So...the conversation of diesel engines recently came up at work. Coworker asked me to rate today's diesel engines. I told him my HEAVILY biased opinion was:

#1: Cummins, of course. Straight 6 is the simplest, most reliable engine on the market. The recent pollution stuff they're strapping to all of today's engines is choking them equally. But look under the hood of "big rig" trucks and I bet you'll see a straight 6 every time. What does that tell you?

#2: Duramax. The engine is pretty good...smooth, good power. But the Allison tranny is TERRIFIC.

#3: Ford. The 6.0 is a notoriously unreliable engine. The newer 6.4 is better...but it's very thirsty.

How'd I do??

 

I'll have to agree with you. You hit this dead on. Even I'll have to admit that the Cummins is hands down better than the DMAX(And I'm a Chevy guy)

I'd say its a pretty good battle between the DMAX and Cummins. Both are great engines, and the Allison is very nice, but even its not bulletproof. Start adding power and the tranny is the first thing looked at

 

Hey, it's your opinion, so who cares if you have it right? By definition, you can't be wrong!

Cummins being best is a FACT, so no need to worry there

 

I agree that you hit it dead on. If for some crazy reason I was not able to own a Dodge with a Cummins, my second choice would be a Chevy with the Duramax.
I would walk or hitchhike before owning a Ferd though!!

 

Pretty much my sediments exactly.

Scary, but my next rig may well be a D/max, with an allison.

 

Keep the 96 if you buy the Maxi Pad. Cummins is still rated as a medium duty engine. D-max and Ferd are light duty. Won't ever find a maxi pad or a Ferd in a Class A motorhome.

I get my 96 back when my Son gets tired of it. He's had it now for 10 years.300k on the clock now.

Dave

 

Seen lots of class A motor homes on Ford chassis with either the 460 or v10.

I like the straight six configurations, look at the big diesel engines, and they are all v-engines. What does that tell you?

 

Hehe-- this made me chuckle. I remember when my older brother was writing a Senior Term Paper and also used the word "sediments" when he meant "sentiments". Something about seeing this written out cracked me up, while hearing it verbally probably wouldn't garner any attention.

I gave my older bro tons of crap for that honest little mistake. After all, I was a freshman.

Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

Justin

 

Cummins

Ford 7.3

Dmax

Any other engine chunked in a ford

chevy's 6.5td

 

Well see how well the new Ford 6.7 is?

I think If I had to buy a new truck I would be looking at a Ford 6.7 Because I hate supporting Organized crime (Government Motors) Ford is standing on its own ,and I like that + Ford has way to much at stake after 2 really Bad Engines .I think the 6.7 will be a strong showing. that said I love my Cummins 12V it just Keeps on going and going

 

Them's Gasserrrrsssss. Not oil burners.

Dave

 

Man, I agree with you 1000% regarding your take on GM (gov't motors).

 

Here would be my ranking:
5.9 CR cummins
6.7 Cummins (08-09, several friends with NO issues dpf and good mileage)
5.9 12V (But not an option in anything newer)
Dmax LBZ
Dmax LB7
5.9 24V, VP
Dmax LMM
DMax LLY
Ford 7.3 99-03
Ford 7.3 non intercooled
GM 6.5 TD
Ford 6.9
GM 6.2 (run forever, but even less power than the 6.9)
Ford 6.0
Ford 6.4 (only this far down the list due to reeeealy bad fuel mileage)
GM 5.7 (350 conversion, never saw one start in the winter without help, then when it started, made the 6.2 feel like a 5.9HO!)

 

Of the list you provide (great list) , I wonder how many of these engines are from the ground up designed and engineered as "true diesel heavy duty" engines vs an originally gas engineered developed platform than modified or added parts to make into for diesel use? It would be these (if any) "developed from gas engine or roots from gas engine if you will) that I would delete from the list. Just my opinion.

 

I think you hit the nail on the head, altho I would put the 12v on top of the list....but then again I'm just a little bit biased....LOL