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> meaningful and maintainable engine modifications have already been implemented. In the last 10 years alone, engine efficiency gains are really being made. I

by bArray 2y ago

> meaningful and maintainable engine modifications have already been implemented. In the last 10 years alone, engine efficiency gains are really being made. I work with people who literally do this stuff. Not all improvements that can be made have yet been made. It was just 2007 that VVT was used in Caterpillar diesel engines [1]. > I'll say it again: performance and efficiency have to be balanced against cost, a large part of which is maintenance. Most engines are getting better maintenance wise. My 10 year old diesel has a significant number of sensors that allow it to predict issues before significant maintenance is required. These kinds of improvements should significantly improve reliability. > The operators have done the math, they have been ready for anything that moves the needle significantly to better profit for quite a while, but apparently it will take something more than upgrading the truck. It's a little more complex than that, it will be investment vs return. If anybody can innovate in this area, Volvo are a good candidate. I personally liked their (petrol) modular engine design [2]. I personally liked the B5254T3 with the Ford modifications. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable_valve_timing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable_valve_timing [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_Modular_engine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_Modular_engine

uticus 2y ago
> In the last 10 years alone, engine efficiency gains are really being made. I work with people who literally do this stuff. Not all improvements that can be made have yet been made. It was just 2007 that VVT was used in Caterpillar diesel engines Tellingly, Cat doesn't do on-road diesel engines anymore, and hasn't for years... largely due to the inability to produce maintainable, efficient engines and meet legislative demands for clean air. My opinion, they could've stayed in the game but saw where the game was headed and decided to let others take the pain. Old Cat 13 and 15 engines were sought after for a time after production stopped, exactly because of their reputation for reliability and maintainability. The most notable changes in the diesel engine scene lately has not been VVT but instead the bolt-on addition of SCR for Tier 4 legislation, which does indeed make the emissions cleaner (when it works) but at the expense of maintainability. > If anybody can innovate in this area, Volvo are a good candidate. I appreciate the enthusiasm and I agree there may be engine improvements yet to be made, but I am quite wary of anyone saying significant improvements are ahead while not costing the owner or the supply system more in total over the long run.

by bArray 2y ago

uticus 2y ago

> In the last 10 years alone, engine efficiency gains are really being made. I work with people who literally do this stuff. Not all improvements that can be made have yet been made. It was just 2007 that VVT was used in Caterpillar diesel engines Tellingly, Cat doesn't do on-road diesel engines anymore, and hasn't for years... largely due to the inability to produce maintainable, efficient engines and meet legislative demands for clean air. My opinion, they could've stayed in the game but saw where the game was headed and decided to let others take the pain. Old Cat 13 and 15 engines were sought after for a time after production stopped, exactly because of their reputation for reliability and maintainability. The most notable changes in the diesel engine scene lately has not been VVT but instead the bolt-on addition of SCR for Tier 4 legislation, which does indeed make the emissions cleaner (when it works) but at the expense of maintainability. > If anybody can innovate in this area, Volvo are a good candidate. I appreciate the enthusiasm and I agree there may be engine improvements yet to be made, but I am quite wary of anyone saying significant improvements are ahead while not costing the owner or the supply system more in total over the long run.