Detroit Series 60
For a long stretch the best-selling heavy truck engine in North America, in 11.1, 12.7 and 14.0 litre forms. The 12.7 in pre-2004 trim is the one with the reputation, and it earned it: simple, economical for its era and enormously well supported.
Output
350-575 hp
1250-1850 lb-ft peak torque
Fuel per mile
$0.633
at 6.4 mpg and $4.049 a gallon
Fuel a year
$75,919
over 120,000 miles
In-frame overhaul
$15k-$24k
rough, and shop rates move it
In the exhaust
None before 2004
Before exhaust gas recirculation. Mechanical or lightly electronic, no filter, no fluid, nothing in the exhaust to clog. They are old, they are dirty, and owner-operators still pay a premium for them for exactly one reason: there is far less on them that can strand you.
Known issues
Head gaskets and cracked heads on the 14 litre, EGR cooler failures on the 2004 and later builds, and oil cooler leaks with age.
Verdict
A pre-2004 12.7 is still one of the most sensible used buys in trucking for someone who values not being stranded above having a warranty.