better and is about $2000 cheaper, but are parts cheaper too?? I know Cummins, but know no one who drives a Detroit.
Is there anyone that can shed light on the Detroit, or is the Cummins better?? Thank you for all of your help.
#2
I think it is still a little less expensive to work on the Cummins than Detroit. A friend of mine recently rebuilt his N14 for just under $10,000. Had it been a Detroit, I would have expected about $12,000 for the same rebuild. It is much easier to do head work on the N14. As far as parts are concerned, I don't think there will be much difference. I would probably go with what was in the truck previously since you may need to do some modifications if you change to a different brand of engine.
#3
I like the ser 60 det. I love the m.p.g it gets. the det w/ the 500 had a lot of prob w/ the turbo's going out, but that was dut to a certain turbo mfr, not det. I guess it would matter to me on the cond of each engine... are the choices between 2 used engines? what are the mileage on each? was any of them rebuilt ? or any work done previously? or will you have the one you choose rebuilt before installing ? all thing being equall, I would most likey go with the type that came out of truck unless installer could convince me otherwise.
#4
Much easier install if you stick with the brand and type of engine that was originally in the truck.
That said, If I had to choose between the Detroit 60 or Cummins N14, I'd choose the N14. .
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#5
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: East Central IL between the corn and the beans
Posts: 4,977
I was going to say if you go with the Detroit then make sure the turbo isn't OEM. If it is then upgrade it.
Kranky has a very valid point though. You may find a fair amount of headache and extra expense putting in an engine different than the one that was in it. With that said flip a coin. Both are good engines, though in all honesty I actually like the Detroit Series 60 430/470 engine. I have driven both Ser 60's, the 500 and the 430/470 in OTR applications and IMHO the extra fuel used by the 500 is not worth the extra 30 hp.
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#7
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Back in the woods Tn.
Posts: 72
I like the 60 better. Had a N14 select one time and about every 250,000 it would need the bottom end redone. I asked my mech. the other day what it was going to cost me to rebuild my 60 and he said 8,000 to 9,000.
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