Diesel vs gas......................

Madhatter1 wrote:
Properly geared and wheeled (the prop size, pitch, and cup) means that it was geared properly. Yes, I really think it was geared properly. The reason it matches top speed and makes higher cruise is due to more torque from idle to top rpm. That is why a Diesel truck pulls a load so much easier than a small block gas engine. A big block gas engine that is the same HP as a small block will also have a torque advantage, especially if set up to make peak power at a lower rpm. Would you rather have a 330HP 8.1L or a 393HP 6.0l to haul a heavy load?

Well, my first response would be whichever one was in the truck that fit my needs and budget but that is something of a cop out.

I am not familiar with the power curves of those two engines. I would want whichever one has the broader power band which I suspect would be the big block 8.1

I've said two times now that I believe a high torque / Diesel engine is well fitted to a large heavy truck. I wish I could find that calculator that would tell you how much HP was needed to haul a load based on weight and incline. Even the 250 HP from the older cummins is plenty to go up a steep grade fast enough. The higher torque rating which puts the 250 HP lower in the power band sure is nice when you have to make a switchback.

Oh also, you can multipy torque (And reduce fuel efficiency) to the wheels through gearing but you can't increase the HP.