Updated Volvo DPH drive

[Latestarter1]

Just updating my engine database with new rating of the D6 engine, the D6 400.

Not being an outdrive intrested person I kinda did auto delete on the drive which goes with this rating DPH C.... 'New improved DPH drive has a upper unit with a new bearing box with a new roller bearing, a reinforced suspension fork and redesigned gear geometry. The lower unit features gear with new geometry which are made from super-high tensile steel. Lubrication has been redesigned to insure that the drive can handle the tremendous forces with higher reliability compared to the ordinary DPH drives used on D6-350/370'.

Question for Green engine guys. Is this across the board replacement for DPH B???

Another question regarding the new D6 which Volvo guys may be able to help with. The new D6 400 appears on the face of it to be a de-rated 435, or is it? Real late in the day to introduce a new rating with the start of EPA Tier III so close, so is this a Tier II or Tier III motor? The big players already have new Tier III motors ready and waiting for Jan 2012 launch.

Cannot find EPA docket for D6-400 yet or any VP data sheets for that matter, timing is just a little odd.

 

[volvopaul]

Id say its just a slightly improved drive over the old one and yes im sure it will be used over the d4 and d6 range.

As for 400hp will it actually be that like the old kad 300 days which was actually 285hp, it will also be badged as the worlds first 400hp sterndrive im sure.

 

[[2068]]

Technical data:
Configuration:*In-line six-cylinder diesel with electronically controlled common rail*injection, turbo, mechanical compressor and charge air cooler.
Displacement:*5.5 liters.
Crankshaft power:*400 hp/294 kW
Drive:*DPH Duoprop

 

[grumpy_o_g]

Id say its just a slightly improved drive over the old one and yes im sure it will be used over the d4 and d6 range.

As for 400hp will it actually be that like the old kad 300 days which was actually 285hp, it will also be badged as the worlds first 400hp sterndrive im sure.

I thought Cummins had a 480HP stern drive? Or doesn't that count in Volvo-land as it's not 400 HP?

 

[Latestarter1]

Have been doing some more digging.

New D6-400 appears to be far more than just a de-rated 435. VP now quote 'honest' power outputs, with 25 Degree C fuel ratings so it will no 40 Degree C slouch.

Engine hardware from the little technical stuff out there appears to have very significant revisions. New compound supercharger/turbocharger set up, totally new cylinder head with higher pressure (1800 bar ) injectors and latest Bosch CP 3.3 fuel pump. I suspect that this is the hardware set which will carry over to other D6 ratings at Tier III.

However the plot thickens, at least two builders will be exhibiting at Southampton with this set up, and engine is stated to be Tier II which makes no sense as the Worlds largest marine market will be switching to EPA Tier III in stages commencing next year.

Being a suspicious person this is what I suspect VP is doing......... The D6-400 is future Tier 3 hardware for all ratings, however has 'dirty' Tier II calibration banged into it. Why? because the Nox reduction at the lower emissions level means that fuel consumption will take a hit. Therefore VP can sell the same hardware into both US and EU markets just with a different software calibration, until EU catches up, which all makes total sense to me. Just makes total nonsense of all the VP envioronmental BS. 99.99% of people care squat all about emissions, it is just the price of admission to the market. Now looks like VP have adopted a pragmatic approach to their Green Commitment.

I suspect that in the near future the current D6-330 will go and lowest rating will be around 370/380, watch this space!

Interesting that in the commercial vehicle world technical jounalists troll through press releases looking for evidence that the latest and greatest may have a potential sting in the tail. In leisure marine market it appears to be simply cut and paste from the press release. Trucks are around 60/70K each with fuel useage a huge consideration, technical intelligence is critical. New boats are a very large investment with fuel consumption a big consideration, however fear of upsetting advertisers seems to have dumbing down effect in this sector of the press.

IF the new DPH C drive is the total fix for all the apparent DPH issues and it goes right up on the existing transom shield, how about a journal leading a campaign to take VP on and start a drive change out program. Now that would gain readership loyalty!

 

[MapisM]

I thought Cummins had a 480HP stern drive? Or doesn't that count in Volvo-land as it's not 400 HP?

LOL, I suppose that also the Mercury M8 sterndrive (which is rated for 1350hp) doesn't count!

 

[Latestarter1]

LOL, I suppose that also the Mercury M8 sterndrive (which is rated for 1350hp) doesn't count!

Suppose not, as they only take pansy gasoline torque. Americans getting real hyped up over diesel motors these days, with comments like 'gas is for girls' from one sports boat builder.

Still hate concept of outdrives.......however NXT drives do look beefy, need to be to take this level of torque. http://hustlerpowerboats.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/hustler-runs-first-version-of-39-diesel-rockit/

 

[MapisM]

Still hate concept of outdrives.......however NXT drives do look beefy, need to be to take this level of torque.

Oh yes, it is. Rated for 800 ft-lb torque.
The M8 I mentioned before is rated for 1300, though!
Their 1350 twin turbo engine is not too shabby also on torque, after all!
Btw, interesting to see Hustler emphasizing a 90 mph result. Not that it's a bad result for a diesel boat, but over the pond there are stock boats of similar size capable of 120+...
I think it'll take more than a "gas is for gilrs" statement to convince the real speed freaks that diesels are good enough!

As an aside, I also don't like the concept of outdrives, and very much prefer surface transmissions in principle, but truth be told, for extremely fast boats they're just the ticket.