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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.




Additional Resources




Marine Detroit Diesel 8V71 Component Maintenance Life

The Legacy of the Detroit Diesel Marine 8V71 Engine & Its Use Today

Aftermarket Parts For A Detroit Diesel 8V71 Engine


Detroit Diesel 6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71 Engine Tune Up

Introduction to the Practical Guide to Servicing Your Detroit Diesel V71 Series Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Overview of the Detroit Diesel V71 Series Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

General Service Guidelines for Detroit Diesel V71 Series Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Cylinder Block for Detroit Diesel V71 Series Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Refurbishing Cylinder Blocks for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71): A Guide for Machine Shops

Cylinder Head for Detroit Diesel V71 Series Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Common Maintenance and Repair Needs for Detroit Diesel V71 Cylinder Heads (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)


Best Practices for Cylinder Head Maintenance for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Fuel and Air Systems for Detroit Diesel 6V71, 8V71, 12V71, and 16V71 Engines

Injectors Maintenance for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Governor Maintenance for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Blowers Maintenance for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Air Filters Maintenance for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Fuel Leaks Troubleshooting for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Air Intake Restrictions for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Injector Malfunction Troubleshooting for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Lubrication and Cooling Systems for Detroit Diesel 6V71, 8V71, 12V71, and 16V71 Engines

Electrical and Exhaust Systems for Detroit Diesel 6V71, 8V71, 12V71, and 16V71 Engines

Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance for Detroit Diesel 6V71, 8V71, 12V71, and 16V71 Engines

Specifications and Torque Tables for Detroit Diesel 6V71, 8V71, 12V71, and 16V71 Engines

Safety Considerations for Detroit Diesel 6V71, 8V71, 12V71, and 16V71 Engines

Introduction to Part 2: Service Manual Insights For Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Lubrication System: Comprehensive Guide For Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Oil Pumps for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Oil Pressure Regulation For Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Oil Filters for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Importance of Lubrication System Maintenance for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Cooling System: Comprehensive Guide For Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Types of Cooling Systems for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Key Components of the Cooling System for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Raw Water Pump Specifics for Detroit Diesel V71 Marine Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Importance of Cooling System Maintenance for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Crankcase Ventilation System: Comprehensive Guide For Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Detailed Torque and Specifications For Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Service Tools: Essential Equipment for Maintenance For Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Step-by-Step Maintenance Procedures For Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Oil Pump Removal and Reassembly for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Cleaning and Replacing Oil Filters and Coolers For Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Draining and Refilling the Cooling System For Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Troubleshooting Guide For Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Complete Parts Catalog for Detroit Diesel V71 Engines (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

Comprehensive FAQ for Detroit Diesel V-71 Series Manual (6V71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71)

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