HP question on CAT engines

[Steve Adams]

Three posts in a row, its a Trifecta!!!

We have a 330 Cat. It does a good job on freeways when they are fairly level, but just dies in the hills. One member of the board reported that his coach had been modded to provide 380 HP. When I asked how that had been done, I got no reply.

Can it be done? Is the cost prohibitive? What are the drawbacks? Is this a pipe dream?

Thanks, Steve

[Richard And Babs Ames]

Any time you increase horsepower you increase heat production and have to disperse it.

[Gerald Farris]

Steve,
The 3126 engine is about maxed out at 330 HP. You can get a little more power out of it by installing a resistor in the wiring harness for the turbo boost sensor, but you will probably need to install an EGT (exhaust gas temperature) gauge and exercise some care to prevent a piston failure.  

Gerald

[Bill Sprague]

I've posted the details before, but I had a "race" with a friend named Marty.  We agreed to not exceed the speed limit on a 25 mile run that included three 6% grades near Yakima.  I have a heavy coach with a lowly Cummins.  Marty's Thunder has a great big growly Cat.  He beat by 2 minutes!   If I remember correctly, he had to avoid the rest stops because he knew I would beat him to Tacoma!  Slowing down on the few hills we climb is not that big of a deal.  Except that we always hate to be passed by anything!

[Gerald Farris]

Bill,
I agree with you. If you get passed on a hill, you will live over it. I drive a Marquis equipped with a C 12 Cat, and I get passed on a regular basis because I am not willing to pay the extra fuel bills to be the fastest dog on the track.

Gerald

[John and Judy Gardner]

Bill and Gerald

I also agree, what's the rush, best to enjoy the views.

[Bill Sprague]

Bill,
I agree with you. If you get passed on a hill, you will live over it. I drive a Marquis equipped with a C 12 Cat, and I get passed on a regular basis because I am not willing to pay the extra fuel bills to be the fastest dog on the track.

Gerald

And, if you don't have any engine cooling issues, don't mess with it!  Be happy!

[Steve Adams]

Thanks everyone for their responses.

Steve

[Richard And Babs Ames]

On your engine the best climbing RPM is arround 2000. The cooling system seems most efficient at that range.