Parts for Detroit Diesel 8V71 Turbo

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Detroit Diesel 8V71 Turbo – Engine Specifications & Applications

Introduction

The Detroit Diesel 8V71 Turbo is a powerhouse in the legendary Series 71 engine family. With its V8 configuration, turbocharged airflow, and rugged two-stroke architecture, this engine delivers exceptional reliability and responsiveness across a broad spectrum of marine, industrial, and off-highway uses. Whether operating in a tugboat, fire pump system, mining vehicle, or standby power unit, the 8V71 Turbo has earned its reputation as a field-serviceable, high-output diesel engine that keeps equipment running in the harshest conditions.

At Diesel Pro Power, we specialize in aftermarket support for the 8V71 Turbo, offering comprehensive parts coverage including rebuild kits, turbos, cylinder heads, water pumps, and more. Below, you'll find a complete breakdown of the engine’s technical specifications and its most common applications to help mechanics, fleet managers, and equipment owners make informed repair or repower decisions.

Engine Specifications for the Detroit Diesel 8V71 Turbo

Engine Configuration & Design

Engine Type: Two-stroke diesel
Configuration: 8 cylinders in a 90° V configuration (8V71)
Displacement: 568 cubic inches (9.3 liters)
Bore x Stroke: 4.25 in x 5.00 in (108 mm x 127 mm)
Aspiration: Turbocharged, with Roots blower (combined forced induction)
Fuel System: Mechanical unit injectors
Cycle: Two-stroke
Firing Order: 1R-5R-3R-7R-2L-6L-4L-8L
Compression Ratio: ~17:1

This combination of turbocharging and blower makes the 8V71T responsive under load and efficient at high RPMs, making it especially effective in throttle-heavy marine operations and intermittent-duty industrial tasks.

Power Ratings and Performance

Marine Horsepower Ratings:

375 HP @ 2,100 RPM (standard turbocharged rating)
400–450 HP in high-output configurations (commonly modified with larger injectors or intercoolers)

Industrial Horsepower Ratings:

350–400 HP depending on load profile and turbocharger configuration

Maximum Torque:

Approximately 1,000–1,150 lb-ft at 1,200–1,600 RPM

Governed Speed:

2,100–2,300 RPM depending on application

Boost Pressure:

14–18 psi average under load

These output numbers make the 8V71 Turbo ideal for medium-duty to heavy-duty tasks, with great throttle response and sustained torque output.

Physical Dimensions and Weight

Length: ~62 inches
Width: ~35 inches
Height: ~45 inches
Dry Weight: ~2,300–2,450 lbs (varies by turbo and accessory configuration)

Lubrication & Cooling

Oil Capacity: 7 to 9 gallons (26.5 to 34 liters)
Normal Oil Pressure: 40–60 psi at operating RPM
Cooling Type: Water-cooled block
Coolant Capacity (with heat exchanger): ~8–10 gallons depending on plumbing
Oil Type: SAE 40 or 15W-40 (depending on climate)

Applications of the Detroit Diesel 8V71 Turbo Engine

The 8V71 Turbo has served across a variety of platforms for over five decades. Its compact size, power density, and rugged construction make it an easy fit in spaces where lightweight high-torque engines are needed. Let’s explore its most popular aftermarket applications:

1. Marine Applications (Commercial & Recreational)

The 8V71 Turbo is extremely popular in marine environments, especially for:

Fishing boats (snapper, grouper, crab, shrimp)
Small tugboats and pushboats
Pilot boats
Charter yachts
Pleasure crafts and trawlers

Many of these vessels use twin 8V71 Turbo engines, offering a combined 750–900 HP. The turbo’s added boost gives captains the extra edge in tough sea conditions, while still being easy to maintain. The engine’s two-stroke sound and performance have earned it a cult following among boat owners.

Pairings with Twin Disc or Allison marine gears are common, and Diesel Pro Power offers full aftermarket support for these transmission systems as well.

2. Industrial Power Units

In oilfields, firefighting stations, and construction yards, the 8V71T has been a reliable source of horsepower for:

Industrial fire pumps
Water transfer pumps
Generator sets (gensets)
Drilling rigs
Stationary compressors

Because of its ability to generate high torque at low RPMs, the 8V71T is ideal for industrial uses that require constant power output for extended durations. These applications often run 24/7 in remote areas, making aftermarket parts support critical to uptime.

3. Military and Government Use

The U.S. military has relied on the 8V71 Turbo in:

M35 series 2½-ton cargo trucks (turbocharged repowers)
Armored personnel carriers and tank retrievers
Mobile power plants
Combat construction equipment

Many of these surplus engines are now being repurposed in civilian marine applications or off-road industrial machines, with increasing demand for rebuild kits and replacement turbos in the aftermarket.

4. Mining, Logging, and Off-Highway Vehicles

Its compact frame and high torque make the 8V71 Turbo a natural fit for:

Large skidders
Rock crushers
Drill crawlers
Earth movers
Cable-pull winches
Custom-built cranes

Detroit Diesel’s two-stroke engines are especially popular in mining and logging areas of Canada, Alaska, South America, and Southeast Asia due to their field-repairability and low part complexity.

5. Repowered and Custom Installations

The 8V71T is often used to repower:

Classic buses (e.g., GMC coaches)
Vintage trucks and tractors
Showpiece hot rods
Houseboats
Converted military surplus equipment

Diesel Pro Power helps support these repower projects by offering application-specific components such as exhaust elbows, engine mounts, gear-driven water pumps, and marine conversion parts.