The automotive industry is constantly changing to produce more powerful and reliable diesel engines. The top five diesel engines for power and durability may differ two decades from now, but currently, these are the best options available.
Duramax 6.6L LBZ V8
The goal in creating Duramax was durability. Because of its long life span, this motor has gained popularity all around the globe. Duramax’s improved efficiency results from its cold-start system, which functions well in sub-freezing temperatures. Considering how much longer Duramax engines and threads endure than other options, they have a high resale value.
The drawback of the Duramax diesel engine is they aren’t as common as the other diesel engines on this list. Most of the time, you won’t find them in the rural countryside but in the larger cities and towns. Duramax engines are notoriously expensive to maintain and repair due to the high cost of replacing the injectors.
Ford Power Stroke 7.3
While it’s common knowledge that a well-maintained 7.3L Power Stroke can easily rack up 500,000 miles, the question remains: was this the most dependable Power Stroke ever built? As several have on diesel forums, one can make the case that it is.
The reasons behind this are rather simple. There are still hundreds of 7.3Ls in use on farms, roads, and construction sites more than 25 years after the first one rolled off the assembly line, and aftermarket parts extend their life span even more. The downside of the 7.3 is that it lacks the giddy-up that more modern diesel engines have.
Ford Power Stroke 6.7
In 2011, Ford debuted the Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel, which clocked in at 6.7 liters. Ford’s reverse-flow design for the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo-diesel was a major advancement. The turbo’s location in the engine’s valley provides thermal isolation, which boosts performance and efficiency while lowering noise, vibrations, and harshness (NVH).
One issue with the 6.7 is its radiator. Radiator leaks of varying severity were common in early production trucks powered by the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel. Although leaks in radiators from later model years are not known to occur at a particularly high frequency, this does not mean they do not happen.
Chrysler 3.0L EcoDiesel I-6
The EcoDiesel engine might be small, but it packs a powerful punch. It has massive appeal because it’s the only one on the market with 2,500 rpm and 160 to 215 horsepower. With that amount of rpm, the torque is between 400 and 440 lb-ft. The single, water-cooled Garret turbocharger puts it over the top.
High Output 6.7 Cummins V8
Everyone from professional truck drivers to car buffs agrees that Cummins makes the most powerful diesel engines. The Cummins Engine Company, having a history in industrial and commercial applications, designed these motors with durability and strength in mind.
Trucks powered by Cummins engines have more torque, allowing them to pull and carry more than competing models. Cummins ensures the longevity of these engines by using iron for the block and head and steel for the timing gear.
Ask 10 truck people their top five diesel engines for power and durability, and you might get 10 different answers. Nevertheless, every one of those 10 will mention one of these remarkable engines, proving how great they truly are.