Detroit Diesel heralds new range
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DETROIT Diesel Allison is mounting a strong sales push for its latest Silver 92 range of two-stroke engines. GRAHAM MONTGOMERIE reports.
Announced as power units for the latest TM Bedfords (CM March 13) the engines were first released in the USA last year.
The 8V.92 version is similar to that used in the TM for the Italian market but with the addition of an air-to-water charge cooler.
As with the familiar 71 series engines the type number denotes individual cylinder capacity in cubic inches; the 6V-92 has a capacity of 9.0 litres (552 cu in) and the vee 8 has one of 12.1 litres (736 cu in).
The engines are available for automotive use in a range of power outputs from 180 to 325kW (240 to 435bhp) with torque figures from 1295 to 1685Nm (957 to 1242Ibft).
Numerous changes have been made to the engine series in order to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.
The liner port heights and angles have been changed and the maximum combustion pressures and temperatures have been reduced.
DDA says that because recent improvements in turbocharger efficiency have altered the air flow characteristics of the engine, the drive for the supercharger has been strengthened to handle the wider, more variable load impulses.
The Detroit Diesel engine range has always had a good reputation for lightness versus power output and this is continued with the Silver 92 series.
The company claims that half a ton was saved in equipping a Ford Transcontinental with an 8V-72 for field trials. Major changes to the cylinder block include an increase in the amount of metal between the bolt and water transfer holes and an increase in the liner flange thickness.
Although the 92 series is not intended to replace the 71 as a deliberate sales policy, DDA thinks that this will happen eventually "by attrition".
All the Silver 92 engines for Europe will be built in England at Wellingborough.