Can you convert an 8v71Ti to wet turbos ?

[piripucha]

One of my manifold risers developed a leak so I decided to dismantle both risers and turbos. I noticed that they were in really bad shape, I asked the mechanic why it is so traumatic to take them down, the bolts are allways soldered toghether, they snap, the risesr crumble and the hot section of the turbos look like hell. It told me thats because they are dry and they work under very high heat. My question is, can you retrofit wet riser and turbos on this engine? I know costwise it may make no sence but I believe it would be cheaper than putting in new modern engines. Althoug that is an idea that I cant seem to get out ow my bucket list.

 

[Fanfare]

My original 8-71N engines were part of a bulk purchase of engines from Detroit Diesel probably in 1964 or early 1965. I was told these could not be converted to turbos because (sorry I don't remember the exact phrase) they were not "fire above [or below] deck " engines. But I believe all later DD turbo engines have the cross-bolted rods and improved cooling you will need. Since all diesels have an excess of air to fuel ratio I would think you could change any form of turbo (I would push for water-cooled turbos) on your later engines. My re-engined stock DD 6-92TA (550 hp) with the stock single water cooled turbos have been fault-free for 23 years now. I would expect that whatever turbos were put on the latest 8V-71TI would be adequate. I would start by giving Detroit Diesel a call. They know this stuff!

 

[saltshaker]

Anything is possible but I don't think it would make sense. There wasn't a wet turbo option for these engines so everything would be custom made from the exhaust to the cooling. I'd expect it would cost more than buying new engines.

 

[hmccoy99]

I believe it is possible but it would be costly.

henry

 

[captddis]

Short answer is no. You would be better off buying a pair of take out 550HP 6V92 TAB