San Antonio, TX-based Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) said it would evaluate seven new 2007-model engines as part of its heavy-duty diesel engine benchmarking program, focusing especially on the engine performance and fuel consumption associated with new exhaust emissions control technology.
SWRI plans to benchmark three “light” heavy-duty diesel engines used in pickup trucks, including the Cummins ISB used in the Dodge Ram, the Isuzu Duramax used in Chevrolet and GMC models, and the International PowerStroke V8 offered in Ford trucks.
Four “heavy” heavy-duty diesel engines will also be evaluated: the Caterpillar C15, Cummins ISX, Volvo D13 and DDC Series 60, with additional engines to follow later in the year.
According to Mike Ross, a program manager in SWRI’s engine, emissions and vehicle research division, the group already has data on 10 previously benchmarked heavy-duty diesel engines.
Ross added that the data sets for these engines will include a 200-point steady-state performance, heat rejection and gaseous emissions map; 22 speed/load points with combustion and particulate data; European Stationary Cycle (ESC) and U.S. FTP transient testing; constant-speed step load transient response tests; engine teardown; and cylinder head flow-bench evaluations.
