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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

.

 

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.

 

WE now have 2 votes for det 1 for cummins..


IT'S settled.. DETROIT!!!!

 

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.