The Most Reliable Detroit Engine, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the engine you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 11, 2024 06:56

For anyone in the market for industrial engines, reliability is a top priority. Choosing one can be a challenge, particularly when faced with multiple options from Detroit, a leading manufacturer known for quality and endurance. A well-structured ranking system, based on user feedback, provides crucial insights into which engines stand out in terms of dependability and performance. By engaging with this website and voting for the engines you have experience with, you help create a dynamic and accurate ranking. This in turn assists others in making informed decisions when selecting an engine that best suits their needs. Your input ensures that the most reliable engines gain the recognition they deserve, steering potential buyers towards the best choices.

What Is the Most Reliable Detroit Engine?

1

68
votes
Detroit Diesel Series 60

Detroit Diesel Corporation

The Series 60 is a highly reliable engine that has been in production for over 30 years. It is known for its durability, fuel efficiency, and low emissions.
The Detroit Diesel Series 60 is a heavy-duty inline-six diesel engine known for its durability and fuel efficiency. It is commonly used in various applications such as trucks, buses, and industrial equipment.

Displacement: 12.7 liters (775 cubic inches)

Cylinders: Inline-six

Power Range: 350-600 horsepower

Torque Range: 1,250-2,050 lb-ft

Compression Ratio: 17.0:1
Detroit Diesel Series 60 in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a motorhome
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular diesel engine
- Position 8 of 10 in Most reliable diesel engine ever made
2

35
votes
Detroit Diesel 6V92

Detroit Diesel Corporation

The 6V92 is a two-stroke engine that is known for its reliability and power. It was widely used in buses, trucks, and boats.
The Detroit Diesel 6V92 is a two-stroke cycle, V6 diesel engine commonly used in various applications including buses, trucks, and boats. Known for its reliability, it was a popular choice among many industries.

Displacement: 9.0 liters

Number of cylinders: 6

Bore and Stroke: 4.84 in x 5.0 in (123 mm x 127 mm)

Compression ratio: 17.5:1

Power output: 250-350 horsepower
3

22
votes
Detroit Diesel 8V71

The 8V71 is a two-stroke engine that is known for its reliability and toughness. It was widely used in buses, trucks, and boats.
The Detroit Diesel 8V71 is a renowned two-stroke diesel engine that was commonly used in a variety of heavy-duty applications, particularly in buses and trucks. It was first manufactured in the 1950s and gained popularity due to its excellent power-to-weight ratio and reliability.

Engine Type: Two-stroke diesel

Displacement: 8.7 liters (533 cubic inches)

Cylinders: 8

Configuration: V8

Compression Ratio: 17.5:1
4

14
votes
Detroit Diesel 8V92

Detroit Diesel Corporation

The 8V92 is a two-stroke engine that is known for its reliability and power. It was widely used in buses, trucks, and boats.
The Detroit Diesel 8V92 is a powerful two-stroke V8 diesel engine commonly used in heavy-duty applications. Known for its reliability and durability, it has been a popular choice among truckers and marine enthusiasts.

Displacement: 9.1 liters

Cylinder Configuration: V8

Aspiration: Turbocharged

Valvetrain: Two-stroke

Power Output: 350-600 horsepower
5

14
votes
Detroit Diesel DD15

Detroit Diesel Corporation

The DD15 is a modern engine that is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It is used in heavy-duty trucks.
The Detroit Diesel DD15 is a heavy-duty diesel engine designed for trucks. Known for its reliability and power, it has become a popular choice in the trucking industry. The engine offers superior performance, fuel efficiency, and durability.

Engine Type: 4-cycle inline-6

Displacement: 14.8 liters

Power Range: 400-505 horsepower

Torque Range: 1,550-1,750 lb-ft

Bore and Stroke: 139 x 171 mm
6

12
votes
Detroit Diesel 12V71

Detroit Diesel Corporation

The 12V71 is a two-stroke engine that is known for its reliability and power. It was widely used in buses, trucks, and boats.
The Detroit Diesel 12V71 is a two-stroke V-type diesel engine that was introduced in 1957. It was primarily used in heavy-duty applications such as trucks, buses, and industrial equipment. The 12V71 engine gained a reputation for its reliability, durability, and impressive performance.

Configuration: V12

Displacement: 14.0 liters (854 cubic inches)

Bore: 4.84 inches (123 mm)

Stroke: 5.0 inches (127 mm)

Compression Ratio: 18.7:1
7

7
votes
Detroit Diesel 6V53

Detroit Diesel Corporation

The 6V53 is a two-stroke engine that is known for its reliability and compact size. It was widely used in military vehicles and boats.
The Detroit Diesel 6V53 is a two-stroke diesel engine commonly used in a variety of applications such as trucks, buses, generators, and military vehicles. It is known for its reliability, compact size, and excellent power-to-weight ratio.

Engine Type: Two-stroke diesel

Number of cylinders: 6

Displacement: 5.3 liters

Power output: 165-210 horsepower

Torque: 375-400 lb-ft
8

12
votes
Detroit Diesel 6V71

General Motors Corporation

The 6V71 is a two-stroke engine that is known for its reliability and power. It was widely used in buses, trucks, and boats.
The Detroit Diesel 6V71 is a two-stroke diesel engine that belongs to the Detroit Diesel Series 71 family of engines. It is a popular and widely used engine known for its reliability and durability.

Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder two-stroke diesel engine

Displacement: 7.0 liters (426 cubic inches)

Configuration: Vertical, in-line

Bore and Stroke: 4.25 inches x 5.0 inches (108 mm x 127 mm)

Compression Ratio: 17.25:1
9

13
votes
Detroit Diesel 8V53

Detroit Diesel Corporation

The 8V53 is a two-stroke engine that is known for its reliability and compact size. It was widely used in military vehicles and boats.
The Detroit Diesel 8V53 is a two-stroke diesel engine commonly used in various applications. It was designed and manufactured by Detroit Diesel Corporation.

Engine type: Two-stroke diesel

Displacement: 8.3 liters

Number of cylinders: 8

Aspiration: Turbocharged or naturally aspirated

Power output: Up to 318 horsepower
10

8
votes
Detroit Diesel 4-53

General Motors

The 4-53 is a two-stroke engine that is known for its reliability and compact size. It was widely used in military vehicles and boats.
The Detroit Diesel 4-53 is a two-stroke, four-cylinder engine commonly used in various applications, including trucks, construction equipment, and military vehicles.

Engine Type: Two-stroke, inline four-cylinder engine

Displacement: 3.53 liters (213 cubic inches)

Aspiration: Naturally aspirated

Fuel System: Mechanical injection

Bore: 103 mm (4.06 inches)

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable engine

Engine type

Detroit Diesel produces a wide range of engines, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. It's important to consider which engine type is being evaluated, as this can have a significant impact on its reliability.
Age

As with any engine, the age of the Detroit engine will play a key role in its reliability. Older engines may be more prone to breakdowns and require more maintenance to keep running smoothly.
Maintenance history

Regular maintenance is essential to ensuring the long-term reliability of any engine. A Detroit engine that has been well-maintained throughout its life is likely to be more reliable than one that has been neglected.
Operating conditions

The operating conditions - such as load, temperature, and humidity - can have a significant impact on the reliability of a Detroit engine. Engines that are used in harsh or demanding environments may require more frequent maintenance to continue running smoothly.
Feedback from users

Finally, feedback from users can also be a useful indicator of the reliability of a Detroit engine. Checking reviews and ratings from other drivers or mechanics can provide insight into common issues and overall satisfaction with the engine.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable Detroit engine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2227 views
206 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable detroit engine

The Detroit engine, also known as the Detroit Diesel engine, is a heavy-duty engine that has been used in a variety of applications, including trucks, buses, and marine vessels. Founded in 1938, Detroit Diesel Corporation was acquired by General Motors in 1988 and has since become a leading manufacturer of diesel engines in the United States. The most reliable Detroit engine is a highly debated topic among experts and enthusiasts alike, with many citing different models and generations as the most dependable. However, one thing is certain: Detroit engines have a reputation for being durable, powerful, and long-lasting, making them a top choice for those in need of heavy-duty engines.