[tcr1016]

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.

[GMAN]

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.

[heavyhaulerss]

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.

[Kranky]

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.

.

[Uturn2001]

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.

[heavyhaulerss]

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


IT'S settled.. DETROIT!!!!

[possum]

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.