Don’t overlook the engine control modules (ECM) in your conversations with reman equipment suppliers. The ECM programming needs to match your engine spec and performance expectations. You want to ensure you port over your parameters. You’d also have the ability to reset your operational parameters, but be forewarned: It is illegal to modify the calibration on a vehicle to increase horsepower if it alters the emissions.
“Yes, engine power ratings can be increased,” conceded Mark Reiter, vice president of global product support with Navistar. “However, on International trucks, the owner work would need to work with Navistar Field Service Engineer and have the work completed at an International dealership to make sure the internals of the engine and cooling system can hold the upgrade without hardware changes.”
“Some Cummins engine models can be uprated or downrated to a number of different power nodes simply by changing the calibration in the ECM,” echoed Clay Gaillard, ReCon engine product manager with Cummins Inc. “However, the resulting rating must not exceed the design capabilities of the equipment, and of course the engine must still meet or exceed the emissions requirement of the previous rating. A Cummins distributor branch is the best source of reliable information of what is possible for a given engine.”
In terms of getting the right spec for your application, Richard Marcis, business development manager for Daimler Trucks North America, explained that Detroit Reman, for example, is able to reference a customer’s VIN or serial number and provide an exact drop-in engine.
“Customers can chose a horse power and torque rating that fits their particular route and payload and optimize it for performance and fuel economy,” he said.
