A Brief History Of Our Favorite Engines Part 2: Detroit Diesel

By Dan McClave January 08, 2024
This is the conclusion to our favorite engines series, this time with a focus on Detroit Diesel!

Welcome back! Today, we are finishing up our coverage of some of our Switchblade Turbo upgradeable and favorite engines. Please click here if you missed part one, which covered CAT and Cummins engines. Otherwise, please check out our final section about the super-fine Detroit Diesel below!

Chapter 3: Detroit Diesel - The Sound of Progress:

Detroit Diesel, a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America, has been a driving force in the trucking industry since its inception in 1937. The two-stroke engines produced by Detroit Diesel quickly gained popularity for their distinctive sound and high torque output. 

The Series 60 engine, introduced in the 1980s, was a revolutionary leap forward in heavy-duty truck engines. Its progressive electronic engine control system, a pioneering technology at the time, made it stand out. This system allowed for precise control over fuel injection and other engine parameters, optimizing performance and fuel efficiency.

Truckers and trucking companies across the globe gravitated toward the Series 60 for its enhanced fuel economy, reduced emissions, and overall smoother operation. The engine's electronic controls improved power delivery and enabled real-time diagnostics, making it easier for truckers to monitor and maintain their vehicles. Many of these things seem rather standard today, but Detroit Diesel innovated some of the technologies and from one innovator to another, that’s one of the reasons we love them!

As a company rooted in turbocharger craftsmanship and repair for decades, Switchblade Turbochargers has witnessed the evolution of Detroit Diesel engines. Our turbochargers, meticulously designed to enhance fuel efficiency and durability, are a nod to the technological advancements and environmental responsibility that Detroit Diesel engines embody and how they continue pushing the trucking industry forward to this day.

Chapter 4: Conclusion

As we wrap up this journey through the histories of CAT, Cummins, and Detroit Diesel, one thing becomes abundantly clear – these engines are not just mechanical marvels but the beating hearts of the transportation industry. 

With CAT's 3406 series, they set a durability benchmark while redefining power through advanced fuel injection and robust components. Cummins' N14 engine revolutionized efficiency with intercooled turbocharging systems and electronic controls, shaping a new era of reliability. Detroit Diesel's Series 60, a symbol of progress, introduced electronic engine control systems for enhanced fuel efficiency and diagnostics. All of these innovations are things that, in 2024, we may take for granted but owe many years of jobs, delivered goods, and excellent engines, too. 

At Switchblade Turbochargers, our decades-long commitment to building and repairing turbochargers for CAT, Cummins, and Detroit Diesel engines runs deep. We hope you found some of this dive into these three powerhouses informative and fun to learn about. If you have any questions about upgrading your engine with a Switchblade Turbocharger, don’t hesitate to reach out by clicking here or calling (620) 856-5227 today!