OE Spotlight: The HD Truck Torque Wars Are In Full Swing

OE Spotlight: The HD Truck Torque Wars Are In Full Swing

As we enter 2023, the heavy-duty truck market is poised for an epic battle of torque and horsepower — the 2023 torque wars are in full swing. The three major players in this game, Cummins, Power Stroke, and Duramax, each have their own unique set of features and specifications, but are all designed to deliver massive amounts of power and torque to meet the demands of heavy-duty applications. We decided to take a closer look at each engine and see what they bring to battle.

First up are the Cummins engines. For 2023, Cummins is offering two versions of the 6.7-liter inline-six engine. This engine is known for its durability and reliability, and the 2023 versions are no exception. The standard output boasts an impressive 370 horsepower and  850 lb-ft of torque. However, the high output is downright shocking. It churns out 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power to move mountains (or at least heavy loads) without breaking a sweat.

The high-output 6.7-liter Cummins engine features a number of upgrades over the standard version, including a larger turbocharger, revised fuel injectors, and improved exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. These upgrades allow the engine to produce a once unheard-of amount of horsepower and torque. But the Cummins engine isn’t just about brute force. It also features a number of advanced technologies to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

For example, it includes an advanced fuel-injection system that provides precise control over fuel delivery, improving both performance and fuel economy. It also once again features an integrated exhaust brake that helps to reduce wear on the brakes and improve overall vehicle control.

Cummins Specs (Standard And High Output)

  • Horsepower: 370 and 420
  • Torque: 850 lb-ft and 1,075 lb-ft
  • Bore x Stroke: 4.21 x 4.88 inches
  • Compression Ratio: 16.2:1
  • Fuel Delivery: High-pressure common-rail fuel injection
  • Turbocharger: Variable-geometry turbocharger
  • Emissions Control: Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection
  • Oil Capacity: 12 quarts (including filter)
  • Recommended Fuel: Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD)
  • Engine Block Material: Compacted graphite iron (CGI)
  • Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum
  • Valvetrain: Overhead valve (OHV)
  • Displacement: 6.7 liters (408 cubic inches)
  • Aspiration: Turbocharged and intercooled
  • Redline: 3,250 rpm
  • Max Engine Speed: 4,000 rpm
  • Engine Weight (approx.): 1,320 pounds

Next up are the Power Stroke engines from Ford. For 2023, Ford has its standard 6.7-liter engine and an updated 6.7-liter V8 engine to deliver even more power and torque. The new, high-output engine boasts an impressive 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful engines today. The high-output 6.7-liter engine features a number of upgrades and improvements over the standard version, including a larger turbocharger, revised fuel injectors, and stronger pistons and connecting rods.

However, the standard output version is still pretty impressive with a competitive 475-horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque landing it up there with the best of them. The Power Stroke, like the Cummins, isn’t just about raw power. It also features a number of advanced technologies to improve performance and efficiency, too. For example, it includes a variable geometry turbocharger that provides precise boost control for improved throttle response and reduced turbo lag. It also includes an advanced fuel injection system that delivers fuel at up to 36,000 psi for improved combustion and reduced emissions.

Torque wars

Power Stroke Specs (Standard And  High Output)

  • Horsepower: 475 and 500
  • Torque: 1,050 lb-ft and 1,200 lb-ft
  • Bore x Stroke: 4.06 x 3.98 inches
  • Compression Ratio: 16.2:1
  • Fuel Delivery: High-pressure common-rail fuel injection
  • Turbocharger: Single-sequential turbocharger with variable nozzle technology
  • Emissions Control: Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection
  • Oil Capacity: 15 quarts (including filter)
  • Recommended Fuel: Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD)
  • Engine Block Material: Compacted graphite iron (CGI)
  • Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum
  • Valvetrain: Overhead valve (OHV)
  • Displacement: 6.7 liters (406 cubic inches)
  • Aspiration: Turbocharged and intercooled
  • Redline: 3,250 rpm
  • Max Engine Speed: 4,000 rpm
  • Engine Weight (approx.): 1,450 pounds

The third player in the recent torque wars is the Duramax engine from GM. For 2023, GM has updated its 6.6-liter V8 engine to deliver even more power and torque. The new engine boasts an impressive 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. While it does deliver the lowest torque rating, it is still a very capable engine.

The Duramax features a number of advanced technologies to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, too. Do you see a trend? For example, it includes an advanced exhaust gas recirculation system that helps to reduce NOx emissions. It also features an advanced fuel injection system that delivers fuel at up to 36,000 psi for improved combustion and reduced emissions.

torque wars

Duramax Specs

  • Horsepower: 475
  • Torque: 1,050
  • Bore x Stroke: 4.06 x 3.98 inches
  • Compression Ratio: 16.2:1
  • Fuel Delivery: High-pressure common-rail fuel injection
  • Turbocharger: Single-sequential turbocharger with variable nozzle technology
  • Emissions Control: Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection
  • Oil Capacity: 15 quarts (including filter)
  • Recommended Fuel: Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD)
  • Engine Block Material: Compacted graphite iron (CGI)
  • Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum
  • Valvetrain: Overhead valve (OHV)
  • Displacement: 6.7 liters (406 cubic inches)
  • Aspiration: Turbocharged and intercooled
  • Redline: 3,250 rpm
  • Max Engine Speed: 4,000 rpm
  • Engine Weight (approx.): 1,450 pounds

So, which engine comes out on top in the torque wars? The sheer numbers definitely produce a winner, but there is so much more to consider when purchasing a new truck. It’s a tough call, as each engine has its own unique set of features and capabilities.  While the Power Stroke HO has the highest torque output, that doesn’t mean that the Cummins or Duramax engines are slouches. Both engines offer impressive power and torque and come packed with advanced features and technologies to improve performance, efficiency, and emissions.

Ultimately, the choice of the engine comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you need raw power, efficiency, reliability, or all of the above, there’s an engine out there that can meet your needs. So, if you’re in the market for a heavy-duty truck, take some time to consider the options and choose the truck that’s right for you. For more information and industry news, stay tuned here at Diesel Army.

About the author

Artie Maupin

Artie Maupin is from Southeast Missouri and has an extreme passion for anything diesel. He loves drag racing of all kinds, as well as sled pulling competitions.
Read My Articles

Enlist in the Diesel Army newsletter.

Receive the latest newsletter with the content you love from Diesel Army, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Diesel Army NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Diesel Army

DieselArmy

We'll send you the most exciting Diesel articles, news, truck features, and videos every week.

Diesel Army

Diesel Army NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Diesel Army

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


ORX
Off road, Jeeps, 4x4s
enginelabs
Engine Tech
dragzine
Drag Racing

Diesel Army

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • ORX Off road, Jeeps, 4x4s
  • EngineLabs Engine Tech
  • Dragzine Drag Racing

Diesel Army

DieselArmy

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Diesel Army

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading