More horsepower from Cat C7?

[1coyote]

Is anyone aware of how to enhance the output of a Cat C7?



Coyote

 

[massdiesel]

What year is the c7 and what is it in???????

 

[1coyote]

It's in an 07' RV with 350hp, It does not require ULSD.

 

[AKaiser]

What transmission is behind it? Those are programmable, but I don't know if a Cat dealer will change the program for you or not.

 

[1coyote]

It has a six speed allison.

 

[JFaulkner]

I'm pretty sure 350hp is all Cat is going to give you. Edge, DrPerformance, and TSPerformance all make fueling boxes for the C7. But I think 90hp is probably the highest from any of them.

 

[1coyote]

Are these safe options for this engine?

 

[dan.poitras]

Go to a Cat dealer and they can download a different torque rating if one falls within your A/R number. RV's are usually on the high side of horsepower anyway, same as fire trucks since they don't see long periods of torque usage.

 

[JFaulkner]

Are these safe options for this engine?

I don't think the power from the engine is the problem. I've driven an F650 with a 3126 Cat (early version of the C7) with the DrPerformance box with an Allison and while it is an extra 80hp it's not a huge difference. It did improve it some but I think the auto trans is the biggest power eater. Had it been a manual transmission I think the improvement would have been greater. I'd say any of the boxes would be safe as long as you keep an eye on the exhaust temps.



As Dan. Poitras said I'd probably take it to Cat first and have the ECM checked to see what it's programmed to now. I know on the larger engines you can have different HP/Tq settings and different torque rise percentages. Some of these are limited to what Allison will allow and since yours is probably still under warranty they won't go above the trans torque limit. (until the warranty is up then it's up to you) But I had a C15 that was turned to 550hp but the torque rise was set wrong and it was a gutless wonder, a few mouse clicks and it ran great.



John

 

[1coyote]

Thank you!

 

[MMeier]

Easy source to get software for these gutless kittykats ?

 

[Powder Extreme]

One thing to keep in mind is overheating, seems most RVs have barely adequate cooling as it is, then if it's a rear radiator it's even worse cuz the dang thing is always full of road grime. I was going to turn up my 3126 but decided against it since I had it derate on a few summer pulls as it was due to temp. What good is more power if you can't use it?

 

[SnoKing]

Just about all RV with the 350 Cat have the rear rad and the rear rad issue! That cat has a fair amount of blow by that ends up on the rad and then along comes the dust and a road grim.

Simple Green, sprayer, leaf blower, and hose are the DIY tools! Well maybe a bunny suit also, as it is not a fun job. And a hazwoper card.

Bombing a RV engine??? Risky at best. Want are you towing with it? You might just have the wrong tool to start with.

SNOKING

 

[Cummins12V98]

The rear radiator can be a killer!

FYI for anyone in the Motorhome market stick to one with a side radiator. They usually are the more expensive models.

 

[mwilson]

Easy source to get software for these gutless kittykats ?

A truck C7 will barely hold together at stock power levels. I don't think I would dare to twist its tail. They are not the engine that the 3126 was.

Mike.

 

[mweiman]

A truck C7 will barely hold together at stock power levels. I don't think I would dare to twist its tail. They are not the engine that the 3126 was.

Mike.

Agreed, they can be bad about breaking the top piston rings. Not sure if the issue was related or the real cause but check your crankshaft damper as well. They were bad about slipping on the rubber ring and getting way out of balance.
Matt

 

[p-Bar]

I know this is an old thread and I am bringing it back to life. I am looking at a blue diamond f750 with cat c7 and Allison trans. At today's standards it a bit under powered, since cooling is

 

[p-Bar]

Seems like it got cut off. What about turning this one up?