STAR PERFORMER
Page 72
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• Perhaps your readers may be interested in the performance figures achieved by Mack's V-8 EE9-500 engine when tested for conformity with EC Type Approval requirements. The figures below are those related to tests of conformity with EC Directive 80/1269.
Originally (in June 1987), engine tests were witnessed and EC Approval Certificates were issued by the French authority UTAC (Union Technique de L'Automobile du Motocycle et du Cycle) in respect of Mack's EE9-500 engine. The certified power output was (and still is) 360kW at 1900rpm with max net torque developed being 2173Nm at 1350rpm. These figures cover engines fitted with United Technologies (formerly American Bosch) fuel injection equipment.
In September 1989, Mack Trucks Inc (through Western Truck) submitted the same series engine for Approval to the UK Department of Transport (VTAC), but this time with Robert Bosch fuel injection equipment. These tests were carried out in the presence of engineers from VTAC, at Mack's engine plant in Hagerstown, Maryland. The certified power and torque figures approved under EC Dir. 80/1269 (amended by 88/195) are 376kW at 1900rpm and 2242.2Nm at 1300rpm. If these figures are converted into the more widely familiar bhp and lbs ft then it would appear that Mack is the first manufacturer to have an EC Type Approved engine creep pass the 500bhp mark. Only a single turbocharger is used to achieve this output.
This same engine has been in use now for several years in both the US and Australia (it is popular in Road Train applications), where it is frequently used at its 525bhp rating. Going even further up the horsepower ladder this engine (with further attention having been paid to injection, chargecooling and turbocharging systems) is NATO approved at 700bhp and can achieve over 1000bhp for certain military applications.
Rick Roberton, Director, Western Truck, Leyland.